The Futures Initiative is the first comprehensive review
of the future of public library service, conducted on such a large scale
by any library association. This document reflects a partnership of
people and organizations across the library spectrum. It is now being
made available to you so that you can reflect on its content, consider
its strengths and how it might be improved.
A great
deal of research, discussion, preparation and thought went in to the
preparation of these reports. Many of the proposals will be new to the
library community; others will not. All of them challenge us to think
about the future of our libraries.
In order to ensure that a thorough discussion of the reports occur,
they were the subject of discussion in special sessions at the OLC 2002
Annual Conference. The Futures Initiative Steering Committee reviewed
the reports and ideas generated from those discussions. The Futures
Initiative Final Report will be issued in Summer 2003. Just as the Ohio
Library Council's OPLIN initiative paved the way for technology in public
libraries, we believe that the initiatives from this Committee will
be the spark for new public library success in the future.
We wish to express our deepest thanks to those who have worked very
hard on this outstanding project. The Task Force members are listed
with their reports. They spent many hours on research and literature
searches, countless hours in discussion, and more time developing these
reports. Our special thanks go to the Task Force Chairs. These dedicated
"Lewis and Clarks" were absolutely tireless in their exploration,
their vision, and their ability to keep everyone in the canoe.
Access, Services, and Collections
Communications and Marketing
Cooperation and Partnership
Financial Resources
Measurement and Evaluation
Staffing
Technology
Please
join us in exploring our future.
Sincerely,
| Rick
Rubin |
Lynda
Murray |
| Futures
Initiative Co-Chair |
Futures
Initiative Co-Chair |
