SLA sent a letter to Governor Edward G. Rendell on 17 March 2009 expressing strong concern over the proposed 50% budget cut for the State Library of Pennsylvania.
The letter acknowledges the recession and the need for tough decisions, but opposes the downsizing or diminution of library services at the State Library of Pennsylvania until a detailed plan is produced and vetted by qualified information and policy experts who understand the critical nature of maintaining valuable services and access to information for current and future users.
An extreme budget cut like this is short-sighted and will give way to increased costs for taxpayers that are not apparent right now. SLA is concerned that the specialized and unique collections developed over the library’s rich history may be inaccessible or fall into disrepair, requiring much greater financial expense in the future than was saved in the near term.
SLA asks that Governor Rendell and his leadership team provide a detailed plan of how the State Library will function after such an extreme budget cut. SLA believes a more fully funded library budget will serve the interests of government, business, and private citizens and will save more money in the long run.
As reported on 23 February, the State Library's appropriation would be reduced from $4.8 million to $2.4 million for the fiscal year starting July 1. SLA is following this issue, and would like to hear from you as well. Please contact Doug Newcomb, Chief Policy Officer, with any news that you might have regarding this or other major budget cuts affecting libraries.
THANK YOU Special Libraries Association for your support.
Continuing pressure on the governor's office might have some effect here in Pennsylvania. Then again, given our history....
Posted by: A Pennsylvania Librarian | March 26, 2009 at 08:18 AM