Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Service in New York State. Recommendations of the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries to the New York State Board of Regents
Author: New York State Education Department
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Reports - Descriptive
Subjects: Library Services,Library Administration,Library Development,Strategic Planning,Investment,School Libraries,Academic Libraries,Research Libraries,Special Libraries,Public Libraries,Library Networks,Governing Boards,Trustees,Information Technology,Sustainability,Library Automation,Change Strategies

In April 2010, the New York State Board of Regents challenged the library community to rethink the State's vast array of library services to ensure that they are aligned with modern expectations and the expanded functions needed in today's society, operate with improved efficiency, and are prepared for the future as an essential and vibrant part of the State's educational infrastructure. Working through the Regents Advisory Council, library users, trustees, and staff have spoken out with regard to their libraries, offering not only affirmation of the importance of libraries, but also numerous suggestions for progress and models of success. The Board of Regents is responsible for the general supervision of all educational activities within the State of New York. The Board of Regents charters public and association libraries, as well as Pre K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and cultural institutions, both public and private, which operate school, academic and special libraries as a critical component of their educational programs and services. The Board of Regents also oversees the New York State Library and the 73 library systems that tie these libraries and other special libraries--located in hospitals, courts, businesses, government agencies, prisons, and other public and private organizations--together into a robust statewide network of some 7,000 libraries. The Board of Regents must also articulate and promote a vision that inspires and promotes excellence in all the educational institutions within its purview. The primary purpose of this document is to provide the Board of Regents with a clear vision of what excellent libraries should look like and to offer models of success that may be emulated by libraries throughout New York. Specific Regents' policy suggestions that would move this vision forward are noted where appropriate. The Vision 2020 Recommendations call for a wide range of change, including initiatives to educate the public concerning the role and value of libraries, to meet the challenge of e-resources, to develop enhanced collaborations with other libraries and organizations, to support open content, and to oppose censorship. There are specific recommendations for the various library types (school, academic, public, and special) as well as for library systems and the New York State Library. This plan makes it clear that libraries--as educational institutions and community centers--are central to the well-being and economic development of the state. The hope is that this report to the Board of Regents makes clear that without increases in financial support, libraries cannot be sustained and continue to be responsive to the evolving needs of the state's residents.