2011 Library Legislative Day

February 22nd, 2011 is Library Legislative Day, free for library school students. Considering the new composition of the Wisconsin State Legislature, there needs to be an especially strong turnout at this rally to send a clear message to the Governor and legislators that libraries are crucial to Wisconsin's economy (i.e. businesses and job creation). If you are unable to attend, you can take part in the Virtual Library legislative day by e-mailing, calling, or writing your legislator on February 22nd.

This is an state advocacy event on library issues that is held annually in Madison. State funding is a crucial component for all library types in Wisconsin (academic, public, school, etc.) and is therefore crucial for Wisconsin citizens and our livelihood. Even if you don't stay in Wisconsin, this is an instructive experience for whatever state or library type you end up with. Here is a breakout of how this affects our library school program and library types:

• About 20% of the budget for public universities and their libraries comes from state revenue.
• This affects the UW SLIS program through the allocation (or lack thereof) for faculty members.
• Public libraries depend on state funding to support public library systems.
• School libraries depend on state funding through the Common School fund.
• All of these libraries utilize:
• Badgerlink (i.e. state-licensed databases paid through the State Universal Service Fund)
• Library Service Contracts (Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, Wisconsin Library Services (WiLS), Milwaukee Public Library/ Interlibrary Loan (MPL), and Cooperative Children's Book Center (Assists with intellectual freedom))
• Newline for the Blind
• Broadband
• Statewide delivery

Here is a list of areas which WLA Library Legislation & Development committee is looking for in terms of preparation for the event:

• Making legislative appointments in late January
• Stuffing folders for Library Legislative Day (LLD) registrants
• Registration table at LLD itself

If you are interested in helping out, e-mail Easter DiGangi at easter.digangi@uwalumni.com.