LIBRARY OF CALIFORNIA BILL SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

Shortly before 2 p.m. this afternoon, Senator Dede Alpert's office called to inform us that SB 409 (Library of California) had just been signed by the Governor.  We have been awaiting his official press announcement, which was just released moments ago.  SB 409, which was sponsored by CLA, and authored by Senator Alpert and Assemblyman Mike Sweeney, will establish a major, statewide networking system of resource-sharing, communications and delivery, and preservation of materials for approximately 8,000 of California's libraries.  When fully implemented, public, university, K-12, legal, medical and private libraries can be accessed by California's library patrons.  The bill contains an appropriation of $5 million to fund the first phase of implementation of the Library of California.  The spending and growth of the project in future years will be controlled by the legislature and the Governor.

The Governor, in his signing message, stated, "California is home to some of the finest public and private library collections in the world.  The Library of California will open up these treasures to people of all ages statewide."

Senator Alpert, upon learning of the signing, released the following quote for CLA members:  "I am thrilled that the Governor signed SB 409. California is home to the Silicon Valley and it is only appropriate that the state take the lead in connecting all our great libraries.  This bill ensures that Californians will have access to information at a time when information is critical to our future and growth."

Today's news is very exciting for the thousands of library supporters who worked on the development of SB 409 for more than seven years.  Thank you for your assistance in helping us achieve successful passage of this important bill.  In addition, please take a moment today to write Senator Dede Alpert and thank her for her exhaustive efforts on our behalf, and we encourage you to write the Governor to thank him for his role in signing this innovative, legacy legislation for California's library users.

Addresses:

Richard E. Lucier
University Librarian and Executive Director
California Digital Library
Systemwide Planning for Libraries and Scholarly Information
Office of the President
University of California