In this new global economy, which depends more and more on the collection and distribution of information, libraries are more important than ever.
But funding shortfalls challenge the ability of Florida's public libraries to offer essential services.
County budgets, which support most libraries, were reduced by about 12 percent in the past year, according to the Florida Association of Counties. Funding shortages have forced library directors to cut hours, make layoffs, freeze positions and make do with existing collections, according to a preliminary Florida Library Association survey.
During these tough times, Floridians should recognize the lifeline public libraries provide, and they should advocate for their continued funding and support.
As government agencies, libraries help in accessing government services, particularly those available online. For years, libraries have offered free documents, such as tax forms, voter registration applications and state and federal job applications.
But the move to online services — known as E-Government — has shifted more resources to the Internet. Some agencies have even advised clients to visit the library for assistance.
Want to get information about Medicare drug benefits, make an appointment with an immigration official, renew your driver's license or apply for disaster assistance? Librarians' knowledge of these programs is essential to the public's success in navigating them on the Internet.
But what do the millions of Floridians who don't know how to use a computer, can't afford an Internet connection or aren't aware of the available government programs do?
They visit their local library.
Recent studies in Florida and nationally demonstrate the significant roles that libraries play supporting E-Government, ranging from immigration and passport applications to student loan applications to vehicle registration, Medicaid enrollment and vital records information.
These studies also demonstrate the critical support libraries offer their communities in times of disaster by serving as communications hubs, distribution centers and providers of Internet access for emergency responders and survivors.
Our state's residents are swimming in a sea of technology, trying to keep afloat in a global Information Age that is changing our economy.
Let's make sure we build on the assets we have and continue to give public libraries and librarians the support they deserve.
John Carlo Bertot, Ph.D., is a professor and associate director of the Information Use Management & Policy Institute at Florida State University.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): John Carlo Bertot
Quelle/Source: PensacolaNewsJournal, 15.12.2007
