Legislative Goals 2007
- Secure continued and increased funding for MAGNOLIA which provides to all Mississippians access to electronic information databases through publicly supported libraries.
- Secure full funding for the Mississippi Library Commission’s operational budget, including staffing.
- Obtain increased funding for the Personnel Incentive Grants Program (PIGP). Raise legislative awareness of the role of the PIGP in supporting public library services. PIGP is as important to public libraries as MAEP is to public schools.
- Broaden legislative understanding of the importance of the Health/Life Insurance Program for public library employees and the need for continued full funding as premiums and participation increase.
- Support projects and funding involving community college and university libraries.
- Support the funding for the rebuilding of the libraries affected by Hurricane Katrina.
- Obtain bond funding for capital Improvements in public libraries.
- Increase public awareness of the role of all types of libraries in the educational, informational and economic development of the state.
- Raise awareness of the need for professional librarians and qualified staff in libraries.
- Strengthen K-12 library programs through continuing legislative efforts and establishing relationships with the State Department of Education administrators/staff and local school administrators/staff.
- Advance library issues through development of relationships with county and municipal associations.
- Identify and monitor any legislative initiatives that pertain to or impact the delivery of library services to Mississippians, including issues related to funding, library governance, intellectual freedom, access to information, and confidentiality in the use of library materials.
- Monitor and respond to federal activities affecting libraries.
11-6-06 Draft
