FLA takes legal action to advocate for libraries

The Florida Library Association will intervene in a lawsuit filed against the Florida Division of Library and Information Services by Library Systems & Services (LSSI). The suit challenges a proposed amendment to State Aid Program Guidelines which requires the head of a public library be a full-time employee of the single administrative unit.

FLA’s Petition to Intervene includes the following points:
· The proposed change to the eligibility requirements for State Aid to Libraries grants has the potential to affect library budgets and, therefore, current and future employment opportunities at Florida libraries.
· FLA’s mission and purpose include promoting excellence in all types of library service in Florida. It is FLA’s position that excellence is promoted when a library is managed and coordinated by a full-time library professional.

The final hearing will be held on October 8, 2009. For more information, see http://www.flalib.org/advocacy_documents/Petition%20to%20Intervene%20-%20FLA%20member%20announcement.pdf