HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54
(By Delegates Mezzatesta, Williams, Beach, Crosier, Fragale,
Hartman, Long, Louisos, Paxton, Perry, Poling, Renner, Shaver,
Shelton, Stemple, Tabb, Swartzmiller, Duke, Hamilton, Howard,
Romine, Sobonya, Sumner, Wakim and Canterbury)
(Originating in the Committee on Education)
[February 25, 2003]
Directing the joint committee on government and finance to make a
study on economically feasible methods to provide access to
library services for the large number of West Virginia
citizens living in remote areas.
Whereas, West Virginia is a rural state wherein thirty-four
percent of West Virginians live in counties of less than 33,000
people; and
Whereas, Many of these counties have limited financial
resources and large sparsely populated areas; and
Whereas, Many of these rural residents do not have ready
access to the resources of a public library; and
Whereas, Information and educational support provided by
public libraries are recognized as an important tool in the
development of an economically viable population; and
Whereas, Small rural communities do not have the resources to
support a permanent library facility; and
Whereas, Libraries which already exist in the smaller more
rural areas do not have the resources to provide meaningful outreach services to their most rural patrons; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby
directed to make a study on economically feasible methods to
provide access to library services for the large number of West
Virginia citizens living in remote areas; and be it
Further Resolved, That the access to library services for the
purposes of the study means the broad range of services provided by
libraries including, but not limited to:
(1) Access the materials and information available in a public
library;
(2) Opportunities for individuals to avail themselves of the
services of the library's information professionals who can help
teach them how to access and evaluate information gathering tools
and apply information procured;
(3) Access on line resources provided by libraries such as
magazine and newspaper articles, study guides for standardized
tests such as the ACT or SAT, job and career information including
the ability to apply for jobs electronically, current medical
information, etc; and
(4) Access materials that support and supplement school
curriculum including library programs which encourage the
development of reading skills in emerging readers; and be it
Further resolved, That the methods of providing access that are studied shall include, but not be limited to, the use of
bookmobiles to provide for the delivery of these services; and be
it
Further Resolved, That the said joint committee on government
and finance shall conduct the study and prepare a report of its
findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of
any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be
it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and
finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and
be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation be paid
from legislative appropriations to the joint committee on
government and finance.