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Illinois
1
Ex Officio Members
Mary Dempsey, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library 2
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62756 GEORGE H. RYAN SECRETARY OF STATE Dear Friends, Funding for library services is probably the most predominant topic in all types of libraries today. There never seems to be enough money to provide all the services that libraries want to provide to meet the information needs of their patrons. A number of grant programs have been developed through my office to assist libraries with special projects, automation and collection development needs above and beyond what is provided for in the operating budget. In addition, libraries also have looked at innovative ways to expand funding for library initiatives. Some public and academic libraries throughout the country have established foundations to meet special demands and provide special services. A detailed article in this issue of Illinois Libraries describes the experience of the Rock Island Public Library in establishing its foundation. This article will be very useful to other libraries that have considered this option for increased funding. My staff has worked closely for a number of years with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs concerning the role of rural public libraries in economic development. The article by Norman Walzer and John Gruidl describes the strategic role that libraries play along with businesses and governmental agencies in expanding community development efforts. I encourage more rural public libraries to follow the examples set by libraries in Geneseo, Mt. Morris, Murphysboro and Olney as outlined in the article. The Office of the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library is committed to enhancing library service throughout the state. Included in this commitment is an ongoing effort to examine new sources of funding and ways that libraries can expand their services. Sincerely,
GEORGE H. RYAN Secretary of State and State Librarian 3 |Home|
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