New York Library Initiative

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The New York Vision for Libraries


PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS PROVIDE Public Library Systems provide a wide range of direct support services to public libraries and neighborhood branches, enabling them to serve their communities better. A sampling of the many services offered by public library systems to their member libraries include — Operation of computer networks for managing circulation and access to online catalogs of resources, reference requests, interlibrary loan, electronic databases and access to the Internet. A program of free direct access to resources and services of all system member libraries. Support for the latest technologies and telecommunication services including the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVELNY), Internet and full-text electronic journals, newspapers and e-books. Support for a central library that provides extended public hours and a strong research and reference collection. Interlibrary loan, daily delivery and other resource sharing services. Programs that assist local communities without libraries to obtain library services. Creating and maintaining web sites for the system and member libraries. Outreach and literacy services for individuals and groups in need of services such as job and educational information, educational programs, adaptations for people who are disabled, aged, incarcerated or residing in institutions. Access to books and print library materials in large print and non-print formats; assistance with registration and service from the NYS Talking Book & Braille Library (Upstate); The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library or the Long Island Talking Book Library (NYC and Long Island). Staff expertise in areas such as library law, library budgeting and management, technology, collection development, youth services and outreach. Professional development and training for library staff and trustees. Annual statewide summer reading programs in coordination with the New York State Library. Cooperative grants administration and grant writing assistance. Marketing, public relations and printing services. Centralized purchasing, ordering and processing of library materials. Government documents depository. FACTS ABOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS Serve over 19 million people statewide. Serve 755 public libraries. Serve 313 library branches. Operate 144 bookmobiles, reading centers and other community outlets extending services to people in correctional facilities, nursing homes and urban and rural areas. Facilitate more than 3 million interlibrary loan and resource sharing requests annually. Provide access to NOVELNY, other electronic information databases and e-books. Provide professional development and training opportunities for library staff and trustees. Connect with the New York State Library, school library systems, reference and research library resources councils, and school, academic and special libraries for access to specialized resources. For every $1 in state funding at the system, library systems generate $13 in services for the public. Libraries serve 75% of New York’s households; 52% of New Yorkers have library cards. Libraries are a $1.6 billion industry in New York generating another $3 billion in economic activity.

	School Library Materials Aid	Summer Reading Program

The New York Library Initiative is a legislative proposal of the Office of Cultural Education (OCE), a unit of the New York State Education Department. OCE is home to the NYS Archives, NYS Library, NYS Museum, and the NYS Office of Educational Television and Public Broadcasting.