The first step in establishing a statewide library network in Minnesota is to seek passage of enabling legislation which would create a single network for all types of state libraries. Membership in the network should be voluntary, and control of budgets, staffs, and collections should remain at the local level. Creation of such statewide networks…

Existing and potential federal funding programs for libraries are discussed in this special conference theme summary. The relation of library funding to the total intergovernmental grant system is explained, and eight existing federal programs are outlined that support (1) public library services, (2) interlibrary cooperation, (3) school libraries…

A full-service national network of library and information services can only become a reality if there is careful articulation among local, state, multistate, and national planning and implementation activities. The role of the state library agency as coordinator, catalyst, initiator, and even-handed funding agency is essential, difficult, and…

A collection of short essays by Alphonse Trezza, Edwin Beckerman, Albert De Caprio, Marilyn Gell, Ed Sayre, Elizabeth Hage, and Shirley Echelman on the development of library networks and the possible implications of the establishment of metropolitan library authorities.

Each of the 50 states has created a state library agency to administer state and federal library programs. Since the 1960's state library agencies have been involved in bibliographical systems and networks. In the 1970's these agencies completed long-range plans to meet each state's library service needs. Because of this experience, the state…

The "National Inventory of Library Needs" being conducted by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science covers public libraries, school library/media centers, and academic libraries. The resource categories being used for the Inventory are staffing, collections, acquisitions, space, and operating expenditures. For…