Annual Report To The President And Congress National Commission On Libraries And Information Science

In the FY2007 and FY2008 Budgets, the President recommended that the National Commission on Libraries and Information Sciences (NCLIS) be consolidated with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In FY2007, while waiting for Congressional action on the proposal in the President's FY2008 Budget, the Commission recognized the need to summarize its work and document its accomplishments in anticipation of a change in its status. Background and Historical Information are included in the first section of the report. Key statutory functions of the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) are summarized as: (1) NCLIS discovers the needs of the people of the U.S. for library and information services; (2) NCLIS translates those needs into recommended national policy to meet needs of the people of the U.S. for library and information services; and (3) NCLIS advises the President, the Congress, state and local governments, and others on implementation of national policy. To carry out its functions, NCLIS conducts studies, surveys, and analyses of the nation's library and information needs, appraises the adequacies and deficiencies of the current library and information resources and research and development activities, conducts hearings, and issues publications. The final section of the report discusses a recommended research agenda to meet needs expressed by multiple sectors of the information community. From interviews and recommendations elicited from the information community, a specific research agenda emerged that clustered around four broad topics: Public Libraries: Their Changing Role in U.S. Society and Measuring Their Societal Value; Digital Libraries; Building and Sharing Collections; and Disaster Planning and Relief Efforts. Each of the recommendations is keyed to the purpose of ensuring an informed American public with adequate access to information for decision-making, civic engagement, and a higher quality of life. Seven appendixes are included: (1) Enabling Legislation; (2) NCLIS Chairs; (3) Current Commissioners; (4) Former Commissioners; (5) Senior Staff; (6) NCLIS Publications; and (7) NCLIS Timeline. [This report was based on research sponsored by the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and conducted by Nancy Davenport and Judith Russell on behalf of Information International Associates, Inc.].