FLA Response to Gov-Elect's Transition Team Recommendations Regarding Libraries

12-23-2010
Florida Library Association President John Callahan issued the following statement in response to Governor-Elect Rick Scott’s Economic Development Transition Team’s Recommendations for Public Libraries and State Funding:

On Wednesday, December 22 Governor-Elect Scott’s Economic Development Transition Team published recommendations for Florida public libraries and state funding. We like what we see.

The Transition Team recommends evaluating the role of libraries in modern Florida and anticipating the work environment of the future. When it comes to meeting the needs of modern Florida, libraries are already on board!

Libraries support modern Florida every day:
• helping job seekers
• assisting Floridians with e-government business
• strengthening businesses
• providing resources to students
• encouraging early learning by helping very young children learn to read and helping parents as their child’s first teacher.

The Florida Library Association is also excited by the Transition Team’s focus on the work environment of the future. Libraries are preparing for that future today by helping Floridians master 21st Century technology, information and communications skills. We are encouraged by the Transition Team’s vision and welcome them in joining us in the effort.

The Florida Library Association is also encouraged by the Team’s support for continued state funding for public libraries as indicated by their support for “Maintenance of Effort” Standards. Maintenance of Effort refers to state expenditures necessary for eligibility for about $9 million in federal library grants. Maintaining this effort means supporting continued funding for State Aid to Public Libraries at the $21.2 million level, funding that is critical for local libraries in all 67 counties.

As the process moves forward we ask that the Transition Team and the new administration keep in mind that the continued success of Florida libraries requires a strong and effective state library agency. The Florida Library Association encourages the Team to support and strengthen the State Library and Archives of Florida.

On behalf of the Florida Library Association, I commend the Transition Team for their vision and wisdom. We look forward to working with Governor Scott and his team in building a stronger Florida.