Visitors to libraries across the country are being greeted with signs declaring, “Library Closed,” in an attempt to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. But increasingly, those words are followed by the ones seen outside Schlow Centre Region Library in State College, Pennsylvania: “Park for Free Wi-Fi.”… Read More
ILSR’s fact sheet is a reliable quick reference guide for policymakers and citizens. As discussion about the telecommunications landscape expands, language about broadband abounds. In order to make informed decisions without stumbling over terminology, ILSR has assembled some basic facts about broadband. This fact sheet is a great reference for anyone who may take up the … Read More
As part of the FCC’s Gigabit Cities Challenge, the agency plans to host a series of workshops over the next several months. The workshops will focus on tools communities can use to expand connectivity, changing telecommunications policy, and will present experts from the field. Christopher Mitchell participated in the first workshop on March 26th in Washington, … Read More
This new resource shares real world examples of public savings directly connected to municipal networks. Publicly owned broadband networks provide opportunities for local savings to taxpayers. Local and regional governments find new and unexpected ways to cut costs when they build their own next-generation networks. In addition to saving connectivity fees for administrative facilities, local broadband … Read More
Folly of running government as a business by David Morris Originally published in Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 3, 2004 Conservatives believe government should be run like a private business. They’re wrong. Now Minnesota is paying a stiff price for their mistake. By law, a private corporation must strive to maximize the economic return to a handful … Read More
Far from becoming obsolete, public libraries still operate at the heart of their communities. In addition, they’ve taken on new roles such as"Guide to the Internet," and "Champion of Equal Access." Now they’re struggling, on behalf of their patrons, to prevent private companies from passing legislation that restricts the right to read free of charge. By Harriet Barlow, Karen Hering and Stacy Mitchell… Read More
Feature Stories:
The Canadian Cure — Bonding With the Next Generation — Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Public Information — State Inspections Revive Local Markets… Read More
