The Honorable Sheldon Silver
Speaker of the Assembly
State Capitol, Room 346
Albany, NY 12248

Dear Speaker Silver:

In a year in which our state and our nation have been attacked by those who oppose the freedoms we hold so dear, I am especially proud to present you with the 2001 Annual Report of the Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology. As you well know, libraries serve as the ultimate resource of information essential to the maintenance of a free and open society. They also serve as community centers and provide informal education opportunities from cradle to grave.

After the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, libraries in New York rushed to provide information on the disaster. They opened their doors and gave parents a place to shield their children from the terrifying images on the television. They set up emergency web sites where anguished friends and family members could obtain up-to-the minute information. They assembled displays of books and videos on Islam to educate a curious public. They did what libraries do best: they provided to the people in their communities the tools necessary to answer their questions.

The Libraries and Education Technology Committee spent the last year working to enable New York's libraries to assist the public in challenging times as well as ordinary activities. We continue to improve funding for library services, and broaden access across the state. We also worked to improve school libraries, enhance our students' information-gathering skills, and improve information technology skills to help bridge the digital divide.

In conjunction with the Education and Children and Families Committees, we gathered information about the importance of early childhood education in a series of hearings and roundtables. The value of reaching out to the parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers was made clear in testimony by doctors and teachers, librarians and day care providers. In the upcoming session we hope, with your support, to move forward in developing programs specifically designed to prepare our newest New Yorkers to be productive citizens as they mature.

The Libraries Committee also joined forces with the Education Committee and the Corporation, Authorities and Commissions Committee to present the 2001 Education Technology Conference. This day-long event provided educators from across the state with an opportunity to attend seminars about and presentations of the latest in technological education tools. Plans are now underway for the 2002 conference.

The Committee continued to promote visibility of libraries among lawmakers and citizens, by placing library photos on display in the Empire State Plaza Concourse. The photos, showing library buildings from around the state, were displayed in conjunction with the New York Library Association's annual legislative day.

Despite the efforts of the Assembly Majority, library funding was not increased this year. The Assembly budget proposal would have secured much needed increases in funding for library construction, technological advances, services to the visually and physically handicapped and other important library programs. The Assembly proposal would also have created a new initiative, "Baby Steps," which would have funded grants for early childhood education. Sadly, the Assembly's proposals were not matched by the Executive nor the Senate.

Despite the challenges of the last year, the members of the Libraries and Education Technology Committee and I are proud of the Assembly's continued commitment to the libraries of New York State. We look forward to working closely with you in the 2002 legislative session. Under your leadership we expect to see continued success in helping New York's libraries remain pillars of our democratic system.

Sincerely,

Naomi C. Matusow, Chair
Assembly Committee on
Libraries and Education
Technology

2001 ANNUAL REPORT

STANDING COMMITTEE ON LIBRARIES
AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

NAOMI C. MATUSOW, CHAIR

Committee Members

Majority

Susan John
Peter Rivera
Joan L. Millman
Joseph Morelle
David Koon
Patricia Eddington

Minority

Robert Barra,
Ranking Minority Member
Howard D. Mills, III

Staff

Sabrina M. Ty, Principal Legislative Coordinator
Mara Elliott, Legislative Associate
Patricia Gorman, Associate Counsel
Michael Ridley, Committee Clerk
Laura Inglis, Program and Counsel Executive Secretary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDIX A: 2001 SUMMARY SHEET

APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARINGS

APPENDIX C: PUBLIC MEETINGS

APPENDIX D: CHAPTERS OF 2001

I. COMMITTEE JURISDICTION

The Libraries and Educational Technology Committee develops and reviews legislation which enables New York's libraries to meet the challenges of the information age. Today's explosion in information technology has placed new demands on libraries. As libraries are called upon to play an expanding role in educating New Yorkers, it is imperative that they receive the attention and support they require to meet these new challenges. The work done by the Committee assists libraries in sustaining the infrastructure and staff resources necessary to allow all New Yorkers access to technological advances available through New York's vast library community.

The Libraries and Education Technology Committee has jurisdiction over the legislation introduced concerning the many issues affecting both public and private libraries. New York's libraries represent an invaluable educational and cultural resource for the State and its citizens. New York State has over 7,000 libraries which serve our citizens in a myriad of ways. They provide support for students, teachers, researchers, readers, job seekers, entrepreneurs and many others who need assistance in finding and using information.

The Committee, created in 1997 under the leadership of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, handles legislation affecting the administration and funding of libraries across New York State. Many of these institutions are among the largest and the best in the United States. Of the forty largest libraries in the United States, six are located in New York, more than in any other state. New York's largest library, the New York Public Library, contains over ten million volumes and is among the top research institutions in the world.

II. PROVIDING LIBRARIES WITH NECESSARY RESOURCES

The New York State Assembly has long supported libraries and the educational, cultural and economic roles they play in their communities. The Assembly Majority is committed to providing libraries with the resources needed to serve all our state's citizens. Providing these resources requires a well-focused policy commitment as well as significant state financial support.

The Assembly has made increased funding for New York's libraries a priority. To meet the funding needs of New York libraries, Chapter 917 of 1990 was enacted, establishing an appropriation which was designed to provide sufficient funding for both library systems and individual libraries. The 2001-2002 budget approved by the Legislature included $88.9 million in funds for Chapter 917 programs. The Assembly proposals to augment state funding for libraries by an additional $27.7 million were not accepted by the Executive or Senate. Negotiations to add monies for libraries were halted by the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

The Libraries and Education Technology Committee also considered legislation which was designed to increase library funding.

A. New Century Libraries Act

A.7349, Matusow This bill would create ten new library aid programs and augment existing aid programs. Among the new initiatives is the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL) program, designed to provide statewide access to electronic library services through the local library and at home. The bill aims to strengthen all types of library service throughout the state. This bill was reported to the Ways and Means Committee.

B. Revolving Loan Fund

A. 9021, Matusow This legislation would create a revolving loan fund for libraries, enabling them to fund needed capital construction. Loans would be awarded to eligible libraries and be repaid at low interest. Eligible projects would expand space for library services and increase access for the handicapped. This bill passed the Assembly and died in the Senate.

C. Friends of Libraries Week

A.5926, Matusow This bill would create an annual "Friends of Libraries Week" designed to highlight the significant contributions made by Friends of Libraries organizations throughout the state. This bill passed the Assembly but died in the Senate.

D. Elementary School Library Grant Program

A.2107, Matusow This bill would create a grant program to assist elementary school libraries in improving library service to our youngest students. The grant program would provide one-time awards to needy schools through a competitive process. This bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

E. Aid to the Rochester Public Library

A.2106 A, Morelle This bill would provide an additional $50,000 in annual funding to the Rochester Public Library. This bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

F. Aid to Merged Library Systems

A.988, Luster This bill would provide supplemental financial assistance to library systems which merge. Currently, library systems which merge receive less state aid as a new, single system than the individual systems would have received. This bill passed the Assembly and died in the Senate.

G. Emancipation Proclamation

A. 5552, Colman This bill would appropriate $250,000 to the New York State Library to facilitate construction of a permanent display of New York's copy of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. This bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

H. Library Scholarships

A. 989, Luster This bill would provide funding for scholarships for library students willing to serve in school, public or academic libraries in New York State after graduation. This bill was referred to the Codes Committee.

I. Alternate Voting Dates

A.1640, Luster This legislation would allow library boards to choose an alternate date for voting to increase the operating budget of the library. The voting dates required by law currently come after budgets are crafted, thus requiring budget drafters to assume revenues. Alternate dates would allow voter approved increases to be reflected in new budgets. This bill was reported to the Ways and Means Committee.

III. IMPROVING AND EXPANDING NEW YORK STATE LIBRARIES

New Yorkers are blessed with one of the richest assortment of library resources in the nation. New York has 23 public library systems, 741 chartered public or association libraries, 9 reference and research libraries and numerous specialized libraries. Over 1400 school libraries are located in elementary and secondary schools. From the New York Public Library, nationally recognized as one of the top research libraries in the world, to the smallest community-based book exchange, libraries play an important role in the lives of New Yorkers.

The Assembly Libraries and Education Technology Committee considered a variety of legislation designed to expand and improve libraries throughout New York State.

A. Southern Tier Library System Lease

A. 2829, Bacalles; Chapter 30 of the Laws of 2001 This new law authorizes the Steuben-Allegany BOCES to enter into a lease with the Southern Tier Library System for a term exceeding 5 years.

B. Sayville Dormitory Authority Financing

A. 3382, Levy; Chapter 435 of the Laws of 2001 This new law will allow the Sayville Library to utilize financing and construction services at the Dormitory Authority.

C. Thrall Public Library District

A. 5678, Gunther; Chapter 13 of the Laws of 2001 This new law amends Chapter 398 of the Laws of 200 to clarify referenda dates, trustee responsibilities, asset transfers and district boundaries for the Thrall Public Library Distinct of Middletown and Wallkill.

D. Harborfields Dormitory Authority Financing

A. 6229, Flanagan; Chapter 491 of the Laws of 2001 This new law will allow the Harborfields Public Library to utilize financing and construction services at the Dormitory Authority.

E. Library Districts in the Town of Hyde Park

A. 6607 A, Miller; Chapter 97 of the Laws of 2001 This new law authorizes two referenda in the Town of Hyde Park, creating two library districts serving the Village of Hyde Park and the hamlet of Stattsburg.

F. South Lynbrook-Hewlitt Library Taxing District

A. 6696 A, Barra; Chapter 267 of the Laws of 2001 This new law will authorize a referendum in the Town of Hempstead to create a taxing district for library purposes.

G. Howland Dormitory Authority Financing

A. 6699, Kirwan; Chapter 493 of the Laws of 2001 This new law will allow the Howland Public Library to utilize the construction and financing services of the Dormitory Authority.

H. Bay Park Library Funding District

A. 6785 A, Weisenberg; Chapter 268 of the Laws of 2001 This new law amends Chapter 216 of the Laws of 1998 to stipulate payment for election inspectors.

I. Esopus Public Library District

A. 7265, Kirwan; Chapter 497 of the Laws of 2001 This new law amends Chapter 43 of the Laws of 1994 to change the voting date and trustee terms for the Esopus Public Library District.

J. Smithtown Special Library District

A. 7750 A, Wertz; Chapter 193 of the Laws of 2001 This new law authorizes a referendum to create a public library district serving the Town of Smithtown.

K. Patchogue-Medford Dormitory Authority Financing

A. 8508, Rules (at the request of MOA Eddington); Chapter 544 of the Laws of 2001 This new law will allow the Patchogue- Medford Library to utilize the financing and construction services of the Dormitory Authority.

L. Hurley Library District

A. 8617, Rules (at the request of MOA Cahill); Chapter 361 of the Laws of 2001 This new law authorizes a referendum to create a public library district serving the Town of Hurley.

M. Clifton Park Library District

A. 8866 B, Rules (at the request of MOA Prentiss); Chapter 370 of the Laws of 2001 This new law authorizes a referendum to increase the Clifton Park Library District to include the Town of Halfmoon.

N. Carle Place Library Funding District

A. 8876 A, Rules (at the request of MOA O'Connell); Chapter 457 of the Laws of 2001 This new law authorizes a referendum to create a library funding district for the community of Carle Place in the Town of North Hempstead.

APPENDIX A

SUMMARY OF ACTION ON ALL BILLS REFERRED
TO COMMITTEE ON LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

APPENDIX B

PUBLIC HEARING

This year the Libraries and Education Technology Committee, in conjunction with the Education Committee and the Committee on Children and Families, held two hearings to gather information about early childhood education. The hearings, held June 5th in Albany and June 15th in New York City, drew a wide variety of participants.

Research into brain development has revealed the importance of early stimulation for enhanced lifelong neural capacity. Children raised in stimulating environments develop a capacity for learning that lasts throughout their lives. Conversely, children whose early education is neglected suffer a diminished ability to learn.

Witnesses at the Assembly hearings represented many of the groups who interact with young children and their caregivers. Librarians, day care providers, doctors and child development specialists all spoke about the importance of giving young children a solid foundation of learning and social skills.

Many of those who testified spoke about the need to inform the public about the value of early childhood education. The importance of a parent as the first and frequently the best teacher for their children was raised. Efforts to educate parents about the simple steps needed to encourage a child's brain development were discussed.

Participants also talked about the need to coordinate efforts made by the many professionals who interact with young children and their parents. While many programs are created to work with babies and toddlers, they are too often independent of each other. Monies to fund these programs are frequently given in grants, and the need for continuing, reliable funding was mentioned by many of the testifiers.

APPENDIX C

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Baby Steps

The 2001 - 2002 Assembly Budget Proposal included $1 million dollars in support of the "Baby Steps" program, designed to help libraries reach young children and their parents with information and tools to facilitate early education. The Libraries and Education Technology Committee held two roundtable meetings to obtain feedback from the library and child care communities as to the best structure for the "Baby Steps" initiative.

The roundtables, entitled "Libraries, Literacy and Little Ones," were held on April 27th in White Plains and July 12th in Rochester. Each brought together a large group of potential "Baby Step" grant recipients. In extended open discussion, the participants discussed the importance of early education, the challenges their programs face today, and the ways in which the Assembly proposal could be shaped to best serve the needs of babies, toddlers and their care givers.

The "Baby Steps" proposal would provide competitive grants to libraries or library systems which develop programs to reach out to parents to educate them how to give children a good, early start. The program, administered by the State Library, would direct funds to areas of economic need in order to encourage early education efforts around the state. Programs developed with "Baby Steps" funds would become models for non-participating libraries.

The roundtable participants represented a full spectrum of those interested in early childhood education. Librarians, doctors, child care providers, visiting nurses, child development specialists and others contributed ideas and recommendations to the Committee about the needs and challenges of providing early education. Many felt that using the "Baby Steps" monies to develop relationships between libraries and members of the child care community would have a significant pay-off for today's babies and toddlers.

Education Technology

The Libraries and Education Technology Committee, in conjunction with the Education and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committees, held a day-long conference in Albany to showcase the innovative technologies available for schools and libraries. Success in the classroom and the workplace has increasingly come to rely on a mastery of electronic technology. New York State students must be given the tools to enable them to integrate into the workplace of the 21rst century.

Seminars led by education specialists and industry leaders were presented at the Legislative Office building to audiences throughout the day of June 13, 2001. Topics included: Distance Learning, Integration and Community Technology, Staff Development from an Administrator's Perspective, Library Technology Initiatives, Wired for Learning, and Targeting State and Federal Funds. In addition, presentations of the latest electronic learning tools as well as wireless technology were presented by leading computer and learning software companies in the Well of the Office Building.

APPENDIX D

CHAPTERS OF 2001