FROM THE DESK OF THE STATE LIBRARIAN...
The end of the year is, of course, a good time to reflect on what has been accomplished and to plan for the coming year. This past year saw some changes in State government that had a dramatic effect on the State Library. In January 2003, Craig Benson was sworn in as New Hampshire's 80th governor. Governor Benson's experience as the Chief Executive Officer of a Fortune 500 company that was on the leading edge of technology development in the computer industry means he came to the position as Chief Executive of the State with specific ideas about the organization of the information services the state is offering. The State Library, under its Electronic and Government Information Section, has been responsible for the New Hampshire web presence since 1995.
The reorganization of information services under the Office of Information Technology means that web services are now run out of that department. Theresa Paré-Curtis, who was the first webmaster for the State of New Hampshire starting in 1996, is now the Director of Web Development in the Office of Information Technology. Statewide database services are now handled by Diana Degen, who has worked for a number of years in database services dealing with access problems for libraries and vendor negotiations.
In addition to some adjustments and the budget constraints, the State Library is working on a number of programs that will have long term benefits to the New Hampshire library community. In 2003 the Park Street Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization, was established to help the State Library raise funds for projects that are not supported by state or federal funds. One of those projects was the Center for the Book. In May 2003, the State Library held an open house for the Center for the Book, which will promote books, reading, literacy, and literature.
We look forward to a good year for the State Library. There are challenges ahead, however. We are dedicated to helping libraries in New Hampshire fulfill their mission of serving the citizens of their communities and get what they need at the library.
--Michael York, State Librarian |
