Legislation for Libraries in New York State
The New York Library Association has made advocacy and government relations one of its highest priorities. NYLA believes that there is a great need to increase the visibility of the library community in the public policy process. By locating its headquarters office in Albany, the capital of the state, and by hiring an executive director experienced in the process of legislation and regulation in New York State, NYLA has shown that the role libraries and librarians play in influencing public policy is increasing.
NYLA’s lobbyist and its active Legislative Committee represent the library community in front of the Legislature and the Executive Chamber, and focus on issues such as increasing state aid to libraries, protecting access to information for everyone, and working to guarantee quality library service to all communities in this state. NYLA’s legislative program addresses the needs and interests of both library systems and public, school, academic, and special libraries. NYLA sponsors a Legislative Day in March or April of each year when library advocates come to Albany to meet with their elected senators and assembly members. NYLA also serves as a resource to legislators and their staff and state agencies when they have questions about library and information services.
NYLA also works closely with the American Library Association on federal issues important to the library community. NYLA coordinates participation by New York librarians in a federal legislative day each year.
All NYLA members can contribute their skills and their time to the Association’s advocacy efforts. More information about individual initiatives can be found through the following links.
New York State Assembly:
http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/
New York State Senate:
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/
@ Your Library:
Click Here
CIPA:
Click Here
For additional information please visit www.nyla.org.
