NYLA Conference Spotlights Regents Commission On Library Services

Mills said that the Commission is about "plans, goals and vision, but also about action and implementation." He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in the planning process and urged librarians to seek connections with families, schools, colleges, museums, research institutions and all levels of government.

Commissioner Mills said that the Commission is charged to recommend remedies for problems caused by inequities in library service in New York State and to articulate a vision of library service for all New York's libraries. He said that a comprehensive plan for future development will strengthen requests for the resources needed to achieve a high standard of library service for all New Yorkers.

On the afternoon of October 29, Paul W. (Bill) Crumlish and Martin Gomez, Co-vice Chairs of the Regents Commission on Library Services, convened a forum for NYLA members to talk with Commission members about the work of the Regents Commission. More than 100 NYLA members were present to discuss the work of the Commission and offer advice and encouragement to Commission members. Representing the Commission were Co-vice chairs, Paul W. Crumlish and Martin Gomez, Commission members Sara Kelly Johns, John Hammond, Jerry Nichols, William Jefferson and Sandra Kennedy Bright. Also in attendance were ex officio members James C. Dawson, Chair of the Regents Cultural Education Committee, Carole F. Huxley, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, and Janet M. Welch, State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries.

Co-vice chair Martin Gomez stressed the need for the library community and other stakeholders to participate in the work of the Commission. Gomez asked participants to be proactive and responsive. Crumlish reminded the group that Commissioner Mills had, earlier that day, asked the Commission to seek fundamental solutions to underlying problems that are bold, but can be implemented.

A significant part of the program was devoted to comments and suggestions from the audience. Several participants spoke about issues of free direct access and advised the Commission to look at "the real underlying issue of funding." Another recurring theme involved library construction. Commission members were advised that technology is to no avail without buildings. Others took the opportunity to advise the Commission to take risks in developing innovative solutions. School library media specialists spoke out strongly about the need for a mandate for elementary school librarians and for more resources and recognition of the educational value of school libraries. Nancy Zimmerman, the new NYLA president, emphasized the importance of building partnerships among types of libraries and with other educational institutions. "Partnerships for Learning", Zimmerman pointed out, "will be a recurring theme for NYLA this year."

Please direct your comments and suggestions for the members of the Regents Commission on Library Services to: