BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Carol Liu, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: SB 683
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|Author: |Wolk |
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|Version: |February 27, 2015 Hearing Date: |
| | April 15, 2015 |
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|Urgency: |No |Fiscal: |Yes |
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|Consultant:|Olgalilia Ramirez |
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Subject: Public library services: foundation program
SUMMARY
This bill modifies the definition of the "foundation program"
thereby authorizing the use of funds for this purpose to include
technology services provided by public libraries, for the
purchase of equipment and payment of fees for major capital
projects, and makes other technical changes.
BACKGROUND
Existing law declares that each public library provide a minimum
level of service, known as the foundation program, to the extent
state funds are made available. Existing law defines the
foundation program as those elements of library services which
are basic to its function as a provider of information,
education, and cultural enrichment to all segments of the
community, including but not limited to, collection development
and maintenance, lending services, information services,
facility maintenance, and administration. Existing law
specifically excludes "major capital improvements" from the
foundation program, defined as the purchase of real property,
the construction or improvement of buildings and the purchase of
the equipment and the payment of fees or other costs in
connection with the same. (Education Code §18013 and 18015)
Existing law establishes the Public Library Fund for the
purposes of funding the foundation program for public libraries.
(EC § 18024)
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ANALYSIS
This bill expands the use of funds for the purposes of the
library foundation program. Specifically it:
1. Adds technology to the list of services provided by
public libraries deemed an element of the foundation
program.
2. Deletes the exclusion of the cost of equipment and fees
related to major capital projects from the foundation
program thereby potentially expanding the elements of the
foundation program to include these costs.
3. Makes other non-substantive technical changes.
STAFF COMMENTS
1. Need for the bill. According to the author, this bill is a
technical cleanup of Education Code section 18015
pertaining to public libraries. The library foundation
program provided direct state aid to California public
libraries for basic public library services. This bill, to
the extent funding is available, makes technology services
and equipment purchases and fees related to major capital
improvements an acceptable use of these funds.
2. Federal Library Services and Technology Act. The Institute
of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) supports libraries in
the 50 states through funding from the federal Library
Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which is administered
in California by the State Librarian. The funds are used to
promote, through a competitive grant process, improvements
in services to all types of libraries; to facilitate access
to, and sharing of, resources and services through the
California State Library; and to achieve economical and
effective delivery of service for the purpose of
cultivating an educated and informed citizenry. In
addition, LSTA funds are targeted for statewide library
services and support a wide array of programs, from early
learning to digital access and preservation. In order to
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clearly reflect this and other existing programs, this bill
includes technology services as a basic function of public
libraries under the foundation program.
3. Public Library Fund. The Public Library Foundation was
established by legislation in 1982 by Senator Nielsen
(Chapter 1498, Statutes of 1982). Under the Davis
administration, funding for the program was greatly reduced
and subsequently defunded under in fiscal year 2011-12.
The stated intent of the program was to embody the State's
interest in the general diffusion of information and
knowledge through free public libraries; encourage lifelong
learning; supplement the system of free public education;
help libraries serve as sources of information and
inspiration to persons of all ages, cultural backgrounds
and economic status; and furnish a resource for continuing
education. If the program were to receive state funding in
the future this bill would clarify that funds can be spent
on technology services.
Current law prohibits appropriation of these funds, to the
extent funding is made available, for major capital
improvements, defined as the purchase of real property, the
construction or improvement of buildings and the purchase
of the equipment and the payment of fees or other costs in
connection with the same. Omitting fee payments and
equipment purchases from the statute would give libraries
greater flexibility to use Public Library Funds for those
stated purposes.
SUPPORT
None received.
OPPOSITION
None received.
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