Archived Information

My colleagues and I share a belief in the importance of NLE and the need and opportunity for this organization to serve American education in new ways befitting changing times. The Library is already providing significant services; we must look to the future if these services are to remain vital. This challenge can be met, and NLE can become an intellectual center for the world of education.

Throughout our work, the Advisory Task Force consulted U.S. Department of Education staff, other organizations and agencies, and members of the public about the role and functions of a national library of education. We studied NLE's legislation and previous reports and studies on NLE and its predecessor organizations. We also examined documents and operations pertaining to the other national libraries and major education libraries. The results of these reviews and collaborations, plus our deliberations as experienced information practitioners, comprise our recommendations. Each topic and recommendation in this report has been fully discussed.

This report is intended to serve the Department, the Congress, and NLE staff in their decisionmaking about the Library's future activities. Institutional and financial support will be needed to underwrite these recommendations, and we believe they should be forthcoming. It is our hope that this report will be accepted by the Secretary of Education and the Congress to help all concerned to understand the importance and necessity of NLE.

I want to thank everyone who assisted in the preparation of this report, including my Task Force colleagues, NLE staff, Department staff, and the many individuals and organizations who took the time to share their ideas and concerns with us. The Advisory Task Force enthusiastically supports this report and anticipates its implementation.

Jane B. Kolbe
South Dakota State Librarian
Chair, Advisory Task Force
-###-

[Title page]

[Foreword]