Resolution In Support Of Full FY 1997 Appropriations For The Library Of Congress

WHEREAS,

The Library of Congress, whose mission is "to make its resources available and useful to Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations," is the world's largest library and our Nation's de facto national library; and

WHEREAS,

The Library of Congress plays an important and unique role in acquiring, cataloging and preserving its comprehensive collections so that our national heritage will be permanently preserved for future generations; and

WHEREAS,

Programs of the Library of Congress serve Congress with the finest research, analysis and reference service possible while providing specialized national services, such as the Copyright Office, the American Folklife Center and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; and WHEREAS, The Library of Congress has successfully taken advantage of new technologies to enhance access to information for all citizens through important electronic initiatives, including the National Digital Library, the THOMAS system of legislative information, and the Global Legal Information Network (GLIN); and

WHEREAS,

The Library of Congress has an international presence and is expanding its foreign language collections at a time when our nation seeks to compete more efficiently in the global marketplace; and

WHEREAS,

The Law Library of Congress, our de facto national law library, serves Congress and provides national leadership and service to the legal research community, including through the expanding Global Legal Information Network, a unique and valuable database that provides electronic access to the laws of other nations; and

WHEREAS,

Continued support for the Library of Congress and commitment to its mission will benefit members of Congress and the American public by protecting this national repository of research and scholarship; and

WHEREAS,

The Library of Congress has submitted a budget request of $373 million for FY 1997, including the authority to obligate another $28.3 million in receipts, to maintain current programs and expand its digital projects; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

That the American Association of Law Libraries urge Congress to affirm the current mission of the Library of Congress to serve Congress and the American people, and to continue its national leadership role in library issues and the expansion of its electronic initiatives; and be it further

RESOLVED,

That the American Association of Law Libraries urge Congress to fund fully the Library of Congress appropriations request for FY 1997 in order that sufficient resources be provided to enable the Library to effectively fulfill its mission; and be it further

RESOLVED,

That the American Association of Law Libraries transmit a copy of this resolution to Members of the House and Senate Legislative Appropriations Subcommittees, to other appropriate congressional committees, and to the Librarian of Congress.