Developing A Long-Term Plan for Statewide Public Library Consolidation

Responding to the need to consider alternative strategies for coping with the current economic downturn and its ramifications, the Karla Harry Commission established a committee to develop a long-term plan to consolidate statewide funding and administration of library services. In November, the committee convened several focus groups around the state seeking input on what libraries could do better together. Sessions were scheduled at the Cumberland, Jamestown and East Providence Public Libraries and directors from around the state were invited.  Thirty three library directors representing 31 libraries participated in the sessions along with representatives from Ocean State Libraries and the Office of Library and Information Services.

A summary of these meetings is now available.