Public Forum on Libraries: The People of New York Speak on Our Libraries. Public Report of the Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education Sub-Committee on Libraries.

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529

Adult Literacy; Archives; Futures (of Society); Hearings; Library Networks; Library Planning; Library Role; Library Services; Outreach Programs; Public Libraries; State Legislation; State Libraries; State Programs

The purpose of this report is to present a public forum expressing the views of the people of New York and their thoughts on the role and needs of New York's Libraries. Exhibit One provides a brief overview of New York's libraries and the New York State Archives, and the roles which these systems play as part of the state's library systems. Transcripts of five public hearings throughout the state, in which both librarians and the general public were invited to give their views on the state's libraries, make up Exhibit Two. Exhibit Three presents a review of the activities of the Governor's Commission on Libraries in 1990 and the recommendations of the Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services and the White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Exhibit Four contains the text of library laws Chapter 917, 1990, Chapter 625, 1991 and Chapter 775, 1992. Additional documentation on New York's libraries is appended in Exhibit Five, including interviews and letters; a report on the Public Library Construction Aid Program; reports on adult literacy, public library outreach services, the creation of Special Library Districts, the Electronic Doorway Library, and the New York State Document Depository Program; the Action Plan of the Board of Regents for Library Systems toward the 21st Century; and a list of delegates to the various library conferences mentioned in the report. (ALF)

1993

ED358849