LibrariesIllinois State Library Guiding Principles for Illinois Libraries Libraries are in transition from being only place-bound warehouses of library materials to also serving as facilitators of access to information, without regard to location. Librarians need to encourage people of all ages to enjoy the pleasures and to understand the necessity of reading. There is a general awareness of the value of information and its potential to empower the individual. Libraries create equal information opportunities, enabling every citizen in Illinois, whether urban or rural, to realize their right to access information. Libraries have a commitment to inform and educate the public, and libraries help people make informed decisions.
Librarians are the primary guides to information resources and facilitators for their use.
The exponential growth in information underscores the importance of the use of technological advances in addressing users' patrons' needs. Although opportune use of new technologies is a key mechanism for improving information access, knowledgeable and enthusiastic library personnel are essential to timely and accurate information retrieval. Networking is a cost-effective means of delivering information to citizens of Illinois by using library resources throughout the state and beyond. Technology is key to effective networking, including, but not limited to, machine-readable bibliographic records and enhanced telecommunications links among libraries and has facilitated linkage to worldwide information sources. Partnerships provide resources that extend impact far beyond any member's financial means.