Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Service in New York State


The Plan | Implementation | Latest News | Background | Selected Resources



future of libraries; child reading e-book

The Plan: 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 | Appendices


(NOTE: .PDF documents are available of the Recommendations by Theme [pdf icon 402k] and Sixty Recommendations [pdf icon 366k]; See also Priority Recommendations; Results of the 2012 NYLA Conference; The Future of Libraries -- Selected List of Resources)

Implementation

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Past Events

Wednesday, January 10, 2018: Assembly Committee on Libraries Public Hearing on Funding Public Libraries in New York State

On Tuesday, January 10, 2018, the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology held a public hearing in Albany. The primary intent of the hearing was for Committee members to learn more about the impact of the 2017/2018 State Budget on the New York State’s public libraries and library systems. The 2017/2018 State Budget included $24 million in capital funding for library construction and the allocation of $95.6 million in State aid for libraries and library systems.

Chair of the Assembly Committee Didi Barrett, Assembly Committee members Steven Otis and Yuh-Line Niou and Assembly member Patricia Fahy, heard prepared statements from 17 witnesses, describing how libraries and library systems across the State are collaborating and using technology to better leverage their resources in order to expand and sustain library services for all New Yorkers.  The Committee was also interested in learning more about the future funding needs of libraries and library systems, in particular the need for increased operating funds for New York’s 73 library systems – public library systems, school library systems and reference and research library resources councils and the estimated $1.7 billion need for public library construction and renovation.  Witnesses provided compelling local examples of such needs, while also emphasizing the positive impact on local communities of the increased State Aid for Library Construction capital funds and increased funding for library system operations. Witnesses also provided Assembly Committee members with ideas as to how the State of New York could further assist local communities, libraries, library systems and the New York State Library in improving library services for all New Yorkers.

Creating the Future:  Looking Beyond the 2020 Vision for Library Services in New York State; Friday, November 10 - 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.; Meeting Room 2A, Saratoga City Center, at the 2017 NYLA Conference in Saratoga. -- Creating the Future PowerPoint slide show PowerPoint icon [.pps format; 31 Meg]

2020 is just around the corner!  What comes after 2020 for New York’s libraries and library systems? The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, State Librarian Bernie Margolis and other library leaders hosted a preliminary discussion about next steps in creating a sustainable future for New York’s library services.

Speakers included Dr. Colleen Sadowski, Chair, Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC); Barbara K. Stripling, NYLA President; Sheryl Knab, Empire State Library Network (ESLN); Lauren Moore, Public Library System Directors Organization (PULISDO); Dr. Jennifer Cannell, School Library Systems Association, Inc. (SLSA); Timothy Gavin, Library Trustees Association of New York State (LTA); Jean Currie, LTA Executive Board member; and Mary Jean Jakubowski, RAC).

Library leaders shared their best thinking on how New York State might proceed to develop a new statewide vision and plan that will sustain and advance library services now and for the Next Generation (think 2030!).  The audience also weighed in.

This program was co-sponsored by the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, the New York State Library, the New York Library Association, the Library Trustees Association of New York State, the Public Library System Directors Organization (PULISDO), the School Library Systems Association, Inc. (SLSA) and the Empire State Library Network (ESLN).

Tuesday, December 13, 2016: Assembly Committee on Libraries Public Hearing on Funding Public Libraries in New York State

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology held a five-hour public hearing in Albany. The primary intent of the hearing was for Committee members to learn more about the impact of the 2016/2017 State Budget on the mission of New York State’s libraries and library systems in the 21st century. Chair of the Assembly Committee Thomas Abinanti and Assembly Committee member Steven Otis heard prepared statements from 21 witnesses, describing how libraries and library systems across the State are using innovation, collaboration and technology to better leverage their resources in order to expand and sustain library services for all New Yorkers. Witnesses also provided the Assembly Committee members with ideas as to how the State of New York could further assist local communities, libraries, library systems and the New York State Library in improving library services for all New Yorkers.

Friday, November 4, 2016, at the NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs: RAC Smackdown the IIIrd: New York’s Libraries are Innovation! -- RAC Smackdown PowerPoint slide show PowerPoint icon [.pps format; 31 Meg]; also in a text version.

At the 2016 NYLA Annual Conference, State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis and Claudia Depkin, Chair of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, woke NYLA members up with a smackdown! RAC Smackdown the IIIrd: New York’s Libraries are Innovation! was moderated by RAC members Claudia Depkin and Mary Jean Jakubowski and attended by over 60 members of New York’s library community. The fast-paced smackdown of five-minute presentations featured interesting and lively stories about the exciting and innovative stuff our New York State libraries and library systems are doing! RAC Smackdown the IIIrd presenters included:

  • Elaine Lasda Bergman, Dewey Graduate Library, University at Albany -- Student-Centered Reference
  • Brian Jennings, New City Library -- Rockland County Oral History Project
  • Geoffrey Kirkpatrick, Bethlehem Public Library -- Wi-Fi Outreach
  • Kate McCaffrey, Northern Onondaga Public Library -- Pop-Up Library
  • Jennifer Schlossberg, Tompkins County Public Library -- Baby’s First Library Card & Foster Child Policy
  • Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Mid-Hudson Library System -- Helping All Trustees Succeed (HATS)
  • Dr. Tim Horan, Hauppauge High School -- Library Writing Center
  • Julianne Wise, Rochester International Academy -- Makerspace & Autonomous Circ.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016: Board of Regents Cultural Education Committee Meeting in Albany

On April 19, 2016, Chairperson Claudia Depkin and several members of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries met with the Board of Regents Cultural Education Committee and Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia to discuss how New York’s libraries and library systems are Creating the Future.  Cultural Education Committee Chair Regent Roger Tilles, in the spirit of National Library Week, complimented the Council, the State Library and New York’s library community on the strides made during the past four years toward implementing the Council’s recommendations in Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan.  

State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis spoke about the upcoming 200th birthday celebration of the New York State Library, which will occur on April 21, 2018. Then, 15 of the 17 members of the Board of Regents heard presentations about three exciting and innovative collaborative library initiatives, illustrating the critical importance of library services for New Yorkers of all ages as well as the importance of local, regional and statewide partnerships.

Presenters included:

  • Julianne Wise, School Librarian, Rochester International Academy and three of her students, with Dr. Colleen Sadowski, Director of School Library System & Media Services, Rochester City School District
  • Brian M. Hildreth, Executive Director and Ken Behn, Assistant Director, Head of Information Technology, Southern Tier Library System (Painted Post), with Steven Manning, Director, Regional Information Center/Computer Services Center at the Greater Southern Tier BOCES.
  • Cristina Pope, Executive Director, Upstate Medical Center Library (Syracuse)

In addition to Regents Advisory Council Chairperson Claudia Depkin and members Steven Manning and Dr. Sadowski, Council members Emily Peterson, and Arlene Way also attended the Regents meeting.

The Report of the Regents Cultural Education Committee to The Board of Regentsexternal link; opens in a new window

A slideshow of the report and all three presentationsexternal link; opens in a new window [.PDF PDF icon]

Steven Manning, Brian Hildreth and Ken Behn with Commissioner Elia

Steven Manning, Brian Hildreth and Ken Behn with Commissioner Elia

Dr. Colleen Sadowski, Regent Norwood, Julianne Wise, students and interpreter from Rochester International Academy, Regent Tilles, Regent Brown and Commissioner Elia

Dr. Colleen Sadowski, Regent Norwood, Julianne Wise, students and interpreter from Rochester International Academy, Regent Tilles, Regent Brown and Commissioner Elia

RAC Member Sadowski’s gourmet cupcakes, shared with the Board of Regents and honored guests in celebration of the New York State Library‘s 198 Birthday. The State Legislature created the State Library on April 21, 1818

RAC Member Sadowski’s gourmet cupcakes, shared with the Board of Regents and honored guests in celebration of the New York State Library‘s 198 Birthday. The State Legislature created the State Library on April 21, 1818

Cristina Pope, Executive Director of Upstate Medical Center Library in Syracuse speaking about the Healthy Pet Project

Cristina Pope, Executive Director of Upstate Medical Center Library in Syracuse speaking about the Healthy Pet Project

 

Southern Tier Library System updating the Board of Regents on plans for delivering robust high-speed broadband to rural areas through public libraries

Southern Tier Library System updating the Board of Regents on plans for delivering robust high-speed broadband to rural areas through public libraries

Rochester International Academy‘s school librarian Julianne Wise and her award-winning students talk about the importance of school library services to student success

Rochester International Academy‘s school librarian Julianne Wise and her award-winning students talk about the importance of school library services to student success

Thursday, March 3, 2016: Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology Roundtable on “The Use of 21st Century Technology in Libraries”

On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology held its first Roundtable discussion in Albany. Hosted by Committee Chairman Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti, the Roundtable’s primary purpose was “to ensure that New York’s Libraries are receiving adequate technological support.”

Committee Chair Abinanti and Committee member Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino were joined by several expert witnesses from New York’s library community. This invitation only discussion forum was designed to examine how the State is currently supporting libraries’ use of 21st Century technology and what libraries and library systems currently need in order to fulfill the technological needs of New Yorkers of all ages.. The primary focus of this Roundtable was on the technology needs of public and academic libraries.

Friday, November 6, 2015: Assembly Committee on Libraries Public Hearing on Funding Public Libraries in New York State

On Friday, November 6, 2015, the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology held a four-hour public hearing at The New York Public Library’s Schwarzman Building in Manhattan. The primary intent of the hearing was for Committee members to learn more about the impact of the 2015-2016 State Budget on library services in New York State. Chair of the Assembly Committee Thomas Abinanti and Assembly Committee members Joseph S. Saladino, Steven Otis, and Michaelle C. Solages heard prepared statements from ten witnesses. The Assembly members were joined on the dais by Andrew L. King, New York City Councilman and Chair of the New York City Council’s Subcommittee on Libraries.

Friday, October 23, 2015, at the NYLA Conference in Lake Placid: Vision 2020 Smackdown II: New York’s Library Systems Foster Innovation -- Vision 2020 PowerPoint slide show PowerPoint icon [.ppsx format; 21.1 Meg]; also in .PDF PDF icon [7.8 Meg].

At the 2015 NYLA Annual Conference, State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis and Claudia Depkin, Chair of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, woke NYLA members up with a smackdown! Vision 2020 Smackdown II: New York’s Library Systems Foster Innovation was moderated by RAC members Mary Jean Jakubowski and Sara Kelly Johns and attended by over 100 members of New York’s library community. The fast-paced smackdown of 5 minute presentations demonstrated the many ways that New York State’s library systems are fostering innovation in our libraries and communities. The RAC "Smackdown II" presenters included Alicia Abdul, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Deborah Emerson, Mary Fellows, Erica Freudenberger, Margo Gustina & Brian Hildreth, Mary Jean Jakubowski, Sheryl Knab, Sue Kowalski, Joseph Patton, J’aime Pfeiffer, Sue Polos, and Judith Wines. Smackdown II demonstrated the many ways that New York’s libraries and library systems are "Creating the Future."

Presenters from the 2015 NYLA Session

Some of the RAC Smackdown presenters (Front row, l-r): Brian Hildreth, Margo Gustina, Judith Wines, Mary Fellows, Erica Freudenberger, and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich.

speakers at the 2015 NYLA 'Smackdown II'; names in caption above picture

Tuesday, October 22, 2015, at the NYLA Conference in Lake Placid: State Education Commissioner Elia's video message to New York State Library Association’s 125th Annual Conferenceexternal link; opens in a new window


Thursday, November 6, 2014, 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm, at the NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs: Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision Update: "The Future is Tomorrow!!" -- RAC Smackdown

Sponsor: The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, Library Trustees Association of New York State, the New York Library Association and the New York State Library/New York State Education Department -- An update on the implementation of Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Service in New York State.

More than 70 people attended this RAC Smackdown during the 2014 NYLA Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs.  Attendees heard from John Hammond, Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) Chairperson, Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education and Bernard A. Margolis, State Librarian. John Hammond provided a brief overview about the 2020 Vision and then introduced ten speakers who gave brief overviews of programs and initiatives targeted at implementing one or more of the sixty recommendations in the 2020 Vision.

Jeff Cannell and Bernie Margolis provided a brief wrap-up, recognizing and thanking the presenters for their exciting and innovative initiatives, and noting that their work today, along with the work of hundreds of other library leaders,  is helping to create a bright future for library services in New York State.  In addition to RAC member Claudia Depkin, of Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, who organized the program, other speakers included:

  • Karen Balsen, New York State Library
  • Jim Belair, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES SLS
  • Jen Cannell, Questar BOCES SLS
  • Deirdre Joyce, Central Library Resources Council
  • Sue Kowalski, Pine Grove Middle School
  • Susan Polos, Mt. Kisco Elementary School
  • Marcy Strong, University of Rochester
  • Patty Uttaro, Rochester Public Library
  • Kerri Willette, METRO

Speakers described exciting local, regional and statewide initiatives by all types of New York State libraries and library systems. Topics included public library early literacy and early learning programs; school library resource sharing and professional development services; academic and special library partnerships on new digital initiatives and much, much more.

See the PowerPoint describing these exciting projects, along with contact information for each of the presenters: PowerPoint slide show PowerPoint icon [.ppsx format; 27 Meg]; .PDF PDF icon [2.75 Meg].

Also: Why Ready to Read at New York Libraries? [.pps format; 18.2 Meg]; .PDF PDF icon [2.73 Meg] and Ready to Read at New York Libraries: an Early Childhood Public Library Staff Development Program [.pps format; 4.59 Meg]; .PDF PDF icon [1.09 Meg]; text of the presentation


Program Handouts

  • Creating the Future in Rochester & Monroe County; prepared by Patricia Uttaro, Director, Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System [.PDF PDF icon only; 238k]

    Speakers from the 2014 NYLA Session

    Front row L-R: Kerri Willett, Karen Balsen, Jim Belair, Sue Kowalski
    Back row L-R: Bernard Margolis, Marcy Strong, Claudia Depkin, Jen Cannell, Deirdre Joyce, Sue Polos, Jeff Cannell, Patti Uttaro

    speakers at the 2014 NYLA 'Smackdown'; names in caption above picture

  • Friday, September 27, 2013, 2:15-3:30 p.m., at the NYLA Conference in Niagara Falls:

    Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision Update. Sponsor: NYSED-NYSL Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, L.T.A. of N.Y.S., An update on Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Service in New York State.

    More than 100 people attended the update on Creating the Future implementation during the 2013 NYLA Annual Conference in Niagara Falls.   Attendees heard from John Hammond, Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) Chairperson and Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education.  John Hammond summarized the outcomes of the June 2013 RAC report to the Board of Regents Cultural Education Committee.  In addition RAC members, John Monahan, Mary Muller, and Bridget Quinn-Carey, who chair Creating the Future Implementation Working Groups, reported on progress to date. Sheryl Knab, Director, Western New York Library Resources Council updated attendees on the implementation status of the I2NY report recommendations, which are closely aligned with Creating the Future. Topics included school libraries, public library districts, services to youth and young adults, and academic libraries.  Deputy Commissioner Cannell wrapped up the event by discussing immediate next steps in making the recommendations in Creating the Future a reality.

    Images from the NYLA Session

    Fellows, Knab, Hammond at NYLA session; click on image to see a larger version
    Mary Fellows, Upper Hudson Library System; Sheryl Knab, Western New York Library Resources Council; John Hammond, RAC Chairperson
    OCE Deputy Commissioner Cannell at NYLA session; click on image to see a larger version
    OCE Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey W. Cannell addresses the session
    John Monahan, RAC member, at NYLA session; click on image to see a larger version
    John Monahan, RAC member
    audience at NYLA session; click on image to see a larger version
    audience at NYLA session

    In addition to copies of Creating the Future, program handouts included (in .PDF only, except as noted):
  • Report of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries to the Board of Regents, June 18, 2013.
  • May 4, 2013, 1:45 p.m., at the Library Trustees Association of New York State Trustee Instituteexternal link; opens in a new window in Buffalo: Creating the Future @ Your State Library. Speaker: Bernard A. Margolis, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian. The New York State Library plays a critical leadership role in creating a vibrant future for New York's 7,000 libraries. Our own State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis will provide an overview of the New York State Library and its statewide programs and services, as well as discussing future plans for the improvement of libraries and library services that every library trustee should be aware of.
  • RAC NYLA Conference Program: November 9, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Saratoga Springs, sponsored by NYSL, NYLA and LTA of NYS. A roundtable discussion / working session on Implementation.

    The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries presented a program during the 2012 NYLA Conference centered around Creating the Future implementation. Over 120 members of the library community attended this program. Attendees were separated into groups to discuss the plan's 60 recommendations by library type. Groups determined the following key recommendations, which will be given priority in implementation.


  • Mid-Hudson Library System 53rd Annual Meeting, October 19, 2012. The Annual Meeting hosted a panel discussion on the implementation of Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Services. An open discussion followed, providing attendees the opportunity to ask the panel questions regarding implementation. More about the meetingexternal link; opens in a new window
  • I2NY Summit: Monday, September 24 & Tuesday, September 25, 2012, Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs. Sponsored by the NY 3Rs Association, Inc. This was an interactive two-day learning and discussion event on meeting the needs and expectations of our constituencies through collaborations. More about I2NYexternal link; opens in a new window

Latest News

Click here to access the Creating the Future blogexternal link; opens in a new window, where you will stay up-to-date on library happenings and innovations that support the plan's implementation. This link will redirect you to the blog. There, you have the option to receive email notifications whenever a new post is created. Simply click on the "+ Follow" icon on the bottom right of your screen, type in your e-mail address, and click "Sign me up." We encourage you to sign up!

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Last Updated: September 23, 2019 -- sm