The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 60, July 1956 - April, 1957 Page: 160
616 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
The National Association of State Libraries has prepared and
adopted The Role of the State Library as a statement of its firm
convictions of the scope, goals, organization and principles of oper-
ation of state libraries. The Association believes that the library sys-
tem of our Nation, based on free expression and free access to knowl-
edge, is a major force for the maintenance and advance of a free
society. Because of their strategic position the state libraries are a
major element in the total American library system. Every citizen in
a democracy needs to have ample opportunity to gain knowledge and
mature viewpoints in order to discharge better his duties. Freedom
and maturation are neither secured nor achieved by ignorance. In
this process the state libraries believe that they have no small respon-
sibility and The Role is an expression of the aims that they have set
for themselves for the purpose of effectively discharging their respon-
sibilities. January 1956
GENERAL STATEMENT
The state library is the focal point of statewide library services. Its
basic functions are: service to all branches, agencies, commissions,
departments and officers of its government and service to the entire
state. Its functions further include promoting library development in
the state, improving library standards, securing legislation concerning
libraries, and fostering a climate of acceptance and understanding of
libraries and the value of library service.
The most effective state library is one that encompasses all library
services of the state government, so integrated as to function with
economy and efficiency.
It can best perform its functions as a separate agency of govern-
ment. It should have a governing board composed of interested citi-
zens. This body is vested with the duty of employing as chief librarian
a professional person well qualified by training and experience to ad-
minister and direct the agency. The board, acting always with the
librarian, formulates broad general policies for the library, and plays
a vital part in securing funds to carry out the library's program.
In order to fulfill its functions, the state library must have strong
collections of all forms of educational and informational materials
covering the various fields of knowledge, an efficient system of making
materials available, and a sufficient number of competent professional
and clerical personnel. Definite policies for developing the library's
collections are formulated in cooperation with other libraries in the
state or region after careful consideration of all the resources and
needs.
The generally recognized components of an integrated state library
agency are: General Library Services, Archives, Extension, Govern-
ment Publications, Law, Legislative, Reference, State History, and
Special Library Services.160o
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 60, July 1956 - April, 1957, periodical, 1957; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101163/m1/177/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.