February 22, 2010
How New York State Legislators Can Help Academic Libraries
ACRL/NY is the local chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries for the greater New York metropolitan area. Our chapter is divided into three geographic sections to address local needs: New York City, Long Island, and Westchester/Lower Hudson Valley.
Our Mission:
ACRL/NY is dedicated to improving library services, encouraging the exchange of ideas and information, providing networking opportunities for librarians and seeking greater cooperation among academic and research libraries. ACRL/NY promotes professional standards, mentors librarians, and enhances professional development through a variety of educational programs. The Chapter encourages local participation in national issues relating to academic and research libraries. One way in which we try to achieve these goals is through our annual ACRL/NY Annual Symposium. We publish an Events & Jobs blog (http://acrlny.blogspot.com/) and a quarterly newsletter (http://acrlny.wordpress.com/), organize activities geared toward the geographic sections, oversee discussion groups, and host programs, events, and workshops.
Academic Libraries in New York
The academic library is often called “the heart of the campus.” Consider that ACRL/NY members represent thirty-eight academic libraries located throughout New York City’s five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley. Our membership ranges from the small community college to the large research institutions, both public and private. Our patrons, and their families, are likely to be your constituents—and that translates into hundreds of thousands of voters. While the particular needs of our individual libraries might vary, fundamentally we are united in our endeavor to provide the finest service to our users, to address the information needs of our patrons and to ensure that our students maintain a high level of information literacy skills that are necessary in this ever-increasing digital age.
Libraries are doing their part to ensure that all our community members have access to the many benefits of academic library services. But, we need your support!
How Our Legislators Can Help
Stable, generous funding levels for library services are absolutely critical for meeting the ongoing needs of our communities, particularly in this difficult economic time. ACRL/NY urges you to continue to strengthen, protect and support all programs related to our libraries.
As stated on the New York Libraries Association (NYLA) website, “Library Aid was reduced by $3 million in 2008 and $12 million in 2009 despite library usage increasing by double digits and library services becoming an essential tool to economic recovery for the unemployed and economically disadvantaged. The Governor’s proposed 2010/2011 State Budget calls for the fifth reduction in Library Aid of $2.4 million that would bring funding below 1998 levels. The combined cuts total $18 million or 18% over 3 years.”
We cannot afford any additional cuts to libraries and library-related services. Our communities are depending on us.
Caroline Fuchs
Legislative Liaison, ACRL/NY
