1.) Introduction
Good afternoon. I am pleased to be here and honored to bring you greetings from the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, including chairperson Jeanne Hurley Simon and my fourteen other colleagues. Only five of us are librarians, so the National Commission is primarily a citizens' body, charged to advise the President and the Congress on policy matters affecting libraries and information services nationally and internationally.
2) Recent studies and emphases
Traditionally the advisory work of the Commission goes in cycles, at least as far as the topics and the types of libraries that we study and for which we recommend various improvements. For example, our most recent cycle of intense review of school libraries was in 1992 and 1993, and that was to follow up on the top recommendation of the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. In 1993, for example, we held forums in Boston, Des Moines and Sacramento so we could hear first-hand the issues and opportunities for school library media centers, and we used that information in reports and in advising on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, among other things.
More recently, the Commission has studied public libraries and the Internet, government information, copyright and other intellectual property concerns, etc. We are also advising the Federal Communications Commission on discount rates under the universal services provision of the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
3) Library Services and Technology Act
However, now I am pleased to report that, in advising the Institute of Museum and Library Services on the new Library Services and Technology Act, the Commission has the opportunity to advise in the context of the needs and opportunities of all types of libraries. That is because the Library Services and Technology Act, still primarily a state-based program, now authorizes states to consider all types of libraries in all of its programs. Previously, as you know, most of the federal funds coming to states under the Library Services and Construction Act was targeted for public libraries only.
This is an exciting development. It will also be complex and challenging for the states, and I encourage you to participate through whatever avenues are available in your state to help determine the priorities for improving its library and information services with the aid of the Library Services and Technology Act.
4) Conclusion
I could go on about other opportunities from the federal level, because much is going on. With education as the centerpiece of President Clinton's second term, this is an exciting time, and one in which I hope school libraries will thrive.
I look forward to meeting and talking with many of you later. Meanwhile, best wishes for an enjoyable and useful conference. Thank you.