First Lady Christie Vilsack and State Librarian Mary Wegner Hold News Conference on Iowa Libraries and the "Long Overdue" Report

Reporters and librarians from around the state attended a news conference on June 27 at the State Library where State Librarian Mary Wegner and First Lady Christie Vilsack summarized findings from a new report, "Long Overdue:  A Fresh Look at Public and Leadership Attitudes about Libraries in the 21st Century."  They also reflected on the wonderful job Iowa libraries are doing to help meet public expectations and needs.

The study was prepared by Public Agenda with support from the Americans for Libraries Council and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  The report includes the results of a national survey of the general public as well as interviews with national and local civic leaders.

"Large majorities of Americans see public libraries as critical institutions in their communities," said Wegner.  "Researchers of this report heard loud and clear that people believe their communities must have well-functioning public libraries in order to be healthy and strong.  The results of the national survey mirror trends that we see in Iowa."

Vilsack said that public libraries are "keystones of democracy."

"They help change the landscape of Iowa and the economic future" of communities, said Vilsack.  "Public libraries are connected to the economic development of communities and are important as solution centers."

"Whether it's a farmer studying up on modern farming practices or displaced workers using computers to do resumes or search the Internet for jobs," libraries play an important role in the health of their communities, said Vilsack.

Wegner cited statistics that negate claims by some that libraries are not needed or useful.  She said in the past 10 years:

• Check-outs in Iowa are up 10%.
• Iowa public library visits are up 30%.
• The number of public library card holders in Iowa is up 15%.

She also noted that 97% of Iowa public libraries have computers for public use which provide access to the Internet.  In 2005, 83% of Iowa public libraries reported they had too few computers to meet public demand.

Wegner said the State Library is undertaking three major initiatives which address issues in the Long Overdue report, two with significant funding from the Gates Foundation.

• The Rural Sustainability grant (Gates) involves a series of statewide workshops that will assist public library directors in sustaining public access computers and their library operations, and will address the need for library advocacy.
• The Gates Staying Connected grant will provide assistance to public libraries in getting connected to high speed Internet access.  The grant will also allow the State Library to host Web sites for public libraries.
• The third initiative is an ongoing program called Telling the Library Story which involves an in-depth Web site filled with resources for librarians to help them in engaging with their communities, making budget presentations and more.

Said Wegner, "An important part of the State Library's mission is working to make library service in Iowa the best it can be by offering services and programs for libraries."

"We are pleased but not at all surprised by the information in the Long Overdue report," Wegner said.  "We are energized by the affirmation in the report and look forward to working with Iowa librarians and library funding authorities to address the challenges in the report."