NYSHEI News

REGENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL ON LIBRARIES SEEKS INPUT ON NEW YORK DIGITAL COLLECTION INITIATIVE

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) is seeking input from the library, museum and archival communities by March 31 on a proposed new budget and legislative initiative for 2009-2010. This new funding initiative is called “The New York Digital Collection.” The goal is to create a statewide platform to promote the use of digital technologies to broaden and enhance access to our local, regional, and New York State cultural heritage institutions.

A draft discussion paper representing the thinking to date on the “New York Digital Collection Initiative” concept is now posted on the Regents Advisory Council website at
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/dgtlinit.htm. Please
visit the site, read the latest version of the discussion paper and share your ideas for strengthening the proposal.

Please send all ideas, comments, suggestions and questions in writing to Jill Hurst-Wahl, Regents Advisory Council member at NYSLRAC@mail.nysed.gov . If you would like to discuss the project with her in more detail, please send a message to this email address and she will contact you.

Members of RAC met with members of the State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) recently to discuss the possible inclusion of a broad range of cultural institutions, including archives, historical societies and museums. The draft discussion paper reflects the outcomes of that discussion.

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, established in 1894, advises the Board of Regents regarding library policy, works with the officers of the State Education Department in developing a comprehensive statewide library and information policy and makes recommendations to
the Regents concerning the implementation of the program. For more
information on the purpose and goals of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, visit http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/index.html .

Membership of the joint budget conference committees has been named.

These committees will work toward legislative reconciliation of small portions of the state budget. Note that this is a legislative exercise that does not include a role for the executive.

On Monday, March 17, 2008 David Paterson will take the oath of office to become 55th Governor of New York State.

“Having known Governor Paterson since his days in the State Senate, I can attest that he possesses a remarkable intellect coupled with a sense of humor and humility. Having worked in our state’s capital for nearly 18 years, I can attest that he is one of the finest, most decent, people to be found in Albany,” said NYSHEI Executive Director Jason Kramer

“On behalf of the public and private academic and research libraries of New York, I wish our new Governor success in leading our government, and restoring greatness in New York,” said Kramer.

New York politics are in tatters. In the past year a Governor and Comptroller have left office in shame. Both legislative leaders are operating under a shroud of allegations and accusations, and a Columbia University study demonstrates that at least one-in-five state legislators has broken the law, with offenses ranging from traffic violations such as drunk driving, to bribery, stalking, assault and others. Of course that count does not include the recent departures of state lawmakers who are actually serving prison sentences, nor does it include those who have been merely investigated at this point, or those who have committed acts inappropriate, but not criminal, such as those involving sexual relationships with interns and staff.

The resignation of Eliot Spitzer raises new challenges for ARIA, with much to depend on the willingness of Paterson to retain members of Spitzer’s staff, and his adoption or rejection of Spitzer’s policy priorities.

With this latest scandal ending, NYSHEI looks forward to again vigorously moving forward with an agenda of support for member institutions, and partnering with Governor Paterson to return New York to its rightful place as the “Empire State.”

State Librarian Janet Welch announced that she will retire this spring.

Ms. Welch was instrumental in the founding of NYSHEI and has remained a strong supporter.

In announcing her retirement, Welch wrote:
After much deliberation and reflection, I have decided to retire from
my position as State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries
this spring.

I will depart with a great sense of satisfaction over the progress and
achievements of the State Library and New Yorks library community
during my tenure. None of these would have been possible without the
cooperation and collaboration of many individuals and groups, including
the Regents, our loyal friends of libraries in the legislature, my
colleagues in the Education Department, State Library staff and library
leaders and organizations throughout the state.

All of NYSHEI wishes Janet the best in her retirement and thanks her for her years of hard work and leadership for all the libraries of the state.

Lloyd Constantine, senior adviser to Governor Spitzer and confirmed supporter of ARIA, is profiled by the Albany Times Union.

“Mr. Constantine has been a friend to NYSHEI and supporter of ARIA,” said NYSHEI Executive Director Jason Kramer. “In all of our dealing with him he as shown himself to be acutely aware of the value of academic libraries and candid in his support of ARIA’s goals.”