ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

WASHINGTON HOTLINE

by Carol C. Henderson Deputy Director ALA Washington Office

NEH grants to independent research libraries. At a December 8 ceremony at the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities launched a $5,325,000 special initiative for independent research libraries. Thirteen libraries are receiving grants ranging from $100,000 to $2 million which mus be matched three to one from non-federal sources. The NEH press release noted three reasons for making the grants: 1) independent research libraries collect, preserve, and promote research in important records of the past; 2) these libraries have demonstrated that they can carry out their mission intelligently and efficiently; and 3) they need substantial financial assistance to continue providing their basic services.

President Reagan met with the library directors and made remarks at the ceremony. In a prepared statement he said: "Our research libraries are repositories for the accumulated knowledge and teaching of civilization. We owe it to ourselves and our children to preserve these rich treasures for the generations to come…. Independent research libraries play a vital role in the cultural life of our nation. As centers for research and learning, they reflect our collective commitment to education and to intellectual freedom and growth—the survival of these institutions is essential.” He also emphasized the expected private sector contributions.

Senate Committee votes research library increase. On December 8 the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a slight increase in the Higher Education Act Title II-C Research Library Program—from $5,760,000 to $6 million. The Committee approved the current level of $1,920,000 for the HEA II-A College Library Program but warned that future funding might depend on establishment of a needs criteria so that funds went only to the most deserving institutions. The House has passed the current levels of funding for college, research, and public libraries, and these levels are most likely to be carried forward into law. However, the Senate Committee action is encouraging, especially in light of the Administration’s proposal to eliminate all library programs.