January 2001

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Commission Report Available "Meeting the Needs of All New Yorkers," the final report of the Regents Commission in Library Service, has been published and widely distributed. The Regents is now proposing a funding package of $95 million to accomplish the objectives outlined in this report. All members of the library community are encouraged to review this important document and see how, if funded, the recommendations would help their organizations improve service to their users. Copies of the report are available through the Council; contact pouimet@northnet.org Recommendations of the Commission include: Create NOVEL, the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library, to deliver high-quality, reliable digital information to all New Yorkers. Promote equitable library services for all New Yorkers through a need-based formula to reduce disparities in public library funding. Enhance access to the specialized resources held by New York's academic, special, and research libraries to improve educational achievement, economic development, and health care for all New Yorkers. Support and enhance a highly skilled library workforce to meet the information needs of New Yorkers.