SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5432

                    As of February 3, 1997

Title:  An act relating to electronic information access for public libraries.

Brief Description:  Authorizing electronic information access for public libraries.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, Bauer, Jacobsen, Finkbeiner, Winsley and Oke; by request of Washington State Library.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Energy & Utilities:  2/4/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  Washington public libraries have the statutory responsibility to provide public access points for government-produced electronic information and to serve as key delivery points in the K-20 Network.  The equipment and telecommunication links currently available to the library system may not be adequate for these tasks.  Funds for the concomitant training, technical assistance and maintenance costs may also be lacking.

Summary of Bill:  The State Library must design and implement two pilot projects in close cooperation with other state libraries.  The State Library must report to the Legislature on the projects by December 1, 1999.  The connectivity pilot project must provide all state public library outlets with individualized, local electronic connections.  The project must be designed and implemented in close cooperation with all stakeholders; use expertise of federal, state and local government and of the private sector; have a local focus; use centralized, coordinated support to minimize duplication of effort; emphasize statewide benefit; and use to the extent possible the K-20 program=s technical standards.

The resource-sharing consortium pilot must manage and promote the wholesale acquisition of access to electronic information products.

If funding is not provided by June 30, 1997, the operative sections are null and void.

The authorization to conduct the pilot project for the resource-sharing consortium expires on June 30, 1999, to coincide with the project=s achievement of self sufficiency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 30, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.