WAAL Legislative Policy Statement

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PREFACE

This document contains legislative policy of the Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians as adopted by its membership. The purpose of this policy statement is to provide the Association (and the Wisconsin Library Association) with a framework on legislative policy specifically relevant to academic libraries. This statement can then be utilized as a basis for action by the Library Development and Legislation Committee and the Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians' executive board. The policy statement is intended to supplement the Legislative Policy Statement of the Wisconsin Library Association. The Library Development and Legislation Committee will periodically review this document and suggested revisions will be presented to the membership for adoption.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS

The objectives of the Association are:

1. To provide an opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas for persons interested in the problems of university, college, technical and research libraries and library education.
2. To encourage professional growth.

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY

Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians, as a chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries, supports the federal legislative policy of that body, and the American Library Association.

STATE LEGISLATIVE POLICY

Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians supports the Wisconsin Library Association's policy on state legislation based on WLA's objective of promoting the development and improvement of librarianship in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians is a source of information on academic libraries and information services both for the Wisconsin Library Association and for those concerned with formulating and implementing state and local legislation.

The Library Development and Legislation Committee of the Wisconsin Association of Academic librarians has been formally organized and charged by the Association to study the problems of academic library development and legislation in the state. Legislative action is considered especially relevant to academic libraries in the areas considered below.

PRIVACY

Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians will support the right of the user of academic libraries to read and explore ideas without the fear of surveillance. The Association will oppose any legislation which would erode protection of privacy of records of library users. The Association will support legislation which will guarantee privacy in the use of telecommunications and which will protect the right of freedom of expression.

SUPPORT OF LIBRARY SERVICES

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians will support legislation at the state and federal level which will provide support for adequate library services to the users of academic libraries, both public and private. The Association will support the expenditure of state and federal aids to academic libraries and information services in such a way as to promote resource sharing, increase availability of materials and services to the academic community and the citizens of the state.

NETWORKS

Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians will support legislation which will encourage resource sharing among libraries through the formation of local, state, regional and national networks.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians will support legislation which will broaden the availability of communications devices for educational and informational purposes. In particular it will support legislation which would encourage communication between libraries for purposes of sharing resources. The Association will encourage and support legislation to insure rate structures that will enhance the ability of libraries to utilize modern communications technology.