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1998 SESSION

987602753
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 173
Offered January 26, 1998
Continuing the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Reorganization of The Library of Virginia.
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Patrons-- Walker; Delegates: Davies, Morgan and Murphy
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Referred to the Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution No. 96, 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, recognizing that further study was necessary to develop appropriate recommendations, the General Assembly adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 258, Senate Joint Resolution No. 45, and Senate Joint Resolution No. 300, which continued the work of the joint subcommittee in 1995,1996, and 1997, respectively; and

WHEREAS, throughout its study, the joint subcommittee has sought the input and expertise of agency leadership and staff, archivists, genealogists, and university librarians; and

WHEREAS, the joint subcommittee has also examined the history, mission, and duties of The Library of Virginia, the designation and application of funds for The Library, including salary levels, and the organization and funding of state libraries and archives in other states; and

WHEREAS, to meet its study directives, the subcommittee has also reviewed document preservation techniques and current archival practices, current and projected archival storage and space needs and preservation efforts, and progress of construction of the new Library facility and a proposed Records Center; and

WHEREAS, although The Library is currently organized by statute as a single state agency, it has multiple purposes, objectives, and functions, and adequate funding and staff support are essential to fulfill those multiple purposes, objectives, and functions; and

WHEREAS, testimony before the joint subcommittee indicated that budget constraints hamper The Library's ability to preserve its collections and to advance new technologies that would increase accessibility for citizens throughout Virginia, and

WHEREAS, The Library is currently ranked 23rd among the Commonwealth's public libraries in library materials expenditures, and ninth when compared to Virginia's state university libraries; and

WHEREAS, the three-fold mission of The Library of Virginia--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--is reflected in The Library's organizational structure; and

WHEREAS, while The Library's present organizational and staffing structure--combining library and archival functions into one state agency--is consistent with practices that can be traced to The Library's founding, the placement of archival functions varies across the country, as different states have assigned this duty to other state agencies, as well as to independent state archival agencies; and

WHEREAS, responding to directives of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Government Reform, The Library initiated an internal reorganization in 1995, making several significant changes, including eliminating the Archives and Records Division, placing archival research functions in a Research and Information Services Division, and modifying certain job descriptions and salary bases; and

WHEREAS, further study is necessary to review The Library's internal reorganization and to develop recommendations that will not only help ensure the fulfillment of The Library's multi-faceted mission but also support its commitment to preserve and restore its holdings, and to 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 for one additional year. The joint subcommittee shall examine the following: the efficacy and appropriateness of establishing an autonomous state archives agency separate from The Library; The Library's internal reorganization plan and the funding and staffing levels for the various divisions within The Library and the Archives; the current and projected storage and space needs and preservation efforts, including the status of preservation needs of The Library's historic art works; and such other matters as it deems appropriate.

The current membership of the joint subcommittee shall continue to serve as appointed pursuant to SJR 45 (1996); 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 agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1999 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of 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.