WLA'S State Legislative Agenda
for the
2003-05 Biennium
Stand Up for Libraries (2004 Edition) PDF version
Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) members include nearly 2,000 librarians, libraries, library trustees, and friends representing all types of libraries in Wisconsin. All of these interests share a common purpose - to improve and promote library and information services for the people of Wisconsin. We believe library services address essential informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs for Wisconsin citizens and merit strong legislative support. We also believe the service programs that libraries have developed are models of regional and statewide cooperation.
Publicly Funded Free and Open Access to Library Materials
The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) was established in 1891 to bring
together and support people from all types of libraries to advocate and work for
the improvement and development of library and information services for all of
Wisconsin. A primary WLA goal, "Open Access" means the people of Wisconsin shall
have the broadest possible access to information resources and
materials.
In 1872, the State of Wisconsin adopted a Statute providing
that public library service shall be free to the inhabitants of those
communities that establish and maintain them. Denying free access to public
library collections would be undermining the very foundations of our democracy
by denying access to people who cannot afford to pay a fee.
The Wisconsin
Library Association supports the 132-year fundamental principle of publicly
funded free and open access to library materials to all Wisconsin citizens and
will actively encourage resistance to any attempts to change the 1872 free
library statute.
New or Pending Legislation
AB169/SB128: Relating to the disclosure of public library records
WLA opposes these twin bills. Our position is that this should be an issue of
local control. WLA has concerns about the age specified in the bill and its
comprehensive application to use of materials, resources, or services, since
libraries may not maintain records of patron usage of all its resources and
services.
Background: This bill, originally introduced by Sheryl
Albers (R-Reedsburg) in 2001, requires a library that is supported by public
funds, upon the request of a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16,
to disclose to the parent or guardian all library records relating to the use of
the library's documents or other materials, resources or services by the child.
Current law, with certain exceptions, prohibits a public library from disclosing
library records that indicate the identity of any individual who borrows or uses
the library's documents or other materials, resources, or
services.
Status: Introduced March 18, 2003, and referred to the
Committee on Children and Families. Hearing held on April 17. On May 28, the
committee voted 5-3 to recommend the original bill for passage. The companion
bill, SB128, was introduced on April 29 and referred to the Senate Committee on
Judiciary, Corrections, and Privacy. On June 10, that committee recommended
passage 3-2.
Fiscal impact: None.
Advocacy alert:
The best explanation to legislators is that local library boards already deal
with this meets the needs of their communities. However, WLA would support
compromise language, twice rejected in 2003, that provides parents with access
to information about materials loaned on the card of their child of 14 years of
age or younger, according to policies established by the local library.
Additional information: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2003/data/AB169hst.html
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2003/data/SB128hst.html
AB431: Relating to a county's tax levy for library services
WLA has taken no position on the compromise version of this
bill.
Background: This narrowly drafted proposal addresses a
unique situation in a specific county. According to the Legislative Reference
Bureau, current law allows a county board to levy a tax for the purpose of
providing public library services to county residents. A city, town, village, or
school district located in the county is exempt from the county tax levy if it
levies a tax for public library services at a rate that is equal or greater than
the county library tax rate. AB 431 would provide the exemption to a city, town,
village or school district if its amount levied per capita for library services
is equal to the county levy per capita for library service provided to the city,
town, village, or school district, fewer taxes levied for library capital
expenditures.
Status: Introduced 7/7/03 and referred to Assembly
Ways and Means Committee; hearing scheduled Wednesday, August 6, 2003, Testimony
provided by Paul Nelson (WLA LD&L Chair) and Mike Cross (DPI). Committee
chairperson Michael Lehman (R-Hartford) offered to meet with representatives
from DPI and Ozaukee County to work out a compromise. On 9/17/03, the Assembly
Ways and Means Committee voted to amend the bill by limiting the availability of
the alternative method of qualifying for an exemption from the county library
tax to counties where the county board approves the municipality's application.
The alternative method is based on per capita library support
rates.
Fiscal impact: No impact on state
budget.
Advocacy alert: Although this bill could negatively impact
some local library budgets, the requirement of county board approval adds an
important safeguard. Without the compromise language, WLA would oppose this
bill.0
Additional information: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2003/data/AB431hst.html
State Superintendent's Task Force on Public Library Legislation and Funding
WLA supports the passage of two bills to implement the recommendations of the
State Superintendent's Task Force on Public Library Legislation and Funding.
The "Language Bill"
Background: This bill seeks to
update and make technical changes to the language in Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin
State Statutes, relating to public libraries and public library systems. It is
based on the less substantive recommendations of the Task Force.
Status:
The bill has not yet been introduced.
Fiscal impact:
None.
Advocacy alert: Encourage legislators to sign on as sponsors of
this non-controversial language bill.
Additional information: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlcl/pld/liblegis.html
(Click on "language" revision bill (Microsoft Word file) for a list of the 12
proposals found in this legislation.)
The "Reform Bill"
Background: This bill seeks to modify statutory provisions
relating to the organization and funding of public libraries and public library
systems and is based on the more substantive recommendations of the Task Force.
Status: The bill has not yet been introduced.
Fiscal
impact: None.
Advocacy alert: None at this time.
Additional
information:
http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlcl/pld/liblegis.html Click on "reform" bill
(Microsoft Word file) for a list of the 16 proposals found in this legislation.)
Public Library District Enabling Legislation
WLA members support permissive legislation that will allow the formation of
public library districts, with boundaries proposed according to service needs
rather than to pre-existing geographical units. District libraries will help to
address the issue of equalizing funding inadequacies in certain areas of the
state. These districts would be created by referendum and would have taxing
powers. The governing bodies of library boards of trustees would be
elected.
Background: District public libraries are a form of
library organization and governance that has been established in 19 states.
Generally speaking, districts are separate taxing authorities established to
provide public library service and operate with a uniform property tax levy set
by referendum. An elected board of trustees governs them. A district often
represents multiple municipalities. As a result, the formation of a district may
reduce problems that occur due to cross-municipal and other types of
non-resident borrowing. The evidence shows that the per capita support for
district public libraries is greater than the support for other types of public
library organization.
Competing for legislators' attention is AB 510,
relating to authorizing the creation of a metropolitan service district. See
analysis by Legislative Reference Bureau at
(http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2003/data/AB510hst.html) for a summary.
Status: The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau has drafted
enabling legislation at the request of legislators from the Sheboygan area.
Currently, the bill is languishing due to the lack of a
sponsor.
Fiscal impact: The legislation is permissive and has no
direct impact on state funding.
Advocacy alert: Representatives
from communities where the formation of a district library is a high priority
need to take the lead on this legislative proposal. Sponsors of the bill from
the majority party are particularly needed.
Additional
information: http://www.srlaaw.org/reports/reports.htm
General Purpose Revenue (GPR) Programs
Restore the State's Fair Share of Support to Public Libraries
WLA supports the Department of Public Instruction's request for an increase
in funding to achieve the 13% index level for public library system
funding.
Background/Benefit. Public library systems have been in
existence for 30 years. Since their inception, the people of Wisconsin have
benefited from a far-sighted program of regional cooperation among local
libraries. These shared services include computer systems, delivery of
materials, subscription to online databases, staff training & development,
and more.
WLA members strongly support compliance with § 43.24(6) of the
Wisconsin State Statutes, which requires a request for funding for public
library systems at 13% of local library expenditures. In 1997, the Legislative
Study Council on Public Libraries reviewed this issue and determined that the
13% funding was necessary to make library systems strong and vital partners in
the delivery of library services to Wisconsin residents.
Currently,
funding has eroded to less than 9%. Library systems are now left without
adequate resources to carry out the mission for whom they were created.
Status. Systems will be funded at the FY03 base level of $14.2
million in both FY04 and FY05. However, for each year of the biennium, $2.1
million of that funding will come from the Universal Service Fund, rather than
from GPR.
The Governor's proposal was approved by Joint Committee on Finance
and the legislature, although the use of USF for library systems would sunset
June 30, 2003. Doyle vetoed the sunset provision, stating that, "...adding a
sunset could result in a permanent and significant decrease in aid to public
library systems."
Advocacy alert. Provide evidence to state
legislators about how these networks of regional cooperation enhance the
delivery of library services at the local level. The next big push for increased
public library system funding will begin in late 2004, prior to the introduction
of the 2005-07 biennial budget.
Additional information: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dfm/pb/index.html
(2003-2005 biennial budget information)
Increased Funding for the UW System Libraries
WLA supports the vital importance of maintaining the specialized information
resources that support advanced study and research in
Wisconsin.
Background: The UW System libraries are a priceless
asset for the state. They are crucial not only to the university's instructional
and research missions, but are also tremendously important resources for
Wisconsin businesses, government agencies, K-12 students and teachers, private
colleges and universities, and citizens. All UW libraries are open to the public
for on-site usage of collections, and each year over 60,000 documents are loaned
to business, industry, and hospitals. The 1999-2001 biennial budget was the last
time the UW library system was able to obtain additional funding for
collections. As a result, the UW libraries' ability to meet the needs of
students, faculty, and other customers through local collections has been
seriously eroded.
Status. Governor Doyle proposed a $250 million
cut to the UW System, eliminating 650 positions but allowing tuition increases
to offset the cuts. Joint Committee on Finance adopted the $250 million cut and
authorized tuition increases but asked that only 325 positions be cut in the
first year. The remaining positions would still have to be cut in year two of
the biennium. Approved by the legislature; signed by Gov. Doyle on July 24.
Additional information. http://www.wisconsin.edu/budget/
Statewide Resource Contracts
WLA supports restoration of full funding for the valuable services provided
by the four statewide service contracts.
Background. The statewide
contracts include:
· Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind &
Physically Handicapped. Under s. 43.03(6), the State Superintendent is
required to contract annually with a public library for the provision of library
services to physically handicapped persons including the blind and physically
handicapped. Since 1961, this contract has been maintained with the WRLBPH
located in the Milwaukee Public Library.
· Cooperative Children's Book
Center. The CCBC is an examination collection of children's young adult
trade books. It provides unique resources and services to Wisconsin librarians
and teachers serving children and teenagers and provides support to school and
libraries in freedom of information cases.
· Wisconsin Library Services
(WiLS). The WiLS contract provides interlibrary-loan access for state
residents to the collections of the University of Wisconsin, the State
Historical Society, other academic libraries, and to libraries outside of the
state.
· Milwaukee Public Library/Interlibrary Loan. This contract
provides interlibrary-loan access for all state residents to the thousands of
unique, specialized titles in the state's largest public library. As of
September 26, 2003, when state funding was exhausted, the Milwaukee Public
Library will no longer be able to provide materials through the state's
interlibrary loan program.
Status. The Governor recommended
reducing the library contracts by 10%, or $103,200 in each year of the biennium.
The JCF cut contracts 15%, a total of $154,800. Approved by the legislature;
signed by Governor Doyle July 24. Funding at 2003 levels has been preserved for
the Regional Library and the CCBC, and the cuts applied to WILS and Milwaukee
Public Library Interlibrary Loan.
Universal Service Fund Programs
Provide Increased Funding for BadgerLink Through the Universal Service Fund
WLA supports the Department of Public Instruction's request for increased
funding to provide additional BadgerLink resources through a statewide
contract.
Background. The goal of BadgerLink is to provide a
statewide library network where all Wisconsin residents have equitable,
convenient, and universal access to the information and knowledge resources they
need to meet personal, work, education, and community goals. Through BadgerLink,
Wisconsin citizens gain Internet access to more than 6,000 magazines and
newspapers at their businesses, homes, schools, and libraries. More than 35
million BadgerLink searches have been done since the service was established on
July 1, 1998.
Status. FY03 base was $1,850,200. DPI requested a
total increase of $3,271,700 for the 2003-05 biennium. Gov. Doyle's budget
provides an amount over FY03 base of $36,700 in FY04 and $93,300 in FY05 to
maintain the current level of BadgerLink services. JCF retained the Governor's
proposal; approved by the legislature. Budget bill signed by Gov. Doyle on July
24.
Advocacy Alert. Promotion of and instruction in BadgerLink's
resources should be daily activities in all of Wisconsin's libraries. With
elected officials, emphasize the cost savings to the state's libraries. Local
library staff does not have to review vendor services and bids, negotiate with
the vendor, pay invoices, monitor the vendor's performance, and arrange for
training. In other words, the difference in costs between a single state
contract and the sum of hundreds of local contracts is
enormous.
Additional Information. http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/badgerlink/
http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dfm/pb/pdf/combineddins.pdf
Maintain & Improve Current Library Programs
State Historical Society of Wisconsin's Library and Archives Division
WLA supports the findings and recommendations of the SHSW Library-Archives
Study Committee's report, "Safeguarding a Public
Legacy".
Background. The purpose of the study is to determine the
best options for returning the WHS library-archives collections and services to
excellence, as a resource for public as well as scholarly learning about
Wisconsin and North American history. The general goals of the study are to
describe precisely the current program and budget for the library-archives, and
to develop short- and long-term strategies for the future.
Advocacy
Alert. Provide evidence to legislators as to how your library relies on the
SHSW for interlibrary loan, assistance with reference requests, and patron
referrals to the Society's Library and Archives Division, including the area
research centers.
Additional Information. http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/libarch_study
Develop Standards for the Preservation of Electronic State Documents
WLA supports a program to develop standards and practices for the
preservation of electronic state documents
Background/Benefit. To
insure long-term, open access to state documents and government information, the
State of Wisconsin must adopt a policy and program for the preservation of
electronic state documents. Representatives from the library and archives
community should be integrally involved in the establishment of such a program.
Government information is becoming increasingly available only in electronic
formats. At the same time, lack of funding is starting to affect the amount
information made available in print. Some government information is now only
accessible online. Because there are no agreed-upon standards for preservation,
a substantial amount of data is at risk of being permanently lost.
Status. The Wisconsin Document Depository Program Study Committee
appointed by DPI recommends that a subcommittee will continue to meet to review
options for the use of technology to manage, preserve, and archive state
documents in electronic form. The subcommittee will also work with the Public
Records Board and DOA's Division of Electronic Technology to raise further
awareness of the need for electronic preservation.
Advocacy
Alert. Provide evidence to the Wisconsin Document Depository Program study
committee on the importance of preserving government information in all formats,
review and respond to the recommendations of the committee, and assist in
communicating the importance of the recommendations to other state government
agencies, organizations, and legislators.
Additional Information.
http://enterprise.state.wi.us/home/deposit/default.htm
Certified Library Media Specialists
WLA members support the employment of a certified school library media
specialist in every school, regardless of the school's enrollment. WLA believes
that each school needs to maintain a library media program staffed by a
certified school library media specialist and a library instructional support
paraprofessionals. Those schools, larger than 650 students, need to employ
additional library media specialists and certified instructional technology
professionals.
Background: To ensure that all students are
prepared to successfully live and work in our information society all students
need to master Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards for Information and
Technology Literacy for each grade level. These competencies of questioning,
locating and processing information, and presenting ideas in a technology-rich
learning environment provide a foundation for successful student learning for a
lifetime. Research published in over 13 states shows that there is a direct
correlation between high-quality school library media programs staffed by
certified library media specialists and high student achievement. (Lance et al.
How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards. ©2000. and Library Research
Service at www.lrs.org.)
Status: In spring of 2001 the number of
certified library media specialists serving in Wisconsin public schools
decreased 13% compared to five years previous. During 2001-2002, the Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction granted 91 emergency/ temporary licenses in
Library Media. This means that 91 school libraries were still open but staffed
with individuals not certified. The number of schools not being staffed with
certified School Library Media Specialists continues to increase each month.
Open positions are not filled or existing professionals are assigned to manage
numerous schools, and no professional library media instructor is left to teach
children and their teachers the information and technology literacy skills
necessary for learning for a lifetime and for reaching high
achievement.
Advocacy Alert: Provide evidence to state legislators
about how instructional library media programs staffed by certified school
library media specialists impact high student achievement.
Additional
Information: See Lance, "What Research Tells Us About the Importance of
School Libraries", White House Conference on school Libraries, Institute of
Museum of Library Services, June 2002 at www.imls.gov/pubs/whitehouse0602/keithlance.htm
and Lance et al. Powering Achievement: School Library Media
Programs make a Difference - the Evidence, 2nd ed., 2003.
Fill the DPI School Library Media Consultant Position
WLA strongly urges the State Legislature and Governor to provide line-item
funding to DPI to fund the School Library Media Consultant as a fulltime,
permanent position in the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community
Learning.
Background: Since 1995, the Department of Public
Instruction has lost over 100 state-funded staff positions. With the new budget
adjustments, further reductions have been realized. In January 2001 the School
Library Media Consultant position became vacant due to retirement. This position
has not been filled to date. This position is an invaluable resource to all
schools and a critical resource for school library media specialists, as they
provide significant instruction for all students and their teachers that
directly parallel a rise in student achievement scores. This position:
·
Provides leadership, technical assistance, and consultation to all elementary
and secondary school personnel, school boards, and CESA staff regarding all
aspects of school library media programs and staffing;
· Assesses and
interprets regulations, procedures, and programs related to all funding,
licensing, and accounting for school library media programs and staff and
monitors their compliance;
· Assures adequate preparation of school library
media professionals, teachers, and other staff in the areas of information
literacy; and
· Collaborates with Technology Literacy Consultants to
coordinate implementation of Wisconsin's Information and Technology Literacy
Standards and mandated long range planning through ongoing outreach to building,
district, and CESA staff and administrators.
Status: Since January
2001, these roles of the School Library Media Consultant have been in a void or
have been partially met by other positions within the DPI Division for
Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning. Full support of this position
through line-item funding within the state budget is essential to insure that
all students learn life long information and technology literacy skills
necessary and that no child is left behind.
Advocacy alert: WLA
asks that the Legislature and the Governor insert this line item into the state
budget to address this situation.
Additional information: See
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Chapter PI 34: Teacher Education
Program Approval and Licenses. Madison: WDPI, 2000; various sections of the
Wisconsin statutes (http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/Statutes.html)
cited in Appendix D, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Information
& Technology Literacy: A Collaborative Planning guide for Library Media and
Technology, Madison: WDPI, 2002.
Maintain the Common School Fund Income for School Libraries
WLA supports the use of the full amount of the Common School Fund income for
its original purpose, namely "the purchase of library books and other
instructional materials for school libraries¼" [Wis. Stat. § 43.70(3)]. WLA
strongly opposes the use of interest from the Common School Fund for any other
purpose. WLA supports the change in the current statute to read "All moneys
apportioned from the common school fund shall be expended for the purchase of
library books and other instructional materials for school libraries. These
resources may include those from the Wisconsin state historical society that are
designed for the use in learning and teaching Wisconsin history. …" WLA members
strongly support legislation that would expand the range of investment options
available to the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands for the prudent
management of its trust fund assets.
Background/Benefit: The
Common School Fund Library Aid is an annual entitlement program that distributes
the interest earned on loans made from the Common School Fund, one of the state
trust funds set up by the Wisconsin Constitution. Each year in January, the
Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) informs the Department of Public
Instruction (DPI) of the total interest that has accumulated in the Common
School Income Fund during the year. DPI calculates each school district's
allocation, basing the amount on the number of children aged 4 through 20 living
in the district, and sends the allocation as Library Aid to the school Districts
by May 1st. The districts must spend the total Library Aid allocation for the
appropriate school library materials by June 30 of that same
year.
Status: During 2001, the Wisconsin Statutes were amended to
include "… All moneys distributed under this section shall be expended for the
purchase of instructional materials from the state historical society for use in
teaching Wisconsin history and for the purchase of library books and other
instructional materials for school libraries." WLA believes this language is
confusing and does not adhere to the intent for the use of this revenue. WLA
recommends this language to be changed to reflect the original intent of the
Common School Fund, as stated in bold in paragraph one of this
section.
Advocacy alert: Provide evidence that Common School Fund
income is the only revenue source for most school library books and other
library resources.
Additional information: See School Financial
Services: Wisconsin's Common School Fund
Flexibility in School District Revenue Caps for Educational Technology
WLA strongly supports legislation providing for flexibility in revenue
controls on school districts for the purpose of purchasing technology equipment
and instructional materials, telecommunications and distance education
contracts, retrofitting buildings and updating to current technologies, and
providing advanced technology support and training of instructional staff. WLA
believes current requirements of integrating technology into all subject areas
and grade levels of the PK-12 curriculum is correct and necessary to develop
life long learners; therefore, they believes flexibility in revenue controls is
necessary to accomplish this goal. Thus, WLA strongly supports allowing a board
of education to borrow, without referendum, up to $1 million aggregate or up to
$1000 per student (whichever is greater) to pay for technology equipment,
resources and training.
Background: Wisconsin's efforts have
provided some resources for low interest wiring loans, telecommunications access
subsidies, and block grants to school districts for meeting school district
technology needs. But Wisconsin's efforts in funding educational technology must
increase if the state is to maintain its competitive position relative to other
midwestern states, the nation, and the world. For Wisconsin to remain
competitive, the state, school districts, and regional alliances of public and
private organizations must invest directly in technology. (Wisconsin Educational
Technology Plan PK-12, p65) Releasing the revenue caps for technology spending
is a foremost avenue for reaching this goal. Based upon the expressed needs of
Wisconsin education stakeholders and the Wisconsin Technology Task Force, the
cost of bringing Wisconsin's schools up to speed in technology is formidable.
The technology task force believes that while the issues faced in funding
technology for schools are complex and difficult, Wisconsin needs to take
immediate steps to resolve them. Lifting the revenue caps for technology needs
would be a giant first step.
Status: In Spring 1999, 29% of the
public school classrooms were not wired and of the 71% of the wired classrooms
41% of them were not on the Internet. 36% of the teachers typically did not
include technology skills in their professional development plans, 69% sought
professional training in using technology as an instructional tool, and 58%
wished to learn how to integrate information & technology standards with
their content benchmarks. In Fall 2002 these areas and other related areas still
remain exigent.
Additional information: See Wisconsin Education
Technology Plan PreK-12: 2000 Addendum.
Ongoing Goals & Activities
The Wisconsin Library Association monitors all legislative initiatives as
they pertain to library needs and interests. This includes issues related to
intellectual freedom, access to information, and privacy in the use of library
materials and services.
· WLA members support DPI's Division for Libraries,
Technology, and Community Learning's (DLTCL) leadership, staffing levels, and
service responsibilities in administering programs that extend and improve
library services throughout the state.
· WLA members support efforts to
broaden the availability of communications technology for educational and
informational purposes.
· WLA members recognize the importance of statewide
library resources and their need for statewide support.
· WLA members support
open access to state documents and information.
· WLA supports Newsline for
the Blind is the only source of recorded newspaper information for blind
Wisconsin residents. The service supplements the "talking books" program
provided by the Regional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped. The
service allows blind users to have access to national and state newspapers. It
was started in 1998 and currently has 1,000 users.