The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services. To read an HTML version of this release,
please access the agency's Web site at:
http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/091306.shtm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2006
Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, [log in to unmask] or
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]
Institute of Museum and Library Services Receives Comments on Plan to
Consolidate Library Programs
Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
today released a summary of comments on its draft plan for consolidating
the functions of the National Commission on Libraries and Information
Science (NCLIS) and the public and state library surveys of the National
Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The plan, which would go into
effect in fiscal year 2008, results from President Bush's fiscal year
2007 budget request. The draft plan,
http://www.imls.gov/pdf/ConsolidationPlan_draft.pdf (PDF, 75KB), was
developed in consultation with key stakeholders including the
Federal-State Cooperative System and State Library Administrative Agency
survey steering committees, the Chief Officers of State Library
Agencies, national library service organizations, and IMLS's federal
partners.
In response to its public request for input on August 2, 2006, the
Institute received 25 comments. The majority were received from national
library and museum associations (including the steering committees) and
state librarians. Comments were also received from interested members of
the library community. The Institute also received a response from
NCLIS.
"We are grateful to everyone who participated in this process," said
IMLS Director Anne-Imelda M. Radice. "The quality and thoughtfulness of
the comments received are a testament to the importance of library data
collection and information policy. These comments will help inform the
development of a final plan that will be part of the President's FY 2008
budget request for the Institute of Museum and Library Services."
Summary:
Policy
Commenters called for a strong federal voice to address library and
information policy issues and inform the government's domestic and
international policy decisions. Commenters were in favor of legislative
language amending the Museum and Library Services Act to ensure that the
Institute's role would include advising the President and Congress on
library-related information policy issues. Some commenters recommended
that the plan articulate how the agency would develop an advisory
structure that would inform its policy agenda. Some highlighted the need
to include special constituencies, such as older adults, and types of
libraries, such as special libraries. Commenters noted the need for
frequent policy reports informed by relevant and timely data.
Surveys
The value of the data collections was repeatedly underscored. The
respondents urged the Institute to maintain the highest standards of
statistical integrity. Respondents appreciated the continued
relationship with the U. S. Census Bureau. Commenters also expressed
support for continuation of the voluntary federal-state cooperative and
steering committee systems that have evolved over a long period and the
annual training conference. Commenters valued a transparent and
responsive process to add and delete data elements.
The timeliness of the release of data was an issue of concern. Some
respondents recommended strategies to streamline the process to enable
quicker turnaround, such as an open source statistics database. Some
suggested fast-track surveys and sample surveys.
Commenters expressed enthusiasm for new product development as well as
better marketing of existing products. Respondents expressed interest in
continuing to have access to the data sets and historical documents
associated with the library survey program, and in the enhancement of
the functionality and design of Web sites.
Overall
Commenters expressed keen interest in seeing that the Institute receives
the budget, resources and legislative authority necessary to fully
engage in data collection and policy activities. Commenters strongly
supported the development of an organizational structure that would
ensure that these activities were carried out at the highest possible
level by expert staff.
Overall, commenters felt that combining data collection, policy, and
grant making in one agency would result in stronger federal support for
library data collection and information policy. A few cautioned that the
consolidation would compromise the independence of each function. One
fear was that grant awards would be tied to participation in data
collection activities.
The agency was also encouraged to address the need for museum data
collection as described in its report, "Museum Data Collection Report
and Analysis," May 2005.
Commenters applauded the Institute for the transparency of its process
and for the inclusion of a wide-ranging constituency in the consultation
process. In general, respondents seemed satisfied with the plan as a
road map for the transition, but some expressed an interest in seeing a
more detailed plan.
"IMLS is committed to providing information about the process, to
serving its constituencies, and to ensuring a smooth and seamless
transition," Radice added. "The Institute will continue to meet with key
stakeholders during the transition process and implementation and looks
forward to its new and enhanced role in advancing library and
information policy and serving the American public."
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of
Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for
the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to
grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners" because lifelong learning is
essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its
grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute
empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and
services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain
cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century skills, and increase civic
participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit:
http://www.imls.gov.
Eileen Maxwell
Public Affairs Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services 1800 M Street, NW 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-5802
202-653-4632
202-653-4600(fax)
[log in to unmask]
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