JULY 2000

Volume 2 Number 3

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The State Librarian's Column

Kendall F. Wiggin
Connecticut State Librarian

Opportunity knocks. That is how I can best sum up the results of the recently completed legislative session. As reported in this issue of the CONNector, Governor Rowland and the General Assembly have supported a number of library and preservation initiatives. Now that they have completed their work, our work begins.

The Connecticut Digital Library is an opportunity for all libraries in the state to provide their communities with electronic resources or to expand their electronic offerings. It is an opportunity to maintain the relevancy of libraries. It is an opportunity for the citizens and students of Connecticut to benefit from around- the -clock access to library resources. The Digital Library provides a means to address issues of equity of access to information resources in our schools and libraries. The Digital Library builds on the effort libraries are making to bridge the digital divide.

The Connecticut Educational Technology Commission will provide libraries the opportunity to actively participate in educational technology planning. The Connecticut Education Network is an opportunity to expedite resource sharing between schools, libraries, and academic institutions statewide and enhance programming and learning opportunities at all libraries.

The Library Partnership program that will be piloted in priority schools is an opportunity for libraries to demonstrate to school administrators, teachers, and legislators the important role libraries play in family literacy, reading success, and school improvement.

The establishment of the Historic Records Fund through a modest filing fee on land transactions is an opportunity for towns and cities and the State Library to address local records management, preservation, and access in a way that is sustainable and comprehensive.

The funds and new staff positions to open the State Library on Saturdays and one evening a week, and the Museum of Connecticut History on weekends, is an opportunity for students, citizens, and visitors to our state to see first hand the great treasures found only at the State Library.

Yes, it was a great year. The library community and town and city clerks should be proud of their accomplishments. We should all be appreciative for the support we received from the Governor, Lt. Governor and Legislators. Most of all we should be grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead of us.

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