EPA and Recent Press Coverage: What’s Going On with Space Allocation for the Reopening Libraries?

SLA is in ongoing communication with the EPA, and has been inquiring about the recent reports regarding the space being allocated to the reopening of EPA libraries that were closed in 2007. On 9 June 2008 EPA staff provided SLA with an update on EPA library activities regarding some recent press articles. As indicated in the EPA’s recent Report to Congress, their goal is to restore access to these libraries by the end of September.

One of the EPA's employee unions, the American Federation of Government Employees, in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement, has requested to negotiate the reopening of the EPA libraries on behalf of the employees they represent. It is expected that these negotiations will begin soon.

As seen in press articles, one of the issues that has been raised by the union is the size of the libraries, particularly the EPA library in Chicago. At this point, the EPA cannot say for certain what the final size of the libraries will be, but they are committed to working with the union to make sure these libraries meet the needs of both EPA employees and the general public.

While the EPA acknowledges that having appropriate physical space is important, their focus first and foremost is to provide increased access to information and high quality library services. According to the EPA, all the libraries will have a core reference collection (identified by EPA librarians) along with local collections unique to that region/location. These collections will be supplemented by collections in EPA's repository and other libraries, and our increasing collection of materials available online. In addition, these libraries will provide access to a full range of services and will be staffed by professional librarians. The EPA knows that their patrons need and value access to trained professional help.

The EPA has been taking steps to enhance coordination across its network of libraries and ensure consistency in service delivery. This effort is being led by Deborah Balsamo National Program Manager. The EPA librarians are developing a set of policies and procedures designed to promote consistent quality across our network. For example, a new procedure on library usage statistics will provide the EPA with information to help better manage its library program. The EPA is also planning a User Needs survey (which SLA has encouraged for some time), as well as well as working with the Library of Congress (FLICC) which has established a board of advisors to help us with these efforts.

EPA is participating in SLA 2008 in Seattle as an exhibitor (Booth 1000), as well as presenting. Deborah Balsamo will provide an update on the EPA libraries at the SLA Public Policy Update on Tuesday, 17 June from 11:00am to 12:30pm in the Washington State Convention Center, room 618, and will be available to answer any questions. For additional information, please contact SLA’s Chief Policy Officer, Doug Newcomb.