SHARE YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF NYS LIBRARIES

Albany, N.Y.--  New York State’s Regents Advisory Council for Libraries (RAC) is asking New York working families to tell them what library services they will need in their local communities by 2020. Libraries and library systems are being asked to engage their customers and the general public by August 5 in discussing and answering the question "What’s Your Vision for New York’s Libraries in 2020?" Input and ideas will help inform the development of state policies and a new statewide plan for library services. All comments, suggestions, insights, ideas and recommendations are welcome.

Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, New York State Education Department, encourages libraries and library systems of all types to actively engage their respective communities in this second and critical phase of information gathering about future library service needs for all New Yorkers.

CSEA represents tens of thousands of library employees in more than 77 library worksites throughout New York state.  A link to the brief survey is located on the right side of this page.

"I am asking that all types of libraries and library systems reach out into their communities and actively engage New Yorkers from all walks of life in this unique opportunity to discuss improving library services as we move toward 2020," said Cannell. "It’s important that library users and non-users alike identify what services they will want from their neighborhood, school, college or special library in the future."

The New York State Board of Regents has asked RAC to take a visionary look at the future of library services and to develop a set of innovative policy recommendations to improve library services to the people of New York State. Comments from the some 95 individuals and library and education organizations that responded in Phase One of the information gathering process are now posted on the RAC here. RAC encourages members of the library and education communities that were unable to participate during Phase One to send their thoughts on the ten questions posted on the RAC webpage by August 5.

Any questions about the RAC 2020 Vision Process and this second call for input may be sent to John Hammond, Chair, RAC 2020 Vision Planning Taskforce or to Bridget Quinn-Carey, Chair, Regents Advisory Council on Libraries.