BP BHEAD INT H [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to electronic information access for public libraries; adding new sections to chapter 27.04 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds public access to a wide variety of information is vital to the effective functioning of society; public libraries are a primary source for information and educational opportunities; and public libraries serve as centers for community activity. The legislature further finds much vital information, including government information, is rapidly becoming available in electronic forms, and in many cases electronic form only. Also, Washingtonians must continue to have access to this information through their local public libraries. Further, the Washington state library has a responsibility to encourage and facilitate access to electronic information and to help develop local library service.

To achieve and maintain equity of information access state-wide, the legislature intends the users of each public library outlet to have walk-in access to electronic information provided by an affordable, reliable electronic graphical connection, making use of the economies of scale afforded by a centralized, coordinated project. Further, the legislature intends collaboration among Washington libraries of all types, the sharing of their various resources, and the wholesale acquisition of access to electronic information products be managed and promoted through the establishment of a resource-sharing consortium project.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The state library, in close cooperation with Washington public libraries, will design and implement individualized local electronic connections on a population ratio basis in all Washington public library outlets, including, but not necessarily limited to, such expenditures as workstations, telecommunications connections, technical support, consulting, and training. The design and implementation of the connectivity pilot project includes the following considerations:

(1) Close cooperation among all project stakeholders;

(2) Use of related federal, state, local, and private sector expertise;

(3) A focus on local circumstances, opportunities, and solutions;

(4) Minimizing duplication of effort through centralized and coordinated support;

(5) Emphasis on state-wide benefit as well as local benefit; and

(6) To the extent possible, application of technical standards developed by the K-20 telecommunications oversight and policy committee. The state library shall submit a report to the legislature on the project no later than December 1, 1999.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The state library, in close cooperation with Washington libraries of all types, shall design and implement a pilot for a resource-sharing consortium, including, but not necessarily limited to, such activities as an information clearinghouse, wholesale acquisition of access to electronic information products, home page, subject specialty reference, last copy center, materials delivery, training, and information consulting. Planning for the resource-sharing project includes a method to achieve self-sufficiency before July 1, 1999. The state library shall submit a report to the legislature on the project no later than December 1, 1999.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. If specific funding and staff for the purposes of section 2 of this act is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the biennial appropriations act, section 2 of this act is null and void.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. If specific funding and staff for the purposes of section 3 of this act is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the biennial appropriations act, section 3 of this act is null and void.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 2 and 3 of this act are each added to chapter 27.04 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Section 3 of this act expires June 30, 1999.