I recently had reason to explore what percentage of libraries participate in the E-Rate. I found a stat from the ALA that "[a]bout 73% of all public libraries ... receive E-Rate discounts." I followed their link to see where that number came from: Funds for Learning. They're looking at how many library locations are included on E-Rate applications. I'm more interested in what percent of library organizations (library systems or single-site libraries) get funded, towit:
Using the Open Data tool, I found 2,629 unique BENs as applicants on a 471, and 2,343 unique BENs in consortia applications, for a total of 4,972 libraries as applicants. I found an ALA report that has 9,252 central locations (either single-site libraries or the main branch of a library system). So that means about 54% of library organizations apply for E-Rate. I discovered a few branch library locations (instead of the library system) that were consortia members, so 54% is too high. Still, it's over 50%; let's say 52%.
Last time I looked, it was close to 40%, so things are looking up for libraries. Still a long way to go to reach the 96% participation of school districts. Still, lots better than private schools, which FFL has lagging at 32%.
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