Advocacy

It’s not enough to provide excellent library services to the public. Librarians and library supporters must also make the case for library buildings and updated technology by talking with local, state and federal officials. It is also important to be aware of legislation at all levels that can affect libraries and access to information.

Albany County

Click on Albany County Legislators for a full listing of current officials. To get to individual towns and villages within Albany County, click on Albany County Community Links, then on Municipality Links. The County budget is under the link to the County Executive.

American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy

The OITP promotes the development and utilization of electronic access to information as a means to ensure the public's right to a free and open information society. There are four basic roles that OITP plays: research and analysis, education, government representation, and strategic outlook activities. Visit their web site for information on copyright, technology, the digital divide and Internet governance.

Libraries for the Future

This is a national advocacy organization for those who use public libraries. It provides advocacy training through a national initiative called Communities and Libraries: An Advocacy Training Program.

New York Library Association Legislative Committee

The NYLA site is a quick way to access addresses for New York State Assembly and Senate, and to search Assembly and Senate bills by number or keyword.

New York State Assembly

Go to this site to find out about your representative in the Assembly, monitor the progress of a specific bill, learn who serves on committees, commissions and task forces, and get the latest news and legislative reports.

New York State Senate

Your state senators, the Senate schedule, bills and laws, press releases, student programs, and Senate reports are all available on this web site.

Rensselaer County

Click on Departments for access to the Board of Elections, the budget, County Clerk, Economic Development and the County Legislature. Important county history, maps, census and zoning information can be found at http://www.rensco.com/information/information.htm.