We are dubbing this Phone-a-Thon week!
A double dose of library advocacy is called for as we find ourselves activated on two fronts: Library funding at both the state and national level is under fire and NOW is the time to keep the pressure on both our New York State Senators and Assemblypeople and our national representatives in Washington D.C.
New York State:
Please take 10 minutes out of your week to call your New York State Senator and Assemblyperson to urge them to fight for an increase to library aid right up until the end of budget negotiations in Albany. We need all hands on deck! It's a tough year for libraries given a proposed cut in the Governor's budget and even though both the Senate and Assembly have proposed to undo the cut that does not mean it will happen unless everyone pulls together for libraries.
- Not sure what to say? Visit NYLA.org for a script!
New Siena Research Poll Results Now Available:
Recent research confirms: There is near-unanimous opposition to Governor Cuomo's proposed cuts to library aid:
- 90% of New Yorkers favor increased state library funding;
- 92% of respondents indicate that public library services are an important part of their local education infrastructure;
- Nearly 80% of respondents indicate that this free access to broadband internet is important in their community.
National:
The President's proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) funds will have a devastating impact on the New York State Library infrastructure. And you might be able to do something about it if you act by April 3rd!
#SaveIMLS
LSTA funding for NYS has averaged $8 million per year
over the past five years.
LSTA funds and mandated State matching funds support almost all of the statewide programs and services of the State Library entirely, or in part.
LSTA now represents 43% of the State Library's operating revenues. Some 55 FTEs are supported with LSTA funds, more than half of the State Library staff. All but 2 of the 16 positions in the Division of Library Development are supported with federal LSTA funds.
Put in context, the elimination of these federal funds would decimate the State Library, an organization that over the past decade has already suffered the loss of $7 million in State funds, $1.5 million in federal LSTA funds and 75 staff positions (from 178 to 103 FTE). As the State of New York reduced State funding for the State Library, LSTA funds helped, in part to sustain critical statewide library programs and services.
LSTA funds currently support:
- New York Online Virtual Library (entirely LSTA)
- Summer Reading at New York Libraries (in large part)
- Ready to Read at New York Libraries (in large part)
- Statewide Library Data Collection and Data Dissemination
- Statewide Support for a Skilled Library Workforce and Library Trustees (e.g. WebJunction, Public Librarian Certification, Trustee Education, Webinars)
- Statewide Services and Programs from the Division of Library Development such as staff support and technical assistance
- State Library Websites and social media tools for use by the public and the library community
- Research Library Services such as ILL, Digitization Initiatives, History and Genealogy Services, Public programs and exhibits
The elimination of the IMLS and LSTA funds would forever alter the face of library service in New York State. Please speak up. ALA's Online Advocacy Center provides you with all the tools you need!
Their system will provide you with editable, pre-drafted messages that will be automatically delivered to your representatives.
Please act now, actions by April 3rd might make the difference:
