COSLA + ALA State eRate Coordinator 2026 Forum
September 9-11, 2026 | Columbus, OH

Thanks to an IMLS grant from the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, there will be no cost for registration and a travel stipend to cover one state agency staff member per state or territory. 

Register Here

eRate Forum Objectives

Building on the success of the COSLA + ALA State eRate Coordinator 2024 Forum, State Library E-Rate Coordinators will convene in Columbus, Ohio in September 2026 to further our learning and networking.

  • Cat 1, Cat 2, BEAR, SPI, SPIN, CIPA, PIA, USAC, SECA? Overwhelming to new staff
  • SAM.gov, Bidding Portal, FCC rule changes and calls for comment, ongoing legal challenges? Hard for even the most seasoned veteran to keep up

And yet, our libraries are depending on us for guidance and help with all these eRate topics and more! Or we are depending on consultants to handle this without enough understanding of the program to know how effectively they are helping our libraries.

We will explore the topics you have identified as most important to you, and we will will take time to share ideas and best practices with our colleagues from other states. Join us in Columbus for the most impactful eRate training you will attend in 2026!

 This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant number RE-256630-OLS-24. 

                 Venue and Hotel Information

The Ohioan
100 Green Meadows Drive South
Lewis Center, OH 430358 

View the DRAFT Agenda
[Details coming soon]

Event Duration:
Tuesday, Sept. 8 - travel to Columbus, Ohio
Wednesday, Sept. 9 - convening from 9am to 5pm ET
Thursday, Sept. 10 - convening from 9am to 5pm ET
Friday, Sept. 11 - convening from 9am to noon ET and return travel

Agenda Items May Include:
Working with Open Data
Uncommon Processes (RALs, Form 500)
USAC & FCC Appeals
Rules vs Procedures
Best Practices
E-Rate Technologies in the Field (local site visits)

 Additional Information

Should you need assistance with your login information or have other questions pertaining to the eRate Forum, please email Seneca Brown at [email protected]. 

Reimbursement FAQ