Overview
The Division of Library Development (DLD), working in partnership with the 72 library systems across the state, brings cost-effective, modern library services to the millions of people who use New York’s 7,000 academic, public, school and special libraries.
Library Development is a major unit of the New York State Library. The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department and is headed by the State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries, Lauren Moore.
Charges and Initiatives
The Division of Library Development is a strong voice for library services at the local, state, and federal levels. Librarians, trustees, public officials, and community leaders depend on Library Development to help make library services and resources available to all communities.
In addition to providing statewide leadership and advisory services, Library Development staff administers over $100 million in State and Federal aid for library services and programs. They also work to help libraries take full advantage of federal and private funding programs like Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds and E-Rate Telecommunications Discounts.
The Division of Library Development works with communities and library systems on the chartering of new libraries. It also oversees the certification of public librarians for employment in NYS. Through annual reports, DLD collects and publishes data about the state’s 757 public libraries and 72 library systems. It also oversees statewide library initiatives in literacy, outreach, conservation and preservation, technology, and more. Library Development Specialists are experts in Education Law and Commissioner’s Regulations relating to libraries and library systems.