Recommendation 61
Establish House & Senate Committees or Sub-Committees on Library & Information Services
Number: GOV 1-2
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: No Progress
Committees of the 104th Congress were reorganized to streamline and eliminate duplication. In addition, several proposals to downsize government called for elimination of the Education and Commerce Departments. It seems unlikely that the House or Senate will establish committees or subcommittees on Library and Information Services in the near future.
Recommendation 62
Establish National Research Institute on Library and Information Services
Number: GOV 1-3
Responsibility: Congress, NCLIS
Implementation Status: Progress
The Office of Educational Research and Improvement's National Institute on Postsecondary Education, Libraries & Lifelong Learning funds a National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. Located at Harvard University, the Center seeks to improve the quality of research and development, disseminate information, and enhance professional leadership in the field of adult literacy. See also Recommendation #28.
Recommendation 63
Repeal Book Inventory Tax
Number: GOV 2-1
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: No Progress
There has been no progress towards implementing this Recommendation.
Recommendation 64
Continue Special Postal Rates
Number: GOV 1-3
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: No Progress
The library postal rate (fourth class) increased by nearly 70% effective January 1, 1995. The action followed the recommendations of the independent Postal Rate Commission. The chairman of the Postal Rate Commission wrote to the chairman of the U.S. Postal Service in June 1995 that correction of the library rate appears warranted. Some libraries that provide books-by-mail and delivery of reserved materials have contracted with private delivery services.
Recommendation 65
U.S. Postal Service to Modify Air Mail Rates for Territories and Commonwealths in Pacific and Caribbean
Number: PET 3
Responsibility: Congress, Postal Service
Implementation Status: No Progress
There has been no progress towards implementing this Recommendation.
Recommendation 66
Increase Library Allocation As Centerpiece in Education Initiative
Number: GOV 2-3
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 67
Extend Defense Department Impact Funds Formula to Support Libraries In Areas Serving Military & Federal Defense Installations
Number: GOV 2-4
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: No Progress
There has been no progress in implementing this Recommendation.
Recommendation 68
Support Adequate Funding for Agencies in Information Dissemination
Number: GOV 5-2
Responsibility: President, Congress, Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, National Agricultural Library, Government Printing Office, and National Commission on Library and Information Service.
Implementation Status: Progress
Following is a summary of appropriations: Library of Congress (includes receipt authority), FY 1994 - $331,864,000, FY 1995 - $323,200,000, FY 1996 - $352,399,000, FY 1997 - $361,896,000; National Agricultural Library, FY 1995 - $18 million, FY 1996 - $19 million, FY 1997 - $20.8 million; National Commission on Libraries and Information Services, FY 1995 - $901,000, FY 1996 - $829,000, FY 1997 - $897,000; National Library of Medicine (includes MLAA) FY 1995 - $127,997,000, FY 1996 - $141,439,000, FY 1997 - $ 150,828,000; and Superintendent of Documents, (Salaries and Expenses), FY 1995 - $32,207,000, FY 1996 - $30,307,000, and FY 1997 - $29,077,000. (Note: Congress denied $1 million for FY 1995, to distribute paper and CD-ROM copies of the 1994 U.S. Code to Depository Libraries.)
The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Council issued on May 31, 1996 a memorandum which says that Executive branch departments are not obligated to procure printing by or through GPO because federal printing laws are unconstitutional, but in the Fall, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget instructed agencies to continue using the capabilities and expertise of GPO. See also Recommendation #35.
Recommendation 69
Recognize Libraries As Partners in Lifelong Education
Number: GOV 5-3
Responsibility: President, Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
Public Law 104-134, FY 1996 appropriations, repeals and changes some elements of school reform established by the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Rescissions (Public Law 104-19) reduced the FY 1995 appropriation from $371.9 million to $361.9 million.
The Office of Education Research and Improvement's National Institute on Postsecondary Education, Libraries & Lifelong Learning has a National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. Located at Harvard University, the Center seeks to improve the quality of research and development, disseminate information, and enhance professional leadership in the field of adult literacy.
Recommendation 70
Reestablish Categorical Funding for School Libraries
Number: GOV 5-5
Responsibility: President, Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
Improving America's Schools Act reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Section 3602 authorizes the allocation of funds for the acquisition of school library media resources for use in elementary and secondary schools by students, library media specialists, and teachers. Two hundred ($200) million was authorized for FY 1995, but no funds were appropriated in FY 1995 or FY 1996. LSTA provides that school libraries can receive funds through state-based programs. See also Recommendations #2, #3, and #38.
Recommendation 71
Forward Fund LSCA Authorization
Number: GOV 5-6
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: Implemented
LSTA provides $136.4 million for FY 1997 and "such sums" for each year through 2002. See also Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 72
Redirect & Allocate LSCA Titles VI (Library Literacy Programs) and VIII (Family Learning Centers) to State Library Agencies
Number: GOV 5-7
Responsibility: Congress, Department of Education
Implementation Status: Progress
Appropriations for LSCA Title VI (Library Literacy Programs) were zeroed out in FY 1996. Literacy program providers were able to apply for state grants through Title I (Public Library Services). LSTA provides funds for functional literacy. See Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 73
Establish Statistical Model for Determining Impact/Needs
Number: SER 1-1
Responsibility: President, Congress, NCLIS, NCES
Implementation Status: Progress
Four percent of the LSTA funding is reserved for national activities, including research and demonstrations. See also Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 74
Adopt 4-Pronged Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy Initiative
Number: SER 2-1
Responsibility: President, Congress
This was the #1 Priority of the 1991 White House Conference.
Implementation Status: Progress
The Library Services and Technology Act (in P.L. 104-208, H.R. 3610) provides funds for functional literacy. See Recommendations #2 and #38.
Appropriations for LSCA Title VI (Library Literacy Programs) were zeroed out in FY 1996. Literacy program providers can apply for state grants through Title I (Public Library Services).
LSTA provides funds for functional literacy.
Headstart provides early childhood development, educational, social and other services to low-income pre-school children. Headstart emphasizes parental and community involvement. ESEA
Title I-B, Even Start, promotes achievement of National Education Goals and enables libraries to apply with LEAs for grants to coordinate and integrate local literacy resources. Funding for Title I-B was $102,024,000 during FY 1995 and FY 1996. See also Recommendations #28 and #75.
Recommendation 75
Emphasize Literacy Initiatives to Aid the Disadvantaged
Number: SER 3-1
Responsibility: President, Congress, State Legislatures
Implementation Status: Progress
The Library Services and Technology Act provides targeted library services to people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to people with limited functional literacy or information skills.
Appropriations for LSCA Title VI (Library Literacy Programs) were zeroed out in FY 1996. Literacy program providers were able to apply for grants through Title I (Public Library Services). LSCA has been replaced by LSTA.
ESEA Title I-B, Even Start, promotes achievement of National Education Goals and enables libraries to apply with LEAs for grants to coordinate and integrate local literacy resources. Funding for Title I-B was $102,024,000 during FY 1995 and FY 1996. See also Recommendations #2 and #3.
Recommendation 76
Establish National Coalition for Information Literacy
Number: SER 5-1
Responsibility: President, Congress
This Recommendation supports National Education Goal #5.
Implementation Status: Progress
The National Coalition for Literacy serves as the umbrella organization for the advancement of literacy in the United States. NCL was formed in 1981 by eleven national organizations concerned about the problem of adult literacy. Included among these organizations are the American Bar Association, the American Library Association, United Way of America, the National Governors Association, the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and the Library of Congress' Center for the Book.
The National Institute for Literacy has funded a National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center Intergenerational Learning and Libraries Program with HEADSTART and the Library of Congress' Center for the Book. See also Recommendations #28, #74 and #75.
Recommendation 77
Build on the Present with People-Oriented Services
Number: SER 6-1
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
The Library Services and Technology Act (in P.L. 104-208, H.R. 3610) seeks to stimulate excellence and promote access to learning and information in all types of libraries for all ages; promote library services that provide all users access to information through State, regional, national, and international library networks; and promote targeted library services to people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to people with limited functional literacy or information skills. See also Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 78
Peoples' Information Bill of Rights
Number: PET 5
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
In January 1996, the Council of the American Library Association approved a new Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights on Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks.
Recommendation 79
Target Special-Need Populations
Number: SER 7-1
Responsibility: Congress and Coalitions
Implementation Status: Progress
The Library Services and Technology Act (in P.L. 104-208, H.R. 3610) promotes targeted library services to people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to people with limited functional literacy or information skills. See also Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 80
Expand Services for Equitable Access by Print Handicapped
Number: SER 7-2
Responsibility: Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendations #6, #20, and #25.
Recommendation 81
Need for Appropriate Reading Materials and Programming for Children with Disabilities
Number: PET 1
Responsibility: Library of Congress' National Service for Blind & Handicapped
Implementation Status: Progress
The FY 1997 appropriation for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was $4 billion. Most of the funds are for basic grants that enable states to serve children with disabilities. See Recommendations #6, #20, and #28.
Recommendation 82
Adopt Proactive Policy for the Underaware, Underserved
Number: SER 8-1
Responsibility: President, Congress, Partnerships
Implementation Status: Progress
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (Commerce Department) issued in July 1995 a report, "Falling Through the Net: A Survey of the 'Have Nots in Rural and Urban America." The expands the concept of universal service by including computer and modem ownership along with telephony, across income, race, age, educational attainment, and geographic region. See also Recommendations #16 and #48.
Recommendation 83
Expand Support for Leadership in Lifelong Education
Number: TRA 1-1
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
The Office of Educational Research and Improvement's National Institute on Postsecondary Education, Libraries & Lifelong Learning has a National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. Located at Harvard University, the Center seeks to improve the quality of research and development, disseminate information, and enhance professional leadership in the field of adult literacy.
Recommendation 84
Establish Presidential Total Quality Management Award
Number: TRA 2-1
Responsibility: President, NCLIS
Implementation Status: Progress Editorial Note: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (Department of Commerce) manages the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in cooperation with the private sector.
Recommendation 85
Extend User-Friendly Technology to All Citizens
Number: TRA 4-1
Responsibility: Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Implementation Status: Progress
The Library Services and Technology Act (in P.L. 104-208, H.R. 3610) provides funds which extend technology to all citizens. See Recommendations #2, #16, #26, #34, #38, and #48.
Recommendation 86
Train Students in Use of Library and Information Services
Number: TRA 4-1
Responsibility: Universities & colleges
Implementation Status: Progress
The Library Services and Technology Act (in P.L. 104-208, H.R. 3610) replaces the Higher Education Act Title II-B. LSTA reserves 4% of the appropriation ($5.4 million) in FY 1997 for National Leadership Grants or contracts which can be used for: (1) the education and training of persons in library and information sciences; (2) research and demonstration projects related to improving libraries, education in library and information science, and enhancement of library services; (3) preservation of digitization of library materials and resources; and (4) model programs demonstrating cooperation between libraries and museums. See also Recommendations #2 and #38.
Recommendation 87
Provide Grants for Innovative Model Training Projects
Number: TRA 6-1
Responsibility: Departments of Education and Labor
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendation #86.
Recommendation 88
Study Alternative Approaches with Accredited Schools
Number: PER 1-1
Responsibility: Congress, Department of Education, and Library Profession
Implementation Status: Progress
The University of Michigan changed the name of the School of Library and Information Studies to the School of Information. Several graduate schools offer specialized tracks leading to one master's degree.
Recommendation 89
Target Graduate Education Funding to Aid Shortage Areas
Number: PER 1-2
Responsibility: Congress, Department of Education
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendation #86.
Recommendation 90
Provide Scholarships, Grants, and Loans at All Levels
Number: PER 2-1
Responsibility: Congress, Department of Education
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendation #86.
Recommendation 91
Increase Support to Attract Multicultural Professionals
Number: PER 4-1
Responsibility: Congress, Departments of Education and Labor, Public and Private Sectors, Library Schools.
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendation #86.
Recommendation 92
Adopt National Program for Information Preservation
Number: PRE 1-1
Responsibility: Congress
Implementation Status: Progress
Federal Depository Library Program (FLDP)--GPO Access--Among other things, the GPO Access Act (P.L. 103-40) requires the Government Printing Office to establish and operate an electronic storage facility for federal electronic information, to which on-line access is provided. Currently, GPO is transferring to that facility information from the on-line component of the GPO Access System. Through the FY 1996 Legislative Branch Appropriations (P.L. 104-53) Congress directed GPO to initiate a study to identify measures necessary for transition to a more electronic FDLP. GPO envisioned a mostly electronic program in two years, while ALA and others recommended a five- to seven- year transition period. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) expressed concern and GPO's March 1996 "Study to Identify Measures Necessary for a Successful Transition To a More Electronic Federal Depository Library Program" suggests enhanced cooperation between GPO and NARA.
Permanent Paper (P.L. 101-423) versus Recycled Paper (Executive Order #12873 of October 1993)-- Senator Pell supported the Permanent Paper Bill for the preservation of government records, while President Clinton issued E.O. 12873 mandating the use of recycled paper by government agencies. The conflict has yet to be resolved but the "Final Report to Congress on the Joint Resolution to Establish a National Policy on Permanent Papers" was sent to Congress in December 1995. Other actions--The Joint Committee on Printing is considering additional guidance to federal agencies on the use of groundwood-containing paper, and GPO has a selection of permanent papers that can be used by government agencies.
Copyright--S.1284/H.R. 2441 would have adapted the copyright law to the digital networked environment of the NII. Section 108 was an exemption for Libraries and the Visually Impaired, allowing preparation of three copies of works in digital format, and authorizing the making of a limited number of digital copies by libraries and archives for preservation purposes. See Recommendation #25.
National Film Preservation Act of 1992--The Act reauthorized the Library of Congress' National Film Preservation Board and mandated the preparation of a study "Redefining Film Preservation: A National Plan," which was published in August 1994. In FY 1996, the National Film Preservation Board was reauthorized by H.R. 1734 for seven years. The bill also created a nationally-chartered private National Film Preservation Foundation, which will be authorized for $250,000 from FY 2000 - FY 2003.
National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-41)--NMHP makes grants available for educational programs and the restoration of America's cultural resources to preserve America's endangered maritime heritage. Section 4b2Ai states that grants may be given for: "assistance to any maritime museum or historical society for existing and new educational programs, exhibits, educational activities, conservation, and interpretation of artifacts and collections."
Recommendation 93
Provide Necessary Resources for Preservation
Number: PRE 2-1
Responsibility: Congress, States, Territories
Implementation Status: Progress
Department of Defense (DoD)--Section 8114 of PL 103-335, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 1995, states that DoD shall establish and implement a master plan for all acquisitions of automated document conversion systems, equipment and technologies. This statement has possible government wide ramifications and preservation implications for the archiving of the data created.
National Historical Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470a) 1992 Amendments--Section 4008 provides for the development and implementation of a comprehensive preservation education and training program" part of which is for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians. Section 4008 jDiii states that the education and training program shall include "... support for research, analysis, conservation, curation, interpretation, and display related to preservation". Section 4022 creates the National Center for Preservation Training and Technology, among whose purposes are to develop and distribute preservation and conservation skills and technologies for the identification, evaluation, conservation, and interpretation of prehistoric and historic resources. The Center is administrated by the National Parks Service.
National Digital Library Program--LC's national digital library program will digitize 5 million documents and put them on the WWW by the year 2000. The project is expected to cost $60 million. Congress has pledged the first $15 million and LC is expected to raise the remaining amount from private funding. The project will include documents that are uniquely American, appeal to a wide audience of researchers, and are feasible to scan or key into files. One of NDLP's goals is to preserve fragile historical materials. LC issued a request for proposal on January 31, 1996 to digitize portions of its retrospective collection of 35 mm microfilm. The first contracts were awarded in August 1996.
Library Services and Technology Act--Preservation for the digitization of library materials and resources is authorized in section 262 (3). Preservation of museum materials is mentioned in sections 271 and 273. See Recommendation #38.
Funding Status of Existing Programs That Impact Preservation
National Endowment for the Arts--FY 1995 - $162 million, FY 1996 - $99 million. NEA has not been reauthorized and lives with the threat of being abolished.
National Endowment for the Humanities--FY 1995 - $172 million, FY 1996 - $110 million, and FY 1997 - $110 million, with $18 million designated for the Division of Preservation and Access. NEA has not been reauthorized and lives with the threat of being abolished.
The American Folklife Center--The Center was reauthorized in FY 1997 for two years and funded at $928,800 (P.L. 104-197).
Institute of Museum Services--FY 1995 - $29 million, FY 1996 - $21 million, and FY 1997 - 22 million. IMS was reauthorized and recreated as the Institute of Museum and Library Services. (See also Recommendation # 38)
National Trust for Historical Preservation--FY 1995 - $7 million, FY 1996 - $3.5 million, and FY 1997 - $3.5 million with an additional $400,000 for tornado relief.
National Historical Publications and Records Commission --FY 1995 - $9 million, FY 1996 - $5 million, and FY 1997- $5 million. P.L. 104-274, S.1557 reauthorizes the Commission for four years.
Recommendation 94
Publish White House Conference Summary Report in Durable, Permanent Paper Form
Number: PRE 3-1
Responsibility: NCLIS
Implementation Status:Implemented
NCLIS published the Conference report in 1992.
Recommendation 95
Create Model Library Marketing Programs
Number: MAR 01-1
Responsibility: Congress, NCLIS
Implementation Status: No Progress
There has been no progress in implementing this Recommendation.
Recommendation 96
Evaluate and Develop Model Assessment
Number: MAR 1-3
Responsibility: President, Department of Education, NCES, NCLIS
Implementation Status: Progress
See Recommendation #86.