The Nevada State Library and Archives oversees the development of a statewide master plan for library and information services in the State.  The master plan itself serves to set priorities for the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records in its future directions and in the use of federal LSTA funds for libraries in Nevada. 

NSLA contracted with Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants, to gather input from the library community and to prepare the 2003-2007 master plan.  The consultants planned visits with all twenty-two public library jurisdictions, the universities and community colleges, a sampling of school libraries, and a sampling of special libraries, in order to interview key staff, take photographs, provide a cursory assessment of the each facility’s collections and technology, and conduct focus group sessions.

In addition, two web based surveys were administered, one for library personnel, one focusing on special needs populations. Copies of the surveys and a summary report of the results are available in Appendix A and Appendix B of the Statewide Master Plan, 2003-2007. A pdf copy of the entire plan is available through the link below.

The Statewide Masterplan for Nevada Libraries, 2000-2005 provides direction and serves as a blueprint for development of library services throughout the state.  The plan is based on input from people who attended meetings in every corner of Nevada and also reflects the best thinking of public, school, academic and special librarians.  The developing draft was reviewed and discussed at regional meetings in Elko, Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City.

This plan projects a vision of the best possible library services for all Nevadans at the beginning of the new millennium.  The information explosion requires new knowledge and skills for productive living.  The profession of librarianship upholds an ethic of providing open access and protecting the public’s “right to know.”  Without the watchfulness of librarians there would be an unbridgeable gap between the “information haves and have nots.”  Librarians consciously preserve the transcript of human experience and safeguard public access to the world store of information.  The Statewide Masterplan for Nevada Libraries is a tool for managing the impact of change while increasing the value of library services.