April 21, 2000
Dear Commissioners:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Public Library, I am pleased to inform you that we have voted to endorse the six policy recommendations developed by the Regents Commission on Library Service.
The Board supports the recommendations and would like to ask the Commission to consider the following additions and modifications that are important to the community we serve.
We fully support NOVEL, Recommendation 1. At an increasing rate, Brooklyn Public Library must make difficult decisions regarding the acquisition of print vs. e-resources. NOVEL will give us greater opportunities to acquire the electronic databases we might not otherwise be able to afford, and it will provide funding for digitizing our unique collections. However, we encourage the Regents to work closely with state officials to make sure that the State adopts an aggressive telecommunications policy that ensures that access remains affordable and available to libraries regardless of geographic location.
The Trustees, although supportive of Recommendation 2, have concerns about the impact of creating opportunities for additional certified school library media specialists in New York City. Starting salaries for librarians at the New York City Board of Education are significantly higher than starting salaries for librarians in New York City's public libraries. If state funding in support of additional positions at the Board of Education is being considered, we are concerned how this will impact our own librarian recruitment and retention efforts.
We are in support of Recommendation 6: the "urban libraries initiative" and would like to compliment the Commission on its understanding of the unique challenges facing urban libraries. Perhaps, this recommendation could include a State compensation incentive that would encourage library school graduates (from New York-based, American Library Association accredited library schools) to work in urban library centers, thereby mitigating some of our concerns related to Recommendation 2.
As the Commission's own research has shown, these members of our public have voiced a strong need for additional services provided over increased hours. These services are more costly than others are, and the need is great.
On behalf of the Trustees, I applaud the work of the Commission and encourage you to consider our concerns as you finalize your work for the Regents.
Sincerely,
S/ Albert C. Wiltshire, President
December 14, 2000
Dear Governor Pataki:
The Board of Trustees of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System at its meeting of December 13, 2000 unanimously endorsed the recommendations of the Regents Commission on Libraries and strongly urges you to include funding for these initiatives in your forthcoming state budget.
Libraries have been too long neglected in New York State. Although there was a one-time 3.38% increase in state library aid this year, there has been no new state aid for public libraries or public library systems since the passage of Chapter 917 of the laws of 1990 (and that increase was not fully funded until 1998).
The 36 public libraries in these two rural, poor counties have a backlog of needs: many pay their staffi at minimum wage levels or barely above; few provide health insurance or retirement plans for these hardworking, dedicated public servants; most cannot afford to buy the quantity and variety of books and journals their patrons need to say nothing of providing access to online databases so vitally required by New York citizens in this Information Age. If New York is to compete with the global economy it must have a well-funded information infrastructure.
There is also a tremendous need for public library construction money. In our System alone, we have one member library with no source of water except a cache basin which the volunteer fire department fills with pond water on a regular basis. The problem is that the dirt and silt from the water cause the pump to burn out every year or so, placing a heavy financial burden on an already too poor library. How can the Empire State admit that this occurs here in the 21st Century? You may be interested in knowing that this same library has one of the busiest, most popular programs in our System for helping school children with their homework in an effort to meet the new state educational standards.
Nor is this library alone in having long-neglected serious building problems: in our area there are many, many libraries which are literally falling apart, with inoperable toilets, leaking roofs, drafty windows, busted boilers, no decent handicapped access to the building and/or inside it, lighting levels that make it impossible to read, faulty and unsafe wiring, and insufficient space for normal collection growth, or enough tables chairs, study carrels, or computer workstations.
We urge you to include the funding needed to support the Regents Commission recommendations in your new budget.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
/s/ Richard Redington, President
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE REPORT OF THE REGENTS COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND THE 2002 BUDGET AND LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES FOR LIBRARIES
WHEREAS, local citizens want their libraries to provide more books, more programs, more resources, more computers, and more, faster access to information, and
WHEREAS, the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries makes multiple recommendations to provide the library service needed by New York citizens, and
WHEREAS, the Regents 2002 Budget and Legislative initiatives provide recommendations to improve library services for all New Yorkers, and
WHEREAS, these recommendations support funding for strengthening electronic information services for citizens through NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library), and
WHEREAS, these initiatives increase state support for local libraries, and establish a state aid formula that recognizes differences in the local ability to pay for library service, and
WHEREAS, the proposed increase in construction aid is desperately needed by libraries in order to update old buildings, require facilities, and provide access to persons with disabilities.
AND WHEREAS the Board of Trustees of the Horseheads Free Library approves of the voluntary rather than the mandated creation of library districts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Horseheads Free Library Board of Trustees hereby expresses its acceptance of the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries and support for the $95 million Regents 2002 Budget and Legislative Initiatives for Libraries, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of this Board be directed to send copies of this resolution to Governor George Pataki, Senator John R. Kuhl, Assemblyperson George Winner and Janet Welch State Librarian, New York State Library.
/s/ Claudia W. Radin, President, Board of Trustees
July 11, 2000
To the Regents Commission on Library Services:
The Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Library Boards supports the principles outlined in the Commission's draft report. We are eager to work with all interested parties to do whatever needs to be done to see that these principles are embodied in legislation and become reality.
We recognize that the report as it now stands covers a wide range of library issues and that not every change that would be helpful in improving library service in the state could be included in it. We do want to note, however, our disappointment that the report sets forth new policy goals without addressing in any meaningful way the engagement and participation of library trustees. Yet trustees are the very people responsible for setting library policy in communities throughout the state.
Yours sincerely,
/s/ Davis Crippen, President, New York State Association of Library Boards
June 22, 2000
Dear Commissioners,
The New York Library Association Executive Board met on May 17, 2000 and approved on the following motion:
NYLA commends the Regents for convening its Commission on Libraries and thanks the Commission members for their contribution. NIYLA endorses the principles outlined in the Commission's draft report and looks forward to partnering in the process of preparing legislative proposals in their support.
I am pleased to inform you that this motion was presented to the full NYLA Council on May 18, 2000 and the resolution passed unanimously: all in favor, none opposed, no abstentions.
NYLA looks forward to partnering in the process of preparing legislative proposals. Work is already underway to draft legislation for Books Bricks and Bytes and I know that this will expedite our work on legislation for New York libraries and meeting their needs in the 21st century.
I, personally look forward to working with the many constituent groups on advancing library legislation. As you know, these groups are already represented on the NYLA Legislative Committee chaired by Mary Berman. Together, we will work to provide needed funding so that New Yorkers get the library services they deserve.
Thank you again for the many hours the Commission spent to advance better library service for all New Yorkers.
Sincerely,
/s/Anne Hofmann, NYLA President
July 11, 2000
Dear Chancellor Hayden:
NYSSBA recognizes the pivotal role public libraries play in education. Libraries are much more than repositories for books, periodicals and reference materials; they also serve as sanctuaries for inquiring young minds. They extend the learning environment for school children, augment curriculum needs and provide critical access to information. Our members strongly support the Board of Regents initiative to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to high quality libraries that embrace the technologies of the 21st century.
We agree that strengthening the partnerships between public schools and public libraries would greatly benefit library patrons of all ages. We look forward to the day when a virtual library that links public, school, academic and other libraries becomes a reality.
Using libraries to help students meet higher standards is an essential task if we are to expand opportunity for all students. Recommendation number 2 related to staffing, resources and technology in school libraries should go a long way toward meeting this goal.
On behalf of the membership of NYSSBA, I pledge our support to work with the New York State Education Department to further develop these recommendations to improve library services across New York.
Sincerely,
/s/ Edward L. McCormick, President
The Directors of the 3R's Councils commend the Commission for the good work accomplished during the past two years on behalf of the libraries in New York State. The organization of the Directors of the 3R's Councils endorses the work to date and will gladly work with the Regents to develop changes in legislation to implement the recommendations. Further, we look forward to participating in the decision making process that will help to make these recommendations become policy and law.
Adopted at a Regular Meeting of the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library Board of Trustees, November 27, 2000
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE REPORT OF THE REGENTS COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND THE 2002 BUDGET AND LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES FOR LIBRARIES
WHEREAS, local citizens want their libraries to provide more books, more programs, more resources, more computers, and more, faster access to information, and
WHEREAS, the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries makes multiple recommendations to provide the library service needed by New York citizens, and
WHEREAS, the Regents 2002 Budget and Legislative initiatives provide recommendations to improve library services for all New Yorkers, and
WHEREAS, these recommendations support funding for strengthening electronic information services for citizens through NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library and
WHEREAS, these initiatives increase state support for local libraries, and establish a state aid formula that recognizes differences in the local ability to pay for library service, and
WHEREAS, the proposed increase in construction aid is desperately needed by libraries in order to update old buildings, replace facilities, and provide access to persons with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library Board of Trustees hereby expresses its acceptance of the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries and support for the $95 million Regents 2002 Budget and Legislative Initiatives for Libraries, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Director of this Library be directed to send copies of this resolution
to Governor George Pataki, Senator John R. Kuhl, Assemblyman James Bacalles, Janet Welch, State Librarian, New
York State Library, and Ristiina Wigg, Director, Southern Tier Library System.
/s/ Virginia Shippy, President, Board of Trustees
July 6, 2000
Dear Ms. Milstein and Mr. Macchiarola,
Let me begin by complimenting you and the Commission for the outstanding work put into this entire project. Considering the complicated issues tackled, and the diverse concerns throughout the State, it has been encouraging to find that your preliminary report significantly addresses many of the concerns facing libraries in New York State.
I was recently invited to share with several other librarians, commission members and others who reviewed the preliminary recommendations. It was a day well spent, and at the conclusion, it was suggested that any sections or roundtables of NYLA, who wished to, could forward their support for the recommendations to the Commission, who would in turn, pass the endorsements on to the Regents.
As President of the Public Library Directors Association of New York State (PLDA), I would like to formally pass on our support of the Commission's Preliminary Recommendations, especially the first.
I'm sure that there will be fine-tuning of the recommendations before the final document is presented, and am encouraged by the Commission's willingness to gather input from all parties concerned.
Yours truly,
/s/ Robert L. Jaquay, President, PLDA
11 July 2000
Dear Members of the Board of Regents,
I am writing on behalf of the Directors of the 23 Public Library Systems in New York. We deliver services to, and coordinate the work of, the 750 public libraries in the State.
We have followed the work of the Regents Commission with great interest, and have especially been pleased with the extensive opportunities for input from libraries and library system directors. We have appreciated the opportunities for testimony at hearings, the use of focus groups, and the opportunities to meet informally with colleagues and members of the Commission.
PULISDO has had the opportunity to review the preliminary recommendations extensively and would like to express our support for them and our wish and expectation that the final report will hew closely to the drafts. The topics discussed by the Commission are vital to the future of library service in New York State.
We especially commend your attention to the needs of local public libraries, as expressed in your recommendations for creation of electronic services via NOVEL, for funding of library construction, creation of library districts to improve funding, and your recommendations for education of library personnel at all levels.
We are very aware that the next phase of our joint work is implementation of the findings of the Regents Commission. We look forward to working with you and with the Commission members to make the Report a reality in the communities of New York State.
On behalf of PULISDO, I remain,
Very truly yours,
/s/ Mary A. Brown, President
The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries supports the direction and intent of the goals of the Commission on Library Services as outlined in the summary of the Commission's draft report released earlier this year.
The Council also expresses its appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Commission and its staff.
Regents Advisory Council on Libraries,
December 4, 2000
Dear Governor Pataki:
I serve on an ad hoc committee of the board of the Southern Adirondack Library System regarding the recent recommendations of the Board of Regents.
The Southern Adirondack Library System, the state-funded organization serving 34 public libraries in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington' counties, enthusias-tically supports the Regents Commission an Library Services' funding recommendations for improving public library services.
When the recommendations are refined into bill language, we hope, too, that some attention will be given to recommendation number four regarding the development of a need-based formula to reduce disparities in public library funding. Models we have seen use per capita funding from local public funds. Such models often ignore the needs of libraries chartered to serve small communities where per capita funding is often high in spite of the very small amount of money actually raised in total to support the library. A more appropriate gauge might be that used for state aid in the library's local school district or some other measure which would more fairly address poverty levels in communities of varying sizes and incomes.
The board of trustees of the Southern Adirondack Library System hopes that there will be speedy action in implementing the recommendations.
Sincerely,
Herb Alfasso
Regular Meeting of the System Board of Trustees, November 21, 2000
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE REPORT OF THE REGENTS COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND THE 2002 BUDGET AND LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES FOR LIBRARIES
WHEREAS, local citizens want their libraries to provide more books, more programs, more resources, more computers, and more, faster access to information, and
WHEREAS, the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries makes multiple recommendations to provide the library service needed by New York citizens, and
WHEREAS, the State Education Department 2002 Budget and Legislative initiatives provide recommendations to improve library services for all New Yorkers, and
WHEREAS, these recommendations support funding for strengthening electronic information services for citizens through NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library), and
WHEREAS, these initiatives increase state support for local libraries, and establish a state aid formula that recognizes differences in the local ability to pay for library service, and
WHEREAS, the proposed increase in construction aid is desperately needed by libraries in order to update old buildings, rewire facilities, and provide access to persons with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Southern Tier Library System Board of Trustees hereby expresses its acceptance of the Report of the Regents Commission on Library and support for the $95 million State Education Department 2002 Budget and Legislative Initiatives for Libraries, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Director of this System be directed to send copies of this resolution to Governor George Pataki, Senators John R. Kuhl, and Patricia McGee, Assemblypersons James Bacalles, Daniel Burling, Brian Kolb, George Winner, Catharine Young, and Janet Welch, State Librarian, New York State Library.
/s/ Tom Daulton, President, Board of Trustees, Southern Tier Library System
/s/ Judith Fullerton, President, Board of Trustees, Prattsburgh Library
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE REPORT OF THE REGENTS COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND THE BUDGETAND LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES FOR LIBRARIES
WHEREAS, local citizens want their libraries to provide more books, more programs, more resources, more computers, and faster access to information, and
WHEREAS, the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries makes multiple recommendations to provide the library service needed by New York citizens, and
WHEREAS, the Regents Budget and Legislative initiatives provide recommendations to improve library services for all New Yorkers, and
WHEREAS, these recommendations support funding for strengthening electronic information services for citizens through NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library), and
WHEREAS, these initiatives increase state support for local libraries, and establish a state aid formula that recognizes differences in the local ability to pay for library service, and
WHEREAS, the proposed increase in construction aid is desperately needed by libraries in order to update old buildings, require facilities, and provide access to persons with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Steele Memorial Library Board of Trustees hereby expresses its acceptance of the Report of the Regents Commission on Libraries and support for the $95 million Regents Budget and Legislative Initiatives for Libraries, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the director of this public library be directed to send copies of this resolution to Governor George Pataki, Senator John R. Kuhl and Assemblyman George Winner, and Janet Welch, State Librarian, New York State Library.
/s/ Andrew Rothstein
Andrew Rothstein, President, Board of Trustees, Steele Memorial Library, November 27, 2000
December 22, 2000 -- asm