[Michlib-l] Take the Library Broadband Speed Test by August 8

[White, Shannon (MDE)]

The deadline for public libraries to gauge the quality of public access to the internet has been extended until August 8. The speed test study is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and is supported by the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council.

The new study will complement findings from the 2013-2014 Digital Inclusion Survey<http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/content/survey-analysis-results> released last week, providing a snapshot of the broadband speed a library patron experiences at the device level (pdf<http://www.districtdispatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/library_broadband_infographic.pdf>). Taken together, the data will help inform the Federal Communications Commission's current E-rate proceeding, including questions about future funding needs.

This new data collection effort seeks responses from a sample of about 1,000 libraries, while allowing any library to capture the broadband speed data for their advocacy use. No software needs to be downloaded, and libraries will be asked to run the speed test at least twice during open hours.

Logon at digitalinclusion.pnmi.com/speedtest<http://digitalinclusion.pnmi.com/speedtest/> before August 8 to capture data. Results from the speed test study will be published in September 2014.



Shannon

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Shannon D. White
Continuing Education Coordinator
Library of Michigan
702 West Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909-7507
Ph: 517-373-9489; Fax: 517-373-5700
Toll free:  877-479-0021
whites29 at michigan.gov<mailto:whites29 at michigan.gov>
http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan

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