The Public Libraries in the United States Survey report published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) analyzes data supplied annually by over 98% of public libraries across the country. This year’s report features nine performance indicators and examines differences in library service at the locality levels (city, suburb, town, rural and national). Nationally, public libraries have seen reductions in operating revenue, service hours, and staffing. Numbers for circulation, program attendance, and computer use continue to trend upward.
SEE IMLS Press Release
Showing posts with label funding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label funding. Show all posts
Monday, March 11, 2013
Friday, June 03, 2011
Contact your U.S. Senators - ask them to sign on to library funding letter for LSTA funds
Please call both of your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to sign onto this letter [PDF] by COB Wednesday, June 8. Also ask library supporters to contact your senators as well.
Senators Jack Reed and Olympia Snowe are leading an effort to increase support for FY2012 federal funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries. Tell your senators’ staffers to contact Elyse Wasch in Reed’s office or Matthew Hussey in Snowe’s office. We need other senators to sign the Reed-Snowe letter as soon as possible. Please call immediately.
It may help if you describe at least one valuable service that your library provides the community or a success story about a library patron. Examples include access to computers and data services to aid job searchers, support for small businesses with marketing data and other resources as well as teaching digital literacy to people of all ages including K-12 students.
Senators Jack Reed and Olympia Snowe are leading an effort to increase support for FY2012 federal funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries. Tell your senators’ staffers to contact Elyse Wasch in Reed’s office or Matthew Hussey in Snowe’s office. We need other senators to sign the Reed-Snowe letter as soon as possible. Please call immediately.
It may help if you describe at least one valuable service that your library provides the community or a success story about a library patron. Examples include access to computers and data services to aid job searchers, support for small businesses with marketing data and other resources as well as teaching digital literacy to people of all ages including K-12 students.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Library Funding in the News
Assemblyman Bob Reilly and Michael Borges of NYLA were interviewed about library funding on Thursay's Capitol Pressroom Radio Show with Susan Arbetter. Go to the link and click the play button and after introductions move scroll bar on Track #1 to 35 minute mark.
Also libraries were featured the night before Library Advocacy Day on the local ABC TV station in response to NYLA press release.
Also libraries were featured the night before Library Advocacy Day on the local ABC TV station in response to NYLA press release.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Public Library Technology Access Study 2009-10 findings released
The 2009-10 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study is now available online.
ALA also will start tweeting about the release and findings at ala_ors, so, if you or your library “follows” Twitter, please add them to your list.
This year's Study, the fourth in a series, provides national and state-level data and benchmarks of technology resources. Authored by the ALA Office for Research and Statistics and the Center for Library & Information Innovation, the study draws on information provided by thousands of rural, suburban, and urban libraries in every state; by state library agencies; and from interviews with library staff in select states.
The study is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Library Association. This digital edition is co-published by American Libraries magazine.
ALA also will start tweeting about the release and findings at ala_ors, so, if you or your library “follows” Twitter, please add them to your list.
This year's Study, the fourth in a series, provides national and state-level data and benchmarks of technology resources. Authored by the ALA Office for Research and Statistics and the Center for Library & Information Innovation, the study draws on information provided by thousands of rural, suburban, and urban libraries in every state; by state library agencies; and from interviews with library staff in select states.
The study is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Library Association. This digital edition is co-published by American Libraries magazine.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Grant Award for NYS Libraries
NEW YORK AWARDED $9.5 MILLION TO EXPAND BROADBAND CAPACITY AT LIBRARIES
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has been awarded $9.5 million in a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to expand computer access in public libraries across New York State. The funding is being provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
The grant will support the State Library’s Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project to help low-income, unemployed, underemployed, and other vulnerable populations in upstate New York. High unemployment rates, a distressed economy, and a lack of affordable public access to high-speed broadband services, education, training and technical support have been particularly acute in geographically isolated upstate communities. The grant will enable the State Library and its public library partners to purchase equipment to expand the public’s access to computers and teleconferencing.
Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary will provide more than 860 computers in 30 libraries and five mobile training centers across 41 economically distressed upstate New York counties with populations totaling 6,655,824 (2008 census). This grant will allow libraries to extend hours, provide 24/7 access to job search resources, and serve an estimated 50,000 additional users per week system-wide.
A list of partner libraries is found here, and includes Albany Public Library.
New York State Education Commissioner David Steiner said, "Libraries are vital to our communities and our economy. The increased broadband capacity, training and online resources funded through this grant will provide more New Yorkers with access to essential online information for work, healthcare, education, and citizenship as well as E-government resources."
"What librarians and libraries do everyday is vitally important work," said State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Bernard Margolis. "Yet, even though New Yorkers turn to their public libraries more in difficult economic times, libraries themselves have suffered cuts and reductions to their valuable services. This grant will enable our libraries to continue to do critically important work and to expand the opportunities, education, and services that high speed Internet provides to the unserved and underserved in our communities."
The New York State Library, within NYSED, worked with partner libraries throughout the state and the New York State Office of the Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) to submit the proposal for the grant. In order to participate in this matching grant, partner libraries must make an in-kind contribution to support the project. The total in-kind match is $5.4 million.
"CIO/OFT is very proud to continue supporting the innovative Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project," said Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York State CIO, Director of the Office For Technology, and Chair of the Broadband Development and Deployment Council. "In these tough economic times, access to free resources is critical for New York’s citizens. Many times, computers located in libraries are the only point of broadband contact for many citizens. Those who do not own a computer or have access to the internet often go to the library, where it is available for free. And for those who have never used a computer help is available. These grants will help ensure our libraries can continue to provide high-speed, reliable internet services and digital literacy training programs for our communities."
The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, funded by ARRA, provides matching grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. Funded at $4.7 billion, BTOP will also advance ARRA’s objectives to spur job creation and stimulate long-term economic growth and opportunity.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA plans to announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has been awarded $9.5 million in a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to expand computer access in public libraries across New York State. The funding is being provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
The grant will support the State Library’s Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project to help low-income, unemployed, underemployed, and other vulnerable populations in upstate New York. High unemployment rates, a distressed economy, and a lack of affordable public access to high-speed broadband services, education, training and technical support have been particularly acute in geographically isolated upstate communities. The grant will enable the State Library and its public library partners to purchase equipment to expand the public’s access to computers and teleconferencing.
Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary will provide more than 860 computers in 30 libraries and five mobile training centers across 41 economically distressed upstate New York counties with populations totaling 6,655,824 (2008 census). This grant will allow libraries to extend hours, provide 24/7 access to job search resources, and serve an estimated 50,000 additional users per week system-wide.
A list of partner libraries is found here, and includes Albany Public Library.
New York State Education Commissioner David Steiner said, "Libraries are vital to our communities and our economy. The increased broadband capacity, training and online resources funded through this grant will provide more New Yorkers with access to essential online information for work, healthcare, education, and citizenship as well as E-government resources."
"What librarians and libraries do everyday is vitally important work," said State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Bernard Margolis. "Yet, even though New Yorkers turn to their public libraries more in difficult economic times, libraries themselves have suffered cuts and reductions to their valuable services. This grant will enable our libraries to continue to do critically important work and to expand the opportunities, education, and services that high speed Internet provides to the unserved and underserved in our communities."
The New York State Library, within NYSED, worked with partner libraries throughout the state and the New York State Office of the Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) to submit the proposal for the grant. In order to participate in this matching grant, partner libraries must make an in-kind contribution to support the project. The total in-kind match is $5.4 million.
"CIO/OFT is very proud to continue supporting the innovative Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project," said Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York State CIO, Director of the Office For Technology, and Chair of the Broadband Development and Deployment Council. "In these tough economic times, access to free resources is critical for New York’s citizens. Many times, computers located in libraries are the only point of broadband contact for many citizens. Those who do not own a computer or have access to the internet often go to the library, where it is available for free. And for those who have never used a computer help is available. These grants will help ensure our libraries can continue to provide high-speed, reliable internet services and digital literacy training programs for our communities."
The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, funded by ARRA, provides matching grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. Funded at $4.7 billion, BTOP will also advance ARRA’s objectives to spur job creation and stimulate long-term economic growth and opportunity.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA plans to announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Message from the State Librarian -- Update #4
Please feel free to share this update and to pass it along to anyone! This June 19 update and past updates are posted on the New York State Library’s website at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/about/statelibrarian.htm
Legislative Sausage: The famous quote clearly is correct. The two (2) things that one should never watch being made are sausage and law. The grinding process has at least stopped for the moment in the State Senate. The Senate has abolished all of its committees, except for the Rules Committee. Many closed door meetings are the symbol of this part of government not working. The State Assembly has however not slowed its pace of work. A new Chair, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (Ithaca) has
been appointed for the Library & Educational Technology Committee. We welcome her to this very important legislative/public policy position. Yesterday the Academic Research Information Act (ARIA) passed the Assembly. ARIA has been promulgated by the New York State Higher Education Initiative (NYSHEI). Though this has no funding connected with it at this stage, it serves as a future "vessel" to support database acquisition in science, technology and medicine using state economic development resources. I, of course, want the State Library to play a greater role in the database resources area and this is a good beginning. (More about this later). The ARIA legislation still requires Senate approval and the Governor’s signature.
The funding for the State Library (and the larger Office of Cultural Education which also includes the State Archives, State Museum and Public Broadcasting) is precarious. Legislation (A.6783-A/S.3640-A) to raise the fees that support the Cultural Education Fund is still in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and was in the Senate Codes Committee. The Senate Committee is gone. Its Ranking Member Senator Dale Volker told us earlier this week that he would support the bill. The New York State Trial Lawyers Association has gone on record in opposition, but we
have now negotiated a compromise with them which should permit this legislation to move forward. There is still significant legislative opposition to raising fees of any sort but we are hopeful nonetheless.
The Cultural Education Fund is now bankrupt! The fund balance is -$400,000 and sinking. The State Division of the Budget has not granted any approvals for spending of special revenue funds since April 1st. We are just holding on. This legislation is vital. Stay tuned.
Congratulations: It is no easy feat to be selected by LIBRARY JOURNAL as Library of the Year! Kudos to the Queens Library, under the leadership of Tom Galante, and his great staff, trustees, and library patrons. You make every New Yorker proud of our library traditions with such an important honor.
Also, kudos to the three library systems in New York City for their leadership and successful advocacy in averting the proposed draconian cuts in city support for Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Library.
Summer Reading: The 2009 New York State Summer Reading program is in full swing. ‘Be Creative @your library’ is the theme for kids and "Express Yourself@your library" is the theme for teens. With so many families facing tough economic times, we are expecting participation to exceed last year’s fantastic 1.5 million. We can all help to keep kids reading over the summer months. Check it out at www.summerreadingnys.org. New York’s goal for 2012 is 1.8 million participants. And remember that summer reading is not only for kids. Do you have a summer reading program!? Linda Fairstein has some great biblio-mysteries and pays tribute to The New York Public Library and its Andrew Mellon Director David Ferriero in her latest book, Lethal Legacy. Please tell me if you read any great books this summer that I should
put on my list. Maybe a master list of good reads selected by New York librarians is in the future.
Broadband and Federal Stimulus Funds: We are awaiting the formal release of the "Notice of Funds Availability" for the two primary federal broadband funding programs being administered by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture. Notice is expected by the end of June. I hope that we can consider a statewide proposal to secure funds for many libraries. We are working within the State Education Department and are in discussion with the State’s Chief Information Officer Melodie
Mayberry-Stewart as well. If you have shovel or shelf-ready projects, get them ready. We were fortunate to host, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Broadband Summit which brought together 250 people from many parts of the state. Participants included librarians, trustees, economic development people, regulators, suppliers, public policy makers and others. You will be hearing more about this
initiative as we roll-out the results and use the great input to develop a plan to support (fund) broadband access for libraries. You can visit online at www.opportunityonline.org to see some of the Summit programs. The programs were all based on the theme: "The Magic of Broadband". The eligible libraries which participated will be considered for
matching grants to improve their broadband access to at least 1.5 mbps. We have about 85 libraries which will be eligible for funds. If you are interested in helping with this effort to enable libraries in every community across the State provide high-speed broadband connectivity for their customers, please send an email to bband@mail.nysed.gov.
Educational Technology: The State Education Department is welcoming comment on a new Educational Technology Plan. Feedback is welcomed as the Department builds-out a new Office headed by Larry Paska. Feedback is welcomed at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/edtech/. It is my hope that all librarians and library staff from K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries and special libraries will review and
comment on this plan. It is a great chance for everyone to see the interconnections of technology in the traditional pre-K to 12 learning environments with those in the lifelong learning and higher education worlds. Do not miss this chance to comment. All types of libraries and library systems have an important stake in this.
Databases: In my travels around the state over the past five months, I have begun to talk about my vision of a comprehensive information system. I have been calling this NYSCIS for the: New York State Comprehensive Information System. I have pictured some type of wonderful winged animal representing this concept of a wide array of database resources being delivered to everyone, everywhere in New York.
A target of 1,000 commercial databases is not too outrageous for us to contemplate. This, of course, would require state financial resources, as well as contributed resources from the library community. It will require some new ways of equipping those we serve with tools for access and productive use. It will require public education and it will require everyone to see the value of quality information resources being essential for public prosperity, public safety and public health. I
look forward to talking with many more people in the library community about this concept. Your ideas about how we can build on NOVELny and its success in resource delivery as the foundation for NYSCIS is welcomed. My thanks to Sandy Stone, Orchard Park Middle School Librarian; Mary Zdrojewski, School Library Media Specialist, Sinclairville Elementary School and Melissa Morton, Library Assistant,
Chautauqua Lake Central School District who along with 30 other colleagues sent me beautiful postcards expressing thanks for the NOVELny databases, especially the addition of the Grolier database. I will not embarrass everyone who writes or e-mails me by listing your names, but I do welcome and appreciate your feedback and ideas.
New York State Research Library: At 20 million items strong, the New York State Library is an amazing resource. Staff have been engaged in a work group looking at increasing hours of public service. The focus is opening on Saturdays and a staff survey has just been completed so that we can assess some of the best ways to implement this service expansion. I look forward to swinging the doors open on Saturdays very soon. If you have ideas to help us through this transition, please share them with me or Loretta Ebert, Director of the Research Library
(lebert@mail.nysed.gov).
Update: There are many more activities to share. My travels around the state have given me a chance to meet many of you, to hear your thoughts and to share some of my thoughts and observations with you. I have heard that many of you are appreciating these occasional updates and I want to assure you that it is my plan to continue these in the future. If there are issues or topics that you would like me to address please do not be shy about contacting me. And...please read a few good books this summer.
Bernard A. Margolis
State Librarian
New York State Library
Legislative Sausage: The famous quote clearly is correct. The two (2) things that one should never watch being made are sausage and law. The grinding process has at least stopped for the moment in the State Senate. The Senate has abolished all of its committees, except for the Rules Committee. Many closed door meetings are the symbol of this part of government not working. The State Assembly has however not slowed its pace of work. A new Chair, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (Ithaca) has
been appointed for the Library & Educational Technology Committee. We welcome her to this very important legislative/public policy position. Yesterday the Academic Research Information Act (ARIA) passed the Assembly. ARIA has been promulgated by the New York State Higher Education Initiative (NYSHEI). Though this has no funding connected with it at this stage, it serves as a future "vessel" to support database acquisition in science, technology and medicine using state economic development resources. I, of course, want the State Library to play a greater role in the database resources area and this is a good beginning. (More about this later). The ARIA legislation still requires Senate approval and the Governor’s signature.
The funding for the State Library (and the larger Office of Cultural Education which also includes the State Archives, State Museum and Public Broadcasting) is precarious. Legislation (A.6783-A/S.3640-A) to raise the fees that support the Cultural Education Fund is still in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and was in the Senate Codes Committee. The Senate Committee is gone. Its Ranking Member Senator Dale Volker told us earlier this week that he would support the bill. The New York State Trial Lawyers Association has gone on record in opposition, but we
have now negotiated a compromise with them which should permit this legislation to move forward. There is still significant legislative opposition to raising fees of any sort but we are hopeful nonetheless.
The Cultural Education Fund is now bankrupt! The fund balance is -$400,000 and sinking. The State Division of the Budget has not granted any approvals for spending of special revenue funds since April 1st. We are just holding on. This legislation is vital. Stay tuned.
Congratulations: It is no easy feat to be selected by LIBRARY JOURNAL as Library of the Year! Kudos to the Queens Library, under the leadership of Tom Galante, and his great staff, trustees, and library patrons. You make every New Yorker proud of our library traditions with such an important honor.
Also, kudos to the three library systems in New York City for their leadership and successful advocacy in averting the proposed draconian cuts in city support for Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Library.
Summer Reading: The 2009 New York State Summer Reading program is in full swing. ‘Be Creative @your library’ is the theme for kids and "Express Yourself@your library" is the theme for teens. With so many families facing tough economic times, we are expecting participation to exceed last year’s fantastic 1.5 million. We can all help to keep kids reading over the summer months. Check it out at www.summerreadingnys.org. New York’s goal for 2012 is 1.8 million participants. And remember that summer reading is not only for kids. Do you have a summer reading program!? Linda Fairstein has some great biblio-mysteries and pays tribute to The New York Public Library and its Andrew Mellon Director David Ferriero in her latest book, Lethal Legacy. Please tell me if you read any great books this summer that I should
put on my list. Maybe a master list of good reads selected by New York librarians is in the future.
Broadband and Federal Stimulus Funds: We are awaiting the formal release of the "Notice of Funds Availability" for the two primary federal broadband funding programs being administered by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture. Notice is expected by the end of June. I hope that we can consider a statewide proposal to secure funds for many libraries. We are working within the State Education Department and are in discussion with the State’s Chief Information Officer Melodie
Mayberry-Stewart as well. If you have shovel or shelf-ready projects, get them ready. We were fortunate to host, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Broadband Summit which brought together 250 people from many parts of the state. Participants included librarians, trustees, economic development people, regulators, suppliers, public policy makers and others. You will be hearing more about this
initiative as we roll-out the results and use the great input to develop a plan to support (fund) broadband access for libraries. You can visit online at www.opportunityonline.org to see some of the Summit programs. The programs were all based on the theme: "The Magic of Broadband". The eligible libraries which participated will be considered for
matching grants to improve their broadband access to at least 1.5 mbps. We have about 85 libraries which will be eligible for funds. If you are interested in helping with this effort to enable libraries in every community across the State provide high-speed broadband connectivity for their customers, please send an email to bband@mail.nysed.gov.
Educational Technology: The State Education Department is welcoming comment on a new Educational Technology Plan. Feedback is welcomed as the Department builds-out a new Office headed by Larry Paska. Feedback is welcomed at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/edtech/. It is my hope that all librarians and library staff from K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries and special libraries will review and
comment on this plan. It is a great chance for everyone to see the interconnections of technology in the traditional pre-K to 12 learning environments with those in the lifelong learning and higher education worlds. Do not miss this chance to comment. All types of libraries and library systems have an important stake in this.
Databases: In my travels around the state over the past five months, I have begun to talk about my vision of a comprehensive information system. I have been calling this NYSCIS for the: New York State Comprehensive Information System. I have pictured some type of wonderful winged animal representing this concept of a wide array of database resources being delivered to everyone, everywhere in New York.
A target of 1,000 commercial databases is not too outrageous for us to contemplate. This, of course, would require state financial resources, as well as contributed resources from the library community. It will require some new ways of equipping those we serve with tools for access and productive use. It will require public education and it will require everyone to see the value of quality information resources being essential for public prosperity, public safety and public health. I
look forward to talking with many more people in the library community about this concept. Your ideas about how we can build on NOVELny and its success in resource delivery as the foundation for NYSCIS is welcomed. My thanks to Sandy Stone, Orchard Park Middle School Librarian; Mary Zdrojewski, School Library Media Specialist, Sinclairville Elementary School and Melissa Morton, Library Assistant,
Chautauqua Lake Central School District who along with 30 other colleagues sent me beautiful postcards expressing thanks for the NOVELny databases, especially the addition of the Grolier database. I will not embarrass everyone who writes or e-mails me by listing your names, but I do welcome and appreciate your feedback and ideas.
New York State Research Library: At 20 million items strong, the New York State Library is an amazing resource. Staff have been engaged in a work group looking at increasing hours of public service. The focus is opening on Saturdays and a staff survey has just been completed so that we can assess some of the best ways to implement this service expansion. I look forward to swinging the doors open on Saturdays very soon. If you have ideas to help us through this transition, please share them with me or Loretta Ebert, Director of the Research Library
(lebert@mail.nysed.gov).
Update: There are many more activities to share. My travels around the state have given me a chance to meet many of you, to hear your thoughts and to share some of my thoughts and observations with you. I have heard that many of you are appreciating these occasional updates and I want to assure you that it is my plan to continue these in the future. If there are issues or topics that you would like me to address please do not be shy about contacting me. And...please read a few good books this summer.
Bernard A. Margolis
State Librarian
New York State Library
Sunday, November 02, 2008
ALA seeks $100 million in stimulus funding
The American Library Association seeks $100 million in stimulus funding as U.S. libraries face critical cutbacks, closures.
"Investments in libraries often yield high dividends for communities. Studies show economic returns from salaries and wages paid to staff, construction costs, employment services and library purchases. A recent Pennsylvania study points out that for every dollar invested in the public library, the community receives a return of $5.50. A similar report from Florida shows a $6.54 return on investment."
"Investments in libraries often yield high dividends for communities. Studies show economic returns from salaries and wages paid to staff, construction costs, employment services and library purchases. A recent Pennsylvania study points out that for every dollar invested in the public library, the community receives a return of $5.50. A similar report from Florida shows a $6.54 return on investment."
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Library support in America
Now available: new OCLC membership report -- From Awareness to Funding: A study of library support in America
OCLC was awarded a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to explore attitudes and perceptions about library funding and to evaluate the potential of a large-scale marketing and advocacy campaign to increase public library funding in the U.S. The findings of this research are now available in the latest OCLC report, From Awareness to Funding: A study of library support in America.
Among the findings from the report:
*Library funding support is only marginally related to library visitation.
*Perceptions of librarians are an important predictor of library funding support.
*Voters who see the library as a "transformational" force as opposed to an "information" source are more likely to increase taxes in its support.
From Chapter 1:
"Public library use is growing...But the public funding...is not keeping up with demand."
The report suggests that targeting marketing messages to the right segments of the voting public is key to driving increased support for U.S. public libraries.
Purchase a print copy of the report or download a free, electronic version at www.oclc.org/reports/funding.
OCLC was awarded a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to explore attitudes and perceptions about library funding and to evaluate the potential of a large-scale marketing and advocacy campaign to increase public library funding in the U.S. The findings of this research are now available in the latest OCLC report, From Awareness to Funding: A study of library support in America.
Among the findings from the report:
*Library funding support is only marginally related to library visitation.
*Perceptions of librarians are an important predictor of library funding support.
*Voters who see the library as a "transformational" force as opposed to an "information" source are more likely to increase taxes in its support.
From Chapter 1:
"Public library use is growing...But the public funding...is not keeping up with demand."
The report suggests that targeting marketing messages to the right segments of the voting public is key to driving increased support for U.S. public libraries.
Purchase a print copy of the report or download a free, electronic version at www.oclc.org/reports/funding.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Fundraising at APL
From Elissa Kane:
March brings us great news about our fundraising endeavors here at APL.
We've been awarded a two-year support grant from the Gates Foundation for the creation of a laptop lab that will enable library staff to set up remote computer labs at branch libraries and community locations for computer and Internet training.
We've also been awarded $118,000 from the NYS Library Construction fund for repairs to the Main Library infrastructure including replacement of the first floor air conditioning unit (the sprinkler was last year's solution), upgrade to the building-wide electrical system, installation of a fully accessible staff bathroom, replacement of the rear automatic door and, best of all, the matching funds necessary to now renovate the former gallery space on the 2nd floor into the Pruyn Local History Collection.
The Local History Room project is also funded by a very generous $50,000 capital aid grant from Assemblyman Jack McEneny. And finally, the Upper Hudson Library System has granted APL $3,000 toward a new program we're developing to train and employ teens to work in our libraries. We'll certainly be sharing more news when these projects begin to roll out.
Hey, also check out this great workshop by my friend Bill Patrick at the Troy Library (he's the guy who wrote Saving Troy: a year with firefighters and paramedics in a battered city.) Very interesting - very gripping dvd too.
And, as always, we encourage your individual contributions to support the libraries you love.
March brings us great news about our fundraising endeavors here at APL.
We've been awarded a two-year support grant from the Gates Foundation for the creation of a laptop lab that will enable library staff to set up remote computer labs at branch libraries and community locations for computer and Internet training.
We've also been awarded $118,000 from the NYS Library Construction fund for repairs to the Main Library infrastructure including replacement of the first floor air conditioning unit (the sprinkler was last year's solution), upgrade to the building-wide electrical system, installation of a fully accessible staff bathroom, replacement of the rear automatic door and, best of all, the matching funds necessary to now renovate the former gallery space on the 2nd floor into the Pruyn Local History Collection.
The Local History Room project is also funded by a very generous $50,000 capital aid grant from Assemblyman Jack McEneny. And finally, the Upper Hudson Library System has granted APL $3,000 toward a new program we're developing to train and employ teens to work in our libraries. We'll certainly be sharing more news when these projects begin to roll out.
Hey, also check out this great workshop by my friend Bill Patrick at the Troy Library (he's the guy who wrote Saving Troy: a year with firefighters and paramedics in a battered city.) Very interesting - very gripping dvd too.
And, as always, we encourage your individual contributions to support the libraries you love.
Monday, January 21, 2008
NYLA Legislative Alert
The New York Library Association recently commissioned a Zogby Poll that bolsters its 2008 State Budget Priorities request to the Governor and Legislature. A majority of respondents favor increasing both operating aid and book aid to libraries. NYLA's press release and poll results can be found here under Headlines.
The Governor will be releasing his proposed 2008-09 State Budget on Tuesday, January 22nd and NYLA will keep its members informed of its impact on the library community. Given the state's worsening fiscal situation, NYLA is preparing for the worse- potential cuts in Library Aid.
If you have not already done so, visit www.nyla.org and click on Contact your Elected Officials link to send letter to Governor in support of NYLA's 2008 State Budget Priorities.
The Governor will be releasing his proposed 2008-09 State Budget on Tuesday, January 22nd and NYLA will keep its members informed of its impact on the library community. Given the state's worsening fiscal situation, NYLA is preparing for the worse- potential cuts in Library Aid.
If you have not already done so, visit www.nyla.org and click on Contact your Elected Officials link to send letter to Governor in support of NYLA's 2008 State Budget Priorities.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Be an advocate for library funding
The legislative process for the NYS budget for 2008-09 has begun. The Governor is preparing his budget and will release it on January 22, 2008.
Last year, the Governor and Legislature included $8 million additional funding for library systems and $14 million for public library construction. However, that funding was ONE TIME ONLY. If that funding is to become permanent, it needs to be included in the Governor’s budget.
Your help as a library advocate is needed NOW, to let the Governor know the importance of funding for libraries. NYLA has made it easy for you to do this. Please go to the NYLA website - www.nyla.org - and click on "Become a Library Advocate" to send a fax to the Governor.
Last week, more than 300 of library advocates did this. Please join them!
***
SAMPLE MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNOR
I am writing to urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.
You were the first Governor in over a dozen years to mention libraries in the State of the State Address and backed those words up by including increased funding for library systems ($8 million) and public library construction ($14 million) in the 2007-08 State Budget and I thank you for that.
The library community waited eight long years before finally obtaining an increase in state aid for library systems and public library construction. Between 1998 and 2006, library aid remained stagnant and was even cut by $4.5 million in 2005.
The modest increase in operating and construction aid are greatly appreciated and needed. In several cases, they arrived just in time to permit library systems to sustain their full range of operations. These funds have benefited libraries, schools and communities, like my own, by enhancing both the services and facilities available to library patrons of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
However, libraries cannot initiate long-term service improvements using these funds without a firm commitment from the state that these funds will be available in subsequent years to sustain those improvements.
That is why I urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.
The increase in funding has provided hope to the over 9 million New Yorkers with library cards, that our state finally has leadership that values the contributions that libraries make to our information-based economy, to the flourishing of our democracy and to society’s insatiable need for information and life-long learning.
I also urge you to amend the Contracts for Excellence initiative to permit increased funding for the purchase of books for school libraries (increase in Library Materials Aid from $6.25 to $10 per pupil) as well as hiring school library media specialists in these high need school districts.
Thank you for your continued support for libraries and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future
TO WRITE TO THE GOVERNOR
Governor Eliot Spitzer
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
TO EMAIL THE GOVERNOR
http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Last year, the Governor and Legislature included $8 million additional funding for library systems and $14 million for public library construction. However, that funding was ONE TIME ONLY. If that funding is to become permanent, it needs to be included in the Governor’s budget.
Your help as a library advocate is needed NOW, to let the Governor know the importance of funding for libraries. NYLA has made it easy for you to do this. Please go to the NYLA website - www.nyla.org - and click on "Become a Library Advocate" to send a fax to the Governor.
Last week, more than 300 of library advocates did this. Please join them!
***
SAMPLE MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNOR
I am writing to urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.
You were the first Governor in over a dozen years to mention libraries in the State of the State Address and backed those words up by including increased funding for library systems ($8 million) and public library construction ($14 million) in the 2007-08 State Budget and I thank you for that.
The library community waited eight long years before finally obtaining an increase in state aid for library systems and public library construction. Between 1998 and 2006, library aid remained stagnant and was even cut by $4.5 million in 2005.
The modest increase in operating and construction aid are greatly appreciated and needed. In several cases, they arrived just in time to permit library systems to sustain their full range of operations. These funds have benefited libraries, schools and communities, like my own, by enhancing both the services and facilities available to library patrons of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
However, libraries cannot initiate long-term service improvements using these funds without a firm commitment from the state that these funds will be available in subsequent years to sustain those improvements.
That is why I urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.
The increase in funding has provided hope to the over 9 million New Yorkers with library cards, that our state finally has leadership that values the contributions that libraries make to our information-based economy, to the flourishing of our democracy and to society’s insatiable need for information and life-long learning.
I also urge you to amend the Contracts for Excellence initiative to permit increased funding for the purchase of books for school libraries (increase in Library Materials Aid from $6.25 to $10 per pupil) as well as hiring school library media specialists in these high need school districts.
Thank you for your continued support for libraries and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future
TO WRITE TO THE GOVERNOR
Governor Eliot Spitzer
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
TO EMAIL THE GOVERNOR
http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Third Annual Appeal Begins!
Can We Count on You?
Five state-of-the-art libraries are about to begin construction thanks to the might generosity of the voters of Albany.
We invite you to share your enthusiasm for the momentous community support generated for this historic library project by contributing generously to this year's Annual Appeal.
Your gift to the Annual Appeal ensure that library customers will find everything they have come to expect in excellent libraries - robust collections, ample computers, welcoming spaces, engaging programs and great service.
So, look for Appeal information in the in the mail, online and at all of our libraries. We thank you!
Donations to the Library Appeal can be sent to the Albany Public Library Foundation, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Credit card contributions can be processed by calling 518.427.4346
Five state-of-the-art libraries are about to begin construction thanks to the might generosity of the voters of Albany.
We invite you to share your enthusiasm for the momentous community support generated for this historic library project by contributing generously to this year's Annual Appeal.
Your gift to the Annual Appeal ensure that library customers will find everything they have come to expect in excellent libraries - robust collections, ample computers, welcoming spaces, engaging programs and great service.
So, look for Appeal information in the in the mail, online and at all of our libraries. We thank you!
Donations to the Library Appeal can be sent to the Albany Public Library Foundation, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Credit card contributions can be processed by calling 518.427.4346
Friday, October 26, 2007
Funding for Libraries
From ALA Office:
On Tuesday, October 24th the Senate passed the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which contains funding for several library-related programs. The House passed a bill in July. Conferees will meet to reconcile the differences in the bills.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED: The Senate passed bill contains $171,500,000 for the Grants to State Library Agencies program within the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Please contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to support the Senate passed funding level.
Funding for Selected Programs
FY 2008 House/FY 2008 Senate
Library State Grants
$167,500,000/$171,500,000
Native American Library Services
$3,638,000/$3,817,000
National Leadership Grants for Libraries
$12,375,000/$12,375,000
Recruitment of Librarians for the 21st Century
$23,760,000/$23,760,000
Administration total for IMLS
$12,021,000/$12,917,000
Talking points:
Please bring the total for the LSTA state program from House-passed funding level of $167.5 million to Senate passed funding level of $171.5 million to allow full implementation of a 2003 law to provide a more equitable distribution of state formula grants. In 2003, all of the states and Congress agreed that the base should be doubled to help even the playing field for the small states while ensuring that large states don't face an undue burden to achieve that. Currently, all funding increases to the state program go to the base, and not to population increases for the large states.
On Tuesday, October 24th the Senate passed the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which contains funding for several library-related programs. The House passed a bill in July. Conferees will meet to reconcile the differences in the bills.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED: The Senate passed bill contains $171,500,000 for the Grants to State Library Agencies program within the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Please contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to support the Senate passed funding level.
Funding for Selected Programs
FY 2008 House/FY 2008 Senate
Library State Grants
$167,500,000/$171,500,000
Native American Library Services
$3,638,000/$3,817,000
National Leadership Grants for Libraries
$12,375,000/$12,375,000
Recruitment of Librarians for the 21st Century
$23,760,000/$23,760,000
Administration total for IMLS
$12,021,000/$12,917,000
Talking points:
Please bring the total for the LSTA state program from House-passed funding level of $167.5 million to Senate passed funding level of $171.5 million to allow full implementation of a 2003 law to provide a more equitable distribution of state formula grants. In 2003, all of the states and Congress agreed that the base should be doubled to help even the playing field for the small states while ensuring that large states don't face an undue burden to achieve that. Currently, all funding increases to the state program go to the base, and not to population increases for the large states.
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