MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY POSITION QUESTIONNAIRE
The Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that represents public, academic, school and specialized libraries in the Commonwealth. Below are a series of statements based on the major issues that make up MLA’s legislative agenda. For each statement, please indicate whether you support or oppose MLA’s position. You may return the paper survey to us by mail to: Massachusetts Library Association, P.O. Box 1445, Marstons Mills, MA 02648, fax to: (508) 428-5865, or fill in the form online at: www.masslib.org/candidates.
 

Please Do Not reply. The Survey ended on August 9, 2006.

1. Candidate Information



Candidate for Massachusetts House of Representatives in:
2a. House District

2b. Senate District

State Aid to Public Libraries (MBLC Account 7000-9501): Think libraries are being replaced by the Internet? Not so in Massachusetts! Public library circulation hit a new high last year for the 6th consecutive year. State aid grant monies are used to fund essential library resources. The MBLC administers the State Aid to Public Libraries Program, awarding grants to municipalities whose public libraries meet statutory and regulatory requirements, including minimum “hours open” and “materials expenditures” levels. These requirements help to ensure that adequate levels of library access and resources are maintained throughout the Commonwealth. Increasing numbers of libraries are struggling to meet the minimum requirements of the State Aid to Public Libraries program due to decreased municipal support, and at the same time are challenged to meet the increasing demands on library services. Do you support the MBLC Account 7000-9501 State Aid to Public Libraries that helps to strengthen public library resources?
 


 3. Do you support State Aid to Public Libraries





State Aid to Regional Public Libraries (MBLC Account 7000-9401): Libraries shared 5,000,000 items in response to user requests last year. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) provides statewide leadership to implement cooperative library service that works toward the goal of equal access to library resources for all. The state’s regional library systems coordinate and manage regional delivery systems that move millions of items to borrowers across the state annually, provide professional training and educational opportunities for library personnel, and plan and implement contracts for electronic information resources, including research databases, magazines, newspapers, reference materials and business and health information. These information resources are made available in public, school and academic libraries, and directly to residents at home or work. Do you support state funding that provides the infrastructure essential for this service?

4. Do you support State Aid to Regional Public Libraries?




Library Technology & Resource Sharing ((MBLC Account 7000-9506): Local libraries are linked by automated library networks that open access to their member library holdings to all residents of the Commonwealth. The core infrastructure of library service is technology based, and technological development has facilitated and improved access to information resources leading to increased demands for library materials. Funding cuts since 2001 have placed immense burdens on local library budgets at a time when demand for services keeps rising. The funding deficits are being passed along to libraries through increasing network membership fees, placing a strain on local library budgets. Do you support the MBLC Account 7000-9506, which helps to support the automated library networks?
5. Do you support Library Technology & Resource Sharing?




Public Library Construction: Did you know that 206 communities have built new or expanded libraries in the last 20 years with the help of state funds? Would you support the authorization of new capital funds to continue this program to reach the remaining cities and towns?
6. Do you support Public Library Construction?


 

School Libraries:  Sixteen statewide studies (including one done in Massachusetts) show that school libraries are essential to quality public education as determined by student performance on standardized tests, yet they are not included in Massachusetts’ Chapter 70 funding formula.  Massachusetts now ranks 47th in the nation in funding public school library programs.  Do you support an amendment to the Education Reform Law to include school libraries and state-certified school librarians in the foundation budget?

7. Do you support School Libraries?



 

Academic Libraries: Many information seekers assume library materials are available free of charge on the Internet. Publicly supported academic libraries must rely on funds from their parent institutions to provide the information resources needed to support the programs offered at their college or university due to the lack of funding for the Educational Resource Materials line item in the state budget since 2003. The cost of journals continues to rise at an annual rate of 10% a year and electronic databases at 5%. The average academic book now costs $51. Budgets in higher education have not been able to adequately fund these rising costs since the budget cuts of 2001. Do you support funding to insure that academic libraries purchase and license high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly materials for the students, faculty and citizens of the Commonwealth?
8. Do you support Academic Libraries?



 

9. Do you have a library card?



 

10. Do you have any comments you would like to add?


This form is inactive.  Do not attempt to reply.