The New York
Library Initiative
Libraries fueling
literacy, learning, innovation and growth
Libraries and Systems:
Partnerships that
Build Capacity
The
New York Library Initiative would continue funds to academic, public, school,
and special libraries to share catalogs, collections, cost effective technical
services, and other cooperative ventures.
It will provide new funds to strengthen training and support programs
for governing boards and trustees to keep them accountable. It would also
provide new funds to ensure that libraries and library systems funding keeps
pace with the cost of living.
Continued funding
would enable libraries and library systems to:
- Create shared catalogs that give New Yorkers in every
community access to the resources of libraries across the state.
- Establish cooperative
collections
connecting all the state’s libraries so even the smallest libraries in
high need communities have access to top quality resources.
- Ensure access to online
resources for
local libraries, including the Statewide Internet Library, so
all communities have equal access to state-of-the-art information
resources.
New funding would:
- Provide training for trustees and governing
boards.
- Help libraries and library
systems develop cooperative programs, services, and purchasing that leverage local
dollars and help even the smallest and most remote or high need
communities enjoy the benefits of economies of scale.
Background
- New York’s library systems provide cost
effective materials and services to member libraries and ensure that all
New Yorkers have access to quality library services, regardless of physical,
economic, or geographic barriers.
- New York’s library systems are cost
effective, providing $13 in services to local public libraries for every
$1 of state funds they receive.
- Permanent State funding for systems has not
increased since 1998. Much needed,
one-time appropriations of $3 million in 2006-2007 and $8 million in
2007-2008 only begin to meet the ongoing rising costs of providing
services and resources to member libraries.
Requested Resources $3,750,000 ($11,750,000)*
*Continue $8 million library system aid from 2007-2008,
plus $3 million cost of living increases to library programs, and $750,000 for
training for trustees and governing boards.
For Information contact:
Janet M. Welch, New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for
Libraries
Phone: (518) 474-5930 Fax: (518) 486-6880 Email jwelch2@mail.nysed.gov Web site: www.nysl.nysed.gov/fundingproposals/
The
New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education and a
program of the State Education Department
11/07