HB 553 - Public Libraries Summary

• Establishes definitions for "depository library" (designated libraries receiving state publications) and "state publication" (publications created by state entities that are publicly distributed or culturally/historically significant)

• Revises State Library Council composition to include representatives from public libraries, academic cooperatives, school libraries, independent colleges, and professional associations; limits members to two consecutive 4-year terms

• Requires Division of Library and Information Services to coordinate with Division of Blind Services to provide library services to blind and physically handicapped persons and authorizes the division to issue electronic information

• Mandates state officials, departments, boards, courts, and agencies designate a state publications liaison and furnish their state publications to the Division of Library and Information Services for distribution to depository libraries throughout the state

• Removes requirement for the division to provide centralized microfilming program for state agencies and clarifies the State Publications Program increases public accessibility to culturally and historically significant state government information

• Effective July 1, 2015