April 10, 2017
This week the Nevada State Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries are transforming their communities every day through the services and invaluable expertise they offer. April 9-15 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers. (Check out the link below).
On Wednesday, April 12, the Nevada Library Association (NLA) is hosting Nevada Library Legislative Day at the Nevada Legislature. In partnership with the State Council on Libraries and Literacy (SCLL) the team aims to lead discussions with lawmakers about how libraries and librarians advance Nevada’s communities. Also, Council will meet that afternoon about the State’s Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) program.
"The need for accurate information surrounds every Nevadan at nearly every horizon, both in person and online. I am encouraged to have the State Council on Libraries and Literacy review our efforts and provide direction moving ahead to help make sure the library services they get are the services they want,” said Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records Administrator, Jeff Kintop.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment (CREA) has completed a mandatory, third-party, evaluation of how more than $8.5 million dollars were directed through the LSTA program to statewide and local library services between 2013 – 2017. The Council meeting will be held on the second floor of the State Library, Archives and Public Records building located at 100 N. Stewart St. in Carson City, at 1:30 p.m.
According to the report, public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, and special research libraries, in all of Nevada’s 17 counties, saw positive impacts from the program. Most importantly, the state plan goals, LSTA priorities, and the Governor’s strategic plan have been carefully aligned to leverage available resources and address the unique needs in Nevada (IMLS, nd.; Sandoval et al., 2012)
The Nevada State Library is in the process of developing a current strategic plan, which will include state LSTA priorities for 2018 – 2022. Strategic plan standards seek to protect a healthy information and technology access environment, workforce development resulting in marketable skills, 21st century literacy among all Nevadans, and advance the library as a vital place for all. Good planning leads to a mix of services aimed at all citizens of all ages.
“As Governor Sandoval's priorities are our priorities, it is our job with the Council’s guidance to help us advance 21st century literacy needs, equal access to factual information, access to current technology tools, access to high speed Internet for all Nevadans and more,” said Kintop.