History
The Nebraska Public Library Commission was established by a legislative act in March 1901. The office of the commission was opened in the State Capitol in November 1901. One of the main goals of the commission was to foster the growth of public libraries in Nebraska. Traveling libraries were the first way that the commission spread libraries across the state. Later on, the goal became founding permanent libraries so that patrons who had used traveling libraries could have a long-lasting way of borrowing books. Due to financial struggles, a bill was passed in 1933 abolishing the Library Commission to cut expenses. The bill created the Nebraska Public Library in place of the commission. In 1935 a new bill was passed that re-established the Nebraska Public Library Commission. The Nebraska Library Association and the Nebraska Federated Women's Clubs were influential in assisting with the movement that led to the return of the commission. In 1952, the Library of Congress made the commission the official distribution center for the Books for the Blind program in Nebraska. The commission was responsible for buying the equipment necessary to run the program. The Nebraska Public Library Commission changed its name to the Nebraska Library Commission in 1972.Statutory authority
The Nebraska Library Commission's statutory authority is set forth under Article 4, Chapter 51 of Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska. In addition to the powers granted in Chapter 51, state statutes provide that the commission is the state agency designated to receive federal library program funds appropriated for the Library Services and Technology Act.Mission
The mission of the Nebraska Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services. As the state library agency, the commission is an advocate for the library and information service needs of all Nebraskans.Goals
*All Nebraskans will have improved access to enhanced library and information services, provided and facilitated by qualified library personnel, boards, and supporters with the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to provide excellent library and information services. *Nebraska libraries will have appropriate technology to access and deliver online library and information services.References
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