Title
Approve and Authorize the Monterey County Library Director to enter into an Agreement with Califa Group on behalf of the County of Monterey to continue to connect Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) to the California State Library’s broadband membership connection to the CENIC (Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California) CalREN network at no cost and allow the Library Director the future option of allowing Califa Group to apply for federal eRate discounts on branch library data circuits through CENIC on behalf of MCFL.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve and Authorize the Monterey County Library Director to enter into an Agreement with Califa Group on behalf of the County of Monterey to continue to connect Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) to the California State Library’s broadband membership connection to the CENIC (Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California) CALREN network at no cost and allow the Library Director the future option of allowing Califa Group to apply for federal eRate discounts on branch library data circuits through CENIC on behalf of MCFL.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 2015 the County Board of Supervisors approved and authorized the Monterey County Library Director to enter into a five-year Agreement with CENIC to connect Monterey County Free Libraries to CENIC’s high speed CALREN network for the one-time cost of $1,000. The CENIC membership service is free to California Public Libraries through the California State Library’s CENIC membership. This new Agreement is now managed by the California State Library’s fiscal agent for the CENIC Broadband program, the Califa Group. MCFL’s new Agreement with the Califa Group, allows MCFL to continue to connect all library branches and MCFL staff to the internet through CENIC/CALREN at no cost to the County of Monterey.
The CENIC Broadband program also allows public libraries the option of having the Califa Group through CENIC go out to bid and apply for federal e-Rate discounts on individual branch library data circuits that connect individual branches back to CENIC. Historically, many California public libraries did not apply for federal eRate discounts due to the complex application process. Having the Califa Group manage this process through CENIC helped public libraries procure eRate discounted services and save money. MCFL, however, has been successfully applying for federal eRate discounts on all eligible services for more than 25 years and at this time chooses to continue to apply independently. However, if the Library Director sees future cost saving opportunities by having the Califa Group manage the eRate and billing for library branch data circuits, this Agreement will allow for that option.
MCFL’s CENIC connection and MCFL’s computer network are co-located at the County of Monterey Information Technology Department at 1500 Moffett Street, Salinas CA. Through this Agreement, the County Information Technology Department provides back up to MCFL’s CENIC/CalREN connection to the internet and CENIC serves as a backup to the County’s internet connection should it fail. MCFL has consulted with Monterey County ITD and both parties agree that this agreement benefits MCFL and the County of Monterey.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The proposed Agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form and legality, by the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to fiscal terms, by Risk Management regarding insurance and indemnification provisions and by the Information Technology Department regarding nonstandard computer/technology projects.
FINANCING:
There is no cost associated with this Agreement. It is determined that there are no additional expenses related to Information and Technology support or other related equipment.
Prepared by: Jacqueline C. Bleisch, Administrative Services Officer, (831) 883-7569
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831) 883-7566
Attachments:
Agreement Between Califa and Monterey County Free Libraries