ALA 2010 Annual Conference Program and Exhibit Directory

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will describe their projects, the impact, and ways
to replicate these innovative activities. Panel
moderators: Patty Wong and Mary Jo Venetis, Alire
Initiative representatives.
Broadband Adoption and the Role
of the Public Library: Issues and
Solutions
ALA - OITP
Washington Convention Center -147A
Digital Information & Technologies
The past year has seen dramatic shifts in federal
broadband policy with a national focus on
promoting ubiquitous access to broadband. The
Federal Communications Commission released the
National Broadband Plan - a roadmap for creating
such access. A number of recommendations in the
Plan focus on barriers to adoption. This session
discusses issues that non-adopters face and the
challenges for libraries that arise as community
intermediaries for non-adopters. Discussion includes
FCC research and findings and the New Mexico
State Library’s recent stimulus awarded project
and how it will promote broadband adoption among
vulnerable populations.