Delegates voted and accepted 95 recommendations and petitions, which are arranged for ease of reference in numerical order by general topic area and Committee group. Priority Recommendations, as determined by Conference vote before the final session, are noted.
I. Availability and Access to Information
II. National Information Policies
III. Information Networks Through Technology
VI. Training to Reach End Users
VII. Personnel and Staff Development
VIII. Preservation of Information
Of the 95 recommendations and petitions adopted by the Conference, 22 concern the availability and access to information by all segments of the population. The common thread of recommendations in this section is the strong belief of Conference delegates that all public information must be freely and easily accessible to all Americans. The recommendations address collection development, physical and language barriers, fees, and confidentiality aspects which pose potential obstacles to the free and ready flow of information. Delegates recommend:
That a major national program with significant federal funding is needed to strengthen library collection capabilities so essential to all aspects of library services. The collections of our Nation's libraries are unable to keep pace with the rapid growth of knowledge and information. (ACC01-1)
That the President and Congress support increased appropriations for all types of library and information services under existing federal law. (ACC01-2)
That the Congress provide dedicated collection development funds to school library media centers in order to strengthen out-dated, deteriorating, and inadequate collections, encouraging those media centers to share resources and coordinate with other libraries to purchase needed materials. (ACC01-3)
That the federal government provide funds to encourage development for the increasingly complex and diverse information needs of the American public. (ACC01-4)
That libraries must have collections development policies which provide universal access to all forms of information and materials by meeting the diverse needs of users, including, but not limited to, language and cultural background differences. (ACC01-5)
That the President and the Congress establish a National Library Service for Persons with Disabilities to emphasize the use of alternative media and the elimination of barriers to serve a significant portion of the U.S. population. All barriers to library and information services should be eliminated to achieve full and complete access, as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Federal funds should be made available to assure compliance and to provide incentives for making existing library facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. (ACC02-1)
That establishing new libraries be encouraged, where needed, and support provided for the abolition of barriers to library and information services whether educational, cultural, attitudinal, physical, architectural, legal, fiscal, technological, geographical, environmental, or in language and format. (ACC02-3)
That the Congress and state legislatures adopt laws guaranteeing the rights of library patrons to privacy and confidentiality in using library information and materials, and urge compliance with existing confidentiality and privacy statutes. (ACC03-1)
That the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science develop a National Freedom Awareness Program to assist libraries in protecting First Amendment rights of privacy. (ACC03-3)
That federal funding policies for libraries not be conditioned upon the content of material legally acquired with such funding. (ACC03-4)
That federal legislation is needed to mandate open access to information. We encourage the Congress to accept the principles of the Freedom to Read Statements, the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, and its interpretation pertaining to school library media programs. (ACC03-5)
That the Congress amend the Freedom of Information Act to ensure access to all nonexempt information, whether received by the federal government or created at public expense, regardless of physical form or characteristics. The Congress should create an advisory committee composed of library professionals, information industry representatives, and the general public to work with federal agencies to advise on the public's needs. (ACC04-1)
That the federal government increase support for the Depository Library Program to ensure improved access to information in electronic form and receipt of currently "fugitive" [difficult-to-locate) publications. We urge the federal government to provide comprehensive indexing and abstracting for all public documents to provide easy and equitable access for all individuals. (ACC04-2)
That the Congress should enact legislation that would create an "ERIC-like*" information clearinghouse for scientific research, including, but not limited to, federally-funded projects. (ACC04-3)
* ERIC: Education Resources Information Center
That the President and the Congress more clearly and narrowly define "national security" in order to safeguard the public's right to know. We urge the President to direct federal agencies to cooperate with the Depository Program by providing their information (as referred to in Section 1901, Title 44, U.S. Code) to the system. (ACC04-5)
That the President and the Congress enact legislation providing preferential telecommunication rates to libraries and encourage states and localities to enact similar legislation. (ACC04-6)
That the President and the Congress direct federal agencies to use the nationwide network of libraries as well as the depository library system to disseminate information needed to address and help solve critical national problems. (ACC04-7)
That public access to information in public fund libraries should be provided on a non-fee basis. (ACC05-1)
That the President and the Congress establish a study commission to recommend policies and programs to improve access to library and information services for Native Americans, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other under-served U.S. population groups. (ACC05-3)
That the federal government increase dedicated funding for the Library of Congress Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to provide expanded and expedited production of Braille, cassette, and disc books and magazines, as well as the necessary equipment for users. Further, that the Congress legislate funding allocations to ensure the uninterrupted free postal transmission of these materials. (ACC06-1)
That the Congress fund library and information service programs to serve our multicultural and multilingual (including deaf culture and American Sign Language) population. The Congress should reauthorize and expand the Higher Education Act (Title II-B) to support training and retraining of people to serve multicultural and multilingual populations. (ACC07-1)
That the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science should encourage vigorous discussion throughout the 1990s to generate innovative approaches to meet the information needs of all potential library and information service users. (ACC09-1)
National information policies were the second highest area of concern for the delegates. A clear overriding theme of the 19 policy proposals is expanding the flow of information, particularly government information, to the people.
Delegates also voiced their concern that the library and information services community needs greater opportunity for input into federal information policy-making. A key recommendation calls for mechanisms so that WHCLIS recommendations and the work of the Conference can be carried forward.
As in a number of issue areas, recommendations underscore the critical role of libraries and information resources in education. Delegates recommend:
That actions be undertaken to ensure equal and timely access to information materials through:
That, at an early date, the Congress review and amend copyright legislation to accommodate the impact of new and emerging technologies to:
That the Congress guarantee open, timely, free, and uninhibited access to public information - owned by the people and created, maintained, and held in trust by their government - regardless of format, except where restricted by law. (NIP03-1)
That neither the Congress nor the Executive Branch abridge or otherwise restrict the right to public information through inappropriate classification, untimely declassification, or privatization of public information, nor decisions be made to eliminate information collection and dissemination programs solely for budgetary reasons. (NIP03-4)
That the Congress provide incentives to:
Establish an Advisor on Information Policy to the President. (NIP05-1)
That the President propose to the Congress changing the title of Department of Education to the Department of Education, Libraries and Information Services and restructure the Department accordingly by establishing an Assistant Secretary of Libraries and Information Services. (NIP05-2)
That the Congress enact legislation requiring library participation in appropriate governmental actions related to information technology. (NIP05-3)
That the Congress enact national information policies which shall include, but are not limited to:
That government, industry, and libraries work together to create a nationwide information infrastructure and ensure that all information users have free public access to that infrastructure through libraries. (NIP08-1)
That the United States adopt the policy that a fiber-optic transmission network or other comparable transmission technologies be extended to all homes and businesses, and work with other public and private entities to implement this policy. (NIP08-2)
That funding for Federal Depository Library programs be increased to ensure public access to all government information regardless of format. (NIP08-3)
That, recognizing its special relationship to Native American peoples, the federal government immediately begin a comprehensive program to collect, preserve, and make available documents relating to Native American history, emphasizing equitable access, including electronic formats. (NIP08-4)
That a White House Conference on Library and Information Services be held and fully funded at least every decade to:
That the Congress enact a Library and Information Services Act to carry forward the recommendations of this Conference and implement specific actions, including funding. (NIP10-2)
That the President and the Congress enact legislation to authorize and fund a program which:
That libraries be designated as educational agencies and that the President include -members of the library community in implementing America 2000, appointing them to serve on relevant task forces and advisory groups. Further, that the Department of education should designate a school library program officer to oversee research, planning, and adoption of the goals of Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs. the Department of Education shall seek categorical funding for school library media programs. (NIP12-1)
That federal assistance and support be established for special information centers in nonprofit institutions and public libraries in the areas of business, science, and technology to serve the Nation's business sector, particularly small businesses. (NIP14-1)
That the Congress designate federal libraries, archives, and information providers as "inherently governmental" functions, not subject to mandatory contracting out. Further, that the President instruct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to remove federal libraries from the list of commercial activities appropriate for contracting out. (NIP15-1)
High Conference interest in the potential of networking technology resulted in adoption of 16 recommendations.
Delegates expressed support for a comprehensive program for networking and electronic sharing of resources to make more information available to more Americans. Delegates indicated concern that new information technologies be developed, but developed under broad partnerships and uniform standards which support increased access to information for all users. Partners in building this nationwide information network should include federal, state, and local governments, all types of libraries and information centers, schools, and the private sector. Delegates recommend:
That the President and the Congress provide leadership and funding to develop a comprehensive plan for actions at the national, state, regional, and local levels to ensure workable and productive networking and sharing of library and information resources to benefit all people. (NET01-1)
That all people have access to community information and referral services. To that end, the federal government must encourage local libraries, (including public, academic, private, school, corporate, correctional, and other special libraries) to collaborate actively with all community service providers and agencies so that libraries will serve as full partners in community progress and planning. These local libraries should employ networks and other means of resource sharing to achieve the widest possible dissemination of information, including, but not limited to, jobs, careers, educational opportunities, health care, productivity, public affairs, and the economy. (NET02-1)
That establishing Friends of the Library groups be encouraged for all types of libraries as a matter of national library policy. In preparation for the Year 2000, we support President Bush's call for this type of volunteer effort. In addition, Friends groups should be established at state, territorial, and tribal community levels, and be coordinated with local and regional Friends groups. (NET04-1)
That sufficient funds be provided to assure that libraries continue to acquire, preserve, and disseminate those information resources needed for education and research in order for the United States to increase its productivity and stay competitive in the world marketplace. Thus, a local, state, regional, tribal and national commitment of financial resources for library services is an indispensable investment in the Nation's future. Government and library officials and representatives of the private sector must work together to raise sufficient funds to provide the necessary resources for the crucial contribution information services make to the national interest. The President and the Congress should fully support education and research by expanding and fully funding statutes related to information services, such as the Higher Education Act, Medical Library Assistance Act, Library Service and Construction Act (LSCA), College Library Technology Demonstration Grants, the National Research and Education Network (NREN), and other related statutes. Further, recommend amending Chapter 11 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act to allocate funds for networking school libraries. (NET05-1)
That the President and the Congress fund and support access to all types of materials and information resources (bibliographic/non-bibliographic, commercial, and noncommercial). Such access should be provided through the development of coordinated networks (electronic, human, organizational). Access for the end user should be addressed when establishing all networks and standards. (NET08-1)
That public and private partnerships at local, state, and national levels be greatly encouraged and expanded to enable all types of libraries and information providers to work together to support national literacy, productivity, and economic development efforts. All levels of the Nation's library community are urged to pursue public/private partnerships to help fund the initial investment in library networking. (NET10-1)
That librarians, other information specialists, and professional organizations recognize the long-term value to library users and themselves of a national network of libraries, assuring that all types of libraries are access points within the network and supporting use of the network. (NET11-1)
That libraries place a high priority on the sharing of resources with improved staffing, space, equipment, and document-delivery methods for inter-library loan to help meet the information needs of the people. Further, that the barriers which exist at the federal and state level that prevent resource sharing among all types of libraries - academic, public, school, and special - must be recognized and overcome. The concept of multi-type library systems must be endorsed as one acceptable model. (NET11-2)
That networks connecting small, rural, urban, and tribal libraries be developed and supported at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure basic library services to all end users. Equal opportunity to participate in our country's economic, political, and social life depends upon equal access to information. The federal government should provide additional funding, based on low-density populations, under the Library Services and Construction Act to address the networking needs of small and rural libraries. All rural and low-density population libraries should be provided with federal funds for a minimum of one access terminal on the National Research and Education Network. (NET12-1)
That to assure all students have equal access to the Nation's library and information resources, federal and state statutes should be enacted and/or revised, as well as adequately funded, to ensure that all school libraries participate in regional, state, and national networks, and in support of America 2000. Every America 2000 New American School should be networked to share information, resources, and ideas using a technologically advanced library media center as its information technology hub. (NET13-1)
That networking policies and programs should ensure system compatibility for the free interchange of information by:
That libraries be encouraged to become active communication ports for legal and government information. (NET16-1)
That the Law Library of the Library of Congress be designated by the Congress as the National Law Library, charged with assuming a leadership role in coordinating access to the literature of the law for the benefit of all library users. (NET16-2)
That appropriate federal agencies, in partnership with public and private organizations, develop unfform policies, standards, and guidelines for management, preservation, and access to government information in all print and electronic formats. (TEC02-1)
That the Congress enact legislation creating and funding the National Research and Education Network (NREN) to serve as an information "superhighway," allowing educational institutions, including libraries, to capitalize on the advantages of technology for resource sharing and the creation and exchange of information. The network should be available in all libraries and other information repositories at every level. The governance structure for NREN should include representation from all interested constituencies, including technical, user, and information provider components, as well as government, education at all levels, and libraries. (TEC06-1)
That the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science convene a forum of the library, education, and information communities, both public and private sectors, to develop a coordinated national research and development agenda for library and information technologies and a funding strategy. (TEC07-1)
Eleven recommendations propose to recognize and strengthen the structure and governance of the library's role in a revitalized educational system for all Americans. Proposals call for increased federal support for library programs and to foster library development, while retaining state and local control of the facilities. Delegates recommend:
That both the House of Representatives and the Senate establish a Library and Information Services Committee or subcommittee before the next session of Congress. (GOV01-2)
That a National Institute for Library and Information Services be established with a scope consistent with federal library legislation. (GOV01-3)
That Congress repeal the inventory tax on books. (GOV02-1)
That postal revenue foregone and special mailing rates be continued for libraries, including extra-state jurisdictions. (GOV02-2)
That the amount and share of federal funding for libraries be increased, while retaining state and local maintenance of provisions to make library and information services a centerpiece for the education revolution called for in America 2000. Further, that Library Services and Construction Act be forward funded. (GOV02-3)
That the Congress extend the impact formula from the Department of Defense budget to support public library services in areas serving military and other federal defense installations. (GOV02-4)
That adequate funding be provided to organizations which have national information missions, such as the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, National Agricultural Library, National Archives, National Technical Information Service, Government Printing Office, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and other appropriate federal agencies charged with information dissemination. (GOV05-2)
That the President and the Congress formally recognize all libraries as educational institutions for lifelong learning by specifically including libraries in all relevant legislation, regulations, and policy statements. This recognition will provide access to funding for adult learning and training, services to children, and efforts to eliminate illiteracy, while placing libraries in partnership with the bold America 2000 education initiative. The Congress should fund a basic level of services and facilities for public libraries. (GOV05-3)
That categorical funding be reestablished for school library media programs and resources. (GOV05-5)
That the authorization for the Library Services and Construction Act be fully forward funded as amended and signed by President Bush on March 15,1990. (GOV05-6)
That U.S. Department of Education funding resources and administrative responsibilities for Library Services and Construction Act Titles VI (Library Literacy Programs) and VIII (Family Learning Centers) be redirected and allocated to state library agencies. (GOV05-7)
Library and information services programs addressing the needs of children, non-readers, persons with disabilities, and diverse populations were of significant concern to the delegates.
Broad-reaching, inclusive programs to permit libraries to fully achieve their role in the educational process are included in this category - These programs would help all Americans - from preschool to the elderly and from all types of educational, economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds - to acquire and read the information they need. Delegates recommend:
That the President and the Congress adopt a four-pronged initiative to invigorate library and information services for student learning and literacy through legislation which would consist of:
School Library Services Title which would:
Public Library Children's Services Title which would provide funding support for:
Public Library Young Adult Services Title which would provide funding support for:
Partnership with Libraries for Youth Title which would provide funding support to:
That literacy for all people must be an ongoing national priority. Because of the crisis in the disadvantaged rural and urban minority community, particular emphasis should be directed to Native American, African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American, and other minority groups. Literacy initiatives should include the development of a national training model for aiding libraries in establishing, implementing and supporting literacy coalitions. To recognize the central role of libraries as providers of adult, youth, family, and work force literacy services, the Congress should amend the National Literacy Act of 1991. Policy and funding approaches should include:
That the President and the Congress ensure that all Americans have access to sufficient library and information services to enable them to participate meaningfully in the life of our country as citizens and voters, thereby strengthening our democracy, and as producers and consumers, thereby contributing to our economic success. Further, that the President and the Congress establish a National Coalition for Information Literacy to develop a strategic plan for the general development of information literacy skills. Such a coalition would include representatives of schools, libraries, government, labor and industry, parents, and the public at large. (SER05-1)
That the Congress enable all types of libraries to expand their role in human resource development by building on their present activities and providing resources which complement general education and skills training, facilitate employment preparation and career development, and assist individuals in developing their potential to contribute productively to the goals of the Nation. (SER06-1)
That the Congress enable libraries in our increasingly multicultural and diverse society to target relevant services and programs to the special/unique segments of their community populations, including those with disabilities. Libraries should serve as gateways for actively disseminating information to everyone in the U.S., its states, tribes, and territories, including those in remote areas, through both traditional and nontraditional methods and outlets. Services to reach individuals and families of traditionally underserved populations should be comparable to those services offered to traditional users of service-oriented public libraries. Coalitions should be encouraged among libraries and diverse community groups, government institutions, business, and health care providers. (SER07-1)
That the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of the Congress establish expanded service to persons who are print-handicapped, including national collections of books and related equipment to create a stronger resource for providing all borrowers with uniformly high quality service. (SER07-2)
That federal priority and economic support be given to establishing libraries as primary information sources for the under-served of the Nation, including these major elements:
Further, that the federal government pass legislation to provide funding for libraries to offer programs or serve as a resource in such diverse areas as intergenerational programming, literacy tutoring, parent training, family programs, young adult programming, and early-childhood programs such as Head Start, day care provider programs, homework hot lines, after-hours reference service, and summer enrichment, among others. (SER08-1)
That expanded funding for various lifelong learning programs is necessary for libraries to continue their leadership role in the educational process. For example, Jobs Training Partnership Act programs and guidelines should be expanded to foster collaboration between libraries and other training facilities. (TRA01-1)
That a Presidential Total Quality Management award, similar to the Malcolm Baldridge Award for business excellence, be established, funded, and administered through the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science to encourage continuous improvement, focus on user empowerment, high standards, statistical measures, and staff development and training. (TRA02-1)
That user-friendly technology be available to all citizens to enhance their lifelong learning efforts. (TRA03-2)
That universities and other educational institutions of higher learning have a responsibility to train their students in the use of libraries and other information services. (TRA04-1)
That grants be provided for innovative model training projects, dissemination of project evaluations, and replication of validated projects, including establishing a directory of validated projects available to libraries, especially small and rural libraries. (TRA06-1)
Four recommendations propose programs expanding professional and staff development and preparing more people in the library and information services field, especially those interested in working with underserved populations. Delegates recommend:
That the Division of Library Programs, U.S. Department of Education, fund an exploratory, cooperative study with American Library Association-accredited library schools to develop alternative delivery systems for graduate programs in library and information science for those individuals who are unserved or undeserved. Further, that the Congress establish and fund a National Library Corps so that no person is prevented from obtaining a library education because of a lack of financial means. The Corps would promote early recruitment, scholarships, zero percent interest loans, or loan forgiveness in exchange for employment in areas of critical needs. (The National Library Corps would not preclude the re-authorization and funding of Higher Education Act, Title 11-B, which provides fellowships for the education of professional librarians, including minorities, to serve in the Nation's libraries.) (PER01-1)
That federal funds targeted for graduate education in library and information science be made available to individuals whose educational skills and career plans will commit them to serve in geographical areas where shortages of trained personnel exist or where specific skills are needed. (PER01 -2)
That the federal government support continuing education in library and information science, staff development, and training by providing scholarships, grants, and loans for library staff at all levels. This would include funds for demonstration projects, such as distance learning, and be made available to individuals whose educational skills and career plans will commit them to serve in geographical areas where shortages of personnel exist, or where specific skills are needed. (PER02-1)
That funding agencies in the public and private sectors increase their support of fellowships and scholarships for minority library students and library and information professionals and, along with library schools, assume responsibility for the recruitment of culturally-diverse populations into the library and information service professions. Therefore, recommend that libraries and library services of historically black colleges and universities be adequately funded and strengthened to prepare for Workforce 2000 and that special funds be designated for the library and information programs at Atlanta University and North Carolina Central University, which are accredited by the American Library Association. (PER4-1)
Three recommendations support ensuring the nationwide preservation of information resources through implementation of preservation training programs, use of non-paper media, and development of new technologies and procedures. Delegates recommend:
That the Congress adopt a national policy to ensure the preservation of our information resources. The assessment of preservation needs should be clearly articulated, with adequate funding provided for policy implementation. This policy should include:
That states* be Provided with the resources necessary to preserve historical and cultural information held in their libraries, archives, and historical organizations. *The term "states" includes the American Indian Tribes, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.) (PRE02-1)
That the Summary Report of the White House Conference on Library and Information Services be published in permanent, durable form. (PRE03-1)
The Conference passed two recommendations to improve the marketing of library and information services, calling for an evaluative study on the impact of libraries in the communities they serve and the creation of a model library and information services marketing program. Delegates recommend:
That model programs be created to market libraries to their publics, emphasizing the library as a resource to meet educational, business, and personal needs. The models should promote all elements and components of the library community. The Congress also should appropriate funds to create the models for implementation on the local level. (MAR01-1)
That the President direct the De artment of Education to research and evaluate the impact p of libraries in their communities and assess community needs. A model should be developed for use by state and local governments to promote the effectiveness of libraries in enhancing the productivity of the American workforce. (MAR01-3)