AALL Resolution

WHEREAS,

Timely, equitable, and ready access to government information is a public right and a principal function and responsibility of the Federal government; and

WHEREAS,

The Superintendent of Documents Federal Depository Library Program is the primary provider of free public access to federal government and legal information through its more than 1400 Congressionally-designated depository libraries; and

WHEREAS,

Public access to current and historical government information in print, microfiche and electronic formats is provided through depository libraries; and

WHEREAS,

H.R. 1854, the FY 1996 Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, proposes to cut the Superintendent of Documents Salaries and Expenses Appropriations which funds the Federal Depository Library Program by 50%, from $30.3 million to $16.5 million; and

WHEREAS,

Federal agencies will not have an incentive to continue to provide information in print and microform and are not yet prepared for electronic dissemination, thereby resulting in a loss of access by the public to government information; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

That the American Association of Law Libraries urge Congress to authorize the full $30.3 million to the FY 1996 Superintendent of Documents Salaries and Expenses Appropriations; and be it further

RESOLVED,

That the American Association of Law Libraries urge Congress not to make such drastic changes to the Federal Depository Library Program through the appropriations process without public hearings by both authorizing and appropriations committees; and be it further

RESOLVED,

That the American Association of Law Libraries urge Congress to conduct a comprehensive study involving the library community on the transition to electronic dissemination and other federal information policy issues; and be it further

RESOLVED,

That copies of this resolution be transmitted to appropriate committees of Congress and the Public Printer.