The State Council on Libraries and Literacy advises and assists the State Library, Archives and Public Records with its statewide library and literacy responsibilities.
The Council is a blend of members appointed by the Governor reflecting the diversity of the State as well as ex-officio representatives of state government agencies that share in the advancement of library and literacy goals.
To foster and further the establishment and proper maintenance of superior libraries and literacy programs. To promote the acquisition of resources, facilities, professional staffs and auxiliary personnel fully to support library and literacy services. The Council’s purview under the Nevada Revised Statutes allows for the overview and study of existing library facilities, literacy services, resources and services and for the formulation of recommendations to strengthen and expand these components.
Within the mission of the Nevada State Library and Archives is responsibility to administer federal programs for library and literacy services within this state. The mandate for library services was established under the Library Services Act of 1957. The act was expanded to the Library Services and Construction Act 1964. The 1964 act required the establishment of citizen based advisory boards and in 1965 the “Nevada Council on Libraries” was officially formed by Nevada statute (NRS 380A- 011). In 1995, the United States Congress re-authorized the federal legislation for libraries and renamed the program the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This new legislation was the most significant alteration in the national library program since 1965.
State coordination of literacy has enjoyed support from the executive level in state government since the mid 1980's. The Governor’s Literacy Coalition Advisory Council was formed by executive order in 1989. In 1991, the National Literacy Act was enacted and became the foundation for the development of state literacy resource centers throughout the nation. In Nevada, the literacy resource center is located at the Nevada State Library and Archives and is operated by the Nevada Literacy Coalition. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 changed the face of federal support for literacy programs in the state.
1993 brought a change for both the library and literacy councils. The functions of the Nevada Library Council and the Governor’s Literacy Coalition Advisory Council were combined as part of a statewide government reorganization. Since both councils were formed from a cross section of community, professional and governmental representatives, the pairing has proved useful benefits for both programs.
The Council is supported by federal law and is also defined by the Nevada Revised Statutes. State law (NRS 380A) establishes the number of members which serve on the council and the frequency of meetings. The Council is charged with several responsibilities. One is to review grant applications and make recommendations for funding for state and federal funds. Based on the Council’s review and advice, the State Librarian makes final decision on the distribution of federal funds. The Council considers the status of library development and literacy issues for the entire state. As necessary, it may examine priorities and make recommendations to the State Librarian for future growth or development, standards, new initiatives, certification of librarians, censorship, services to disabled populations, or any aspect of library or literacy services in Nevada.
The Council is a blend of members that are appointed by the Governor and ex-officio representatives of state government agencies that share in the advancement of library and literacy goals. The composition of the Council is listed in Section 1, Article 11 of the By-Laws (included in this Handbook). Appointed Council members serve a term of three years with the option to be reappointed to one additional term.
