By ANDREA MORRIS GRUHL
"Federal Librarians in the New Millennium: Measuring Up and Exceeding Expectations" was the theme of the Federal Librarians Round Table Spring Program on May 15 in the Mumford Room.
The program was co-sponsored by the Federal Library and Information Center Committee. About 60 people gathered that Monday evening to hear a panel of experts discuss the theme. Panelists were: Martha Gould, chair of the National Commission on Library and Information Science; Elizabeth Sywetz, deputy director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services; Susan Tarr, executive director of the Federal Library and Information Center Committee; and Lynne Bradley, assistant executive director of the American Library Association, Washington Office.
FLRT President Stephanie Jones, director of Fort Polk Army Base Library in Louisiana, recognized distinguished guests in the audience: Bob Willard, executive director of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and Fran Buckley superintendent of Documents at the U.S. Government Printing Office.
Dr. Billington welcomed the guests and noted that the Library had just celebrated its 200th birthday on April 24 and that additional Bicentennial events would be held throughout the year. He also mentioned that efforts are under way for the Library of Congress to work with more libraries, especially in the National Digital Library Program effort.
Ms. Sywetz of IMLS noted that less than 1 percent of funding for public libraries comes from the federal government. IMLS makes grants under its authority from the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996. About 90 percent of IMLS funding goes to state agencies for National Leadership Grants.
Ms. Gould of NCLIS spoke about the impact online services have had on library operations. NCLIS commissioned a study in 1997-1999 with the goal of helping federal libraries improve their electronic services.
Ms. Tarr of FLICC examined how federal libraries are readying themselves for a future with level funding.
Ms. Bradley said ALA's Washington Office is the association's lobbying group. ALA is trying to get grassroots support for their position that "America is not yet ready for a paperless society."
A reception in the Mumford Foyer followed the program. It was funded by the Gale Group, Baker and Taylor, and Landmark Audio.
Ms. Gruhl is the past president of FLRT and is an ALA councilor.