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Feedback Needed by November 18th: FDLP Public Libraries Retention Study
The Government Publishing Office (GPO) has published a draft report asked for by the Depository Library Council (DLC) in response to learning that public libraries appear to be dropping from the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) at a faster rate than other libraries. The DLC asked GPO to:
- Identify the reasons why libraries left the FDLP;
- Ask remaining public library staff and directors to identify the most important
challenges for them as FDLP members; - Ask remaining public library staff and directors to identify the most important
advantages as well as needed enhancements or benefits for them as FDLP members; - Analyze and report on the collected information; and
- Identify possible changes in policies and procedures to encourage existing public
libraries to remain in the FDLP, but also provide incentives for non‐depository public
libraries to join the FDLP.
The result was:
GPO is asking for feedback on this report by November 18th. We encourage all of our readers, especially those working in public libraries, to read the report and provide feedback by e-mailing skmiller “AT” gpo.gov
Budget cut means likely closure of Vermont’s state law library
A Vermont journalism website reports that cuts to the Vermont Department of Libraries will likely result in the closure of the state law library. The State Librarian says that The law library is “going to disappear.” If it is closed, Vermont would be one of the few in the country without a state law library.
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Budget cut means likely closure of state law library by Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger (Mar. 20 2015)
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State cuts could cause libraries to lose federal funding by Erin Mansfield, VTDigger (Mar. 30 2015).
Currently, the bulk of the expenditures of the Law Library pay only for a single librarian and access to Westlaw. Defender General Matt Valerio is quoted as saying, “As a practical matter, in this day and age you can get done what you need to get done without going to the law library,”
The Public Library Manifesto
The Public Library Manifesto, by David Morris, Yes Magazine, (May 06, 2011).
We need a grassroots effort to defend our public libraries, an effort that can and should be part of a growing nationwide and international effort to defend the public sphere itself.
Public libraries feel strain of budget cuts
Book bind: Public libraries feel strain of budget cuts, By Tony Pugh, McClatchy Newspapers (April 19, 2011).
WASHINGTON — They’re the lone source of free computer and internet access in most communities, allowing the unemployed to search for jobs, learn computer skills and spruce up their resumes. Millions use them to stay in touch with relatives, apply for government services or to seek health information.
But public libraries’ critical role as neighborhood information hubs hasn’t shielded the nearly 17,000 of them across the country from budget scalpels.
First-ever National Study: Millions of People Rely on Library Computers for Employment, Health, and Education
First-ever National Study: Millions of People Rely on Library Computers for Employment, Health, and Education, by Samantha Becker, Information School, University of Washington (March 22nd, 2010).
PORTLAND, Ore.—Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older – roughly 77 million people – used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year, according to a national report released today. In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.
The report, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, is based on the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Full Report:
Becker, Samantha, Michael D. Crandall, Karen E. Fisher, Bo Kinney, Carol Landry, and Anita Rocha. (2010). Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries (PDF, 212 pages). (IMLS-2010-RES-01). Institute of Museum and Library Services. Washington, D.C.
http://cis.washington.edu/usimpact/projects/us-public-library-study/
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