2020 Boards and Commissions

Nebraska Library Commission

General Information

Formal Name:Nebraska Library Commission
Contact Person:Rod Wagner
Purpose:Per state statute, the Library Commission promotes, develops and coordinates library services statewide. As the state library agency the Commission serves as an advocate for the library service needs of Nebraskans.
How Many Affectable:blank
How Many Served:Services are provided statewide
Year Created:1901
Year Active:1901
Sunset Date:blank

Authorization

Authorization Citation:Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska Article 4, Chapter 51 (sections 401 through 418)
Parent Agency:blank

Memberships and Meetings

Number Of Members:Six
Who Appoints:Governor
Legislative Approval:No
Qualifications Of Members:Commission members are appointed to include representation for each of Nebraska's four regions.
Per Diem:None
Expense Reimbursement:Expenses for meeting attendance
Term Length:Three years
Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:Terms Rotate

Meetings Required In:

Required FY 17-18:Six
Held FY 17-18:Six
Required FY 18-19:Six
Held FY 18-19:Six
Required FY 19-20:Six
Held FY 19-20:Six

Operations

Support Staff:41
Shared or Separate:Shared
FY 17-18 Budget:$5,387,595
FY 18-19 Budget:$5,416,223
FY 19-20 Budget:$5,424,839
Other Funding Sources:Federal - Library Services and Technology Act
Spending Authority:blank

Accomplishments

Since July 1, 2016:Awarded a major four-year federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to train and equip 35 public libraries to host makerspaces for public use. Project partners include Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Innovation Studio (UNL), Regional Library Systems. Administered a consortium of 173 public libraries to provide a shared collection of eBooks and digital audiobooks for lending to Nebraska residents.Provided state aid to public libraries and Nebraska's four regional library systems.Provided access to Nebraska state government publications (paper and digital).Served over 4,000 Nebraskans eligible for service through the Talking Book and Braille Service (loan of audiobooks and magazines on flash memory cartridges or digital download).Provided training, information, and consultation for Nebraska library workers.Provided weekly webinars on a wide range of topics related to library services. Administered public library accreditation, public librarian certification, and library board certification.Provided statewide online access to thousands of publications and specialized databases.Provided inter-library loan services for rural and small libraries.Distributed payments to Nebraska libraries for inter-library lending.Provided assistance to libraries in applying for federal e-Rate telecommunications discounts, and broadband service upgrades.