Position on Public Libraries

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The Issue: 
Public Libraries
State or National: 
State
Position in Brief: 

Support a public library system as a basic community service with a long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding source.

Support access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed, active participation in a democratic society.

Details: 

Positions

  1. Increase recognition of the essential nature of public libraries in a democratic society:
    1. Provision of library services for and to all potential users.
    2. Provision of adequate hours of service including evening and weekend hours.
    3. Provision of library resources in keeping with new ideas and technological advances, with an easy-to-use retrieval system.
    4. Provision of adequate professional and non-professional paid staff.
  2. Promote measures to insure the efficiency and economy of library services:
    1. Consolidation of library functions or systems to achieve cost-effectiveness that would not adversely affect the quality of service.
    2. Continue the use of volunteers to supplement paid staff.
  3. Support the improvement of library facilities to increase accessibility.
  4. Support long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding for public libraries:
    1. Public libraries should be funded by the government.
    2. Encourage private contributions to augment library facilities and services.
Position History: 

Adopted 1998; Readopted at last convention.