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1995 SESSION

LD1164753
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 258
Offered January 11, 1995
Continuing the joint subcommittee studying the reorganization of The Library of Virginia.
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Patrons--Walker, Andrews and Calhoun; Delegates: Ball, Davies, Morgan and Moss
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Referred to the Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the 1994 Session of the General Assembly established a nine-member subcommittee to study the future and possible reorganization of the Commonwealth’s state library agency, to inventory the collection of historical art work in the State Capitol, and to develop recommendations regarding its restoration and preservation; and

WHEREAS, to meet its study directives, the joint subcommittee has sought the input and expertise of Library leadership and staff, genealogists, and university librarians, and has examined the history, mission, and duties of the Library of Virginia; the designation and application of funds for The Library and the Archives; and the organization and funding of state libraries and archives in other states; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Library of Virginia is threefold: to be the library agency of the Commonwealth; to act as the state’s archival agency; and to serve as a reference library at the seat of government, and this mission is reflected in the Library’s organizational structure; and

WHEREAS, as the Commonwealth’s archival agency, The Library, through its Archives and Records Division, maintains archival holdings that include over 52,000 cubic feet of court and government records, tax documents, personal papers, and maps documenting Virginia history and government; and

WHEREAS, although The Library is currently organized by statute as a single state agency with multiple purposes, objectives, and functions, examination of the various funding and staffing needs within each of its Divisions is essential to the effective operation of The Library; and

WHEREAS, further study is necessary to develop recommendations that will help ensure the fulfillment of The Library’s multi-faceted mission and to the Archives' ability to preserve, restore, and serve those who use its facilities and records; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates concurring, that the joint subcommittee studying the future of the Library of Virginia be continued. The Joint Subcommittee shall consider, among other things, Library funding and staff levels; current and projected storage and space needs and preservation efforts; the progress of construction of the new Library facility and the proposed Record Center; the inventory and preservation needs of The Library’s historic art works; and the efficacy and appropriateness of establishing the Archives as an autonomous state agency, separate from The Library.

The current membership of the joint subcommittee shall continue to serve as appointed pursuant to SJR 96 (1994); any vacancies shall be filled in the manner consistent with the original resolution.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support to the joint subcommittee. All other agencies of the Commonwealth shall cooperate as requested by the joint subcommittee.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1996 Session of the General Assembly in accordance with the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $5,000.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.