National Agricultural Research, Extension,
Education, and Economics Advisory Board

1. Communications. The Board recommends strongly that the NAL serve as the centerpiece of an expanded USDA communications effort for informing the American people about the inclusiveness of agriculture, the research that supports it, and the value of our food and fiber system. This recommendation upholds the Board's ongoing concern for enhanced public understanding of agriculture and the underlying research base that supports it, which was provided to the former Secretary of Agriculture in a 1998 White Paper (PDF) on USDA communications.
    
   The Board envisions the NAL as a continued repository of scientific information and an electronic information service to researchers, producers, processors, businesses, Congress and the press. The Board also views the potential for NAL to communicate educational programs, information and publications to the public - a way of telling more effectively the many accomplishments and public services provided by USDA. Consolidating communication services with the NAL would be resource efficient. Telling the story more widely and positively will serve the public better and potentially generate increased appreciation and support for the Department.
    
   During the October 28-30, 2002 Advisory Board Meeting, members discussed in depth the possibility of a name change for the NAL to reflect its broader mission, including important research, education, and extension areas as well as the wide range of its encompassing topics (food, fiber, natural resources, aquaculture and veterinary sciences). The Board voted that, at this time, a name change should not be recommended. The Board is also aware that it will take an act of the U.S. Congress to implement such a change.
    
   Public input expressed the need to increase the visibility of the NAL as a national resource comparable to the National Library of Medicine. The Report and public comments consistently state that NAL is not meeting its potential as a communication vehicle for the Department with the broad scientific community, industry and the public. Despite the fact that the NAL is the most comprehensive agricultural library in the world, it currently serves a limited range of scientists, missing an opportunity to maximize its information base in support of agriculture and the USDA more broadly. USDA's implementation of recommendations in The Report would enable NAL to meet its dual congressional mandates, which are to be "the project centerpiece of a dynamic national agricultural information system" for the public and "a library service for USDA personnel."
    
   
2. Innovations in Information Services. Of the 109 public comments received on The Report, 68% were from scientists and librarians. The highest priority for NAL was increasing and maintaining current electronic access and working toward a National Digital Library of Agriculture. While the Advisory Board recognizes that this goal will require a substantial investment, it would significantly increase the usefulness of the library for a wider audience. Many agricultural researchers work in remote areas where library access is limited. The delivery of information in remote areas would enhance rural communities as well as serve the research community.
    
   The National Library of Medicine (NLM) should be used as a model for NAL. NAL should draw on innovative technologies to directly link users to quality content (full-text, data, abstracts, and information packages) in all areas related to research on and information transfer of food, fiber, natural resources and veterinary medicine.
    
   
3. Leadership. The Board recommends that the NAL Director should be an ex officio member of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board to assure that the library meets its mission to provide science, education, and services to the public in high priority areas based on national needs. The Director and Associate(s) should be in high-level positions (preferably Senior Executive Service Personnel) to attract top-level personnel to meet the library mission. Creative, competent leadership and vision are essential in guiding a customer-oriented staff in reaching the full potential of the library as a communication vehicle, scientific resource and repository of information.
    
   Quality hires are essential together with a periodic merit review system. Effective staff must have experience and commitment to a 21st century, technical up-to-date library. A first rate contemporary technologically-based library is not a place, but a reliable customer-oriented resource.
    
   
4. Planning and Evaluation Process. The Board concurs with the recommendation that formal five-year reviews by external reviewers, including USDA personnel, be implemented. The Board's role in the peer review process in ARS is a model that could be used by NAL.
    
   
5. Organizational Structure. The Advisory Board feels strongly about the reporting structure being a significant factor in improving NAL's visibility. The Board respects the position of USDA and understands the problems associated with a changing structure. However, it is our opinion that the NAL should report to the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE).
    
   
6. Board of Regents (BOR). The Board fully supports the recommendation of appointing a high level group to help guide formation of the revitalized NAL, advise the Director on planning, and be an advocate for the library. Membership of the BOR should include persons with experience in developing and managing the foremost contemporary libraries, those who can provide vision of how the NAL can best serve its various customers and those who represent the broad range of scientific and educational programs supported by the USDA. The BOR should have staggered terms of service to maintain its vitality. The Board commends the advisory structure of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) as a model for consideration in forming a BOR.
    
   
7. Friends of the National Agricultural Library. The Advisory Board recommends that NAL management and other responsible individuals within USDA enlist the services of a "Friends of the Library" group. Such a group should be committed to increasing public awareness of the NAL, enhancing both public and private support for NAL programs and services, and helping convey the scope of NAL's food, agriculture, natural resources, and veterinary medicine information for the benefit of the citizens of the United States and the world.
    
   
8. Funding. A revitalized NAL must have a major infusion of new resources if it is to meet its potential. The Board advises the U.S. Congress (in particular, the House and Senate agricultural committees and subcommittees) to seriously consider this funding support. The Department of Agriculture is constrained in its funding under mandatory spending limitations.
    
   The Report indicates that the $20 million annual budget needs to be increased to at least $100 million (for details and further justification, see The Report). The Board recommends that an immediate increase of $10 million is needed to launch the revitalization process. Thereafter, annual incremental increases are needed over the next five years to assure the library meets its development and service goals. Henceforth, appropriate annual increases will be necessary to maintain the vitality of the library. Continual upgrading of technology and enhancing staff services for NAL represent a major part of any new investment, but the potential they create for USDA to improve its communication with scientists and the public at large more than justifies the investment.