Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Libraries topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Councilmember raises concern over potential loss of statewide e-library services
Summary
Councilmember Jeremy Engholm said a company that supports Minnesota libraries with e-resources faces federal funding cuts and may cease services in about a year unless the state provides funding; he said staff will contact Senator Utke.
During council comments, Councilmember Jeremy Engholm reported concern that a supplier of statewide e-library services is losing federal funding and may be unable to continue operations without state support.
Engholm said the company that supports Minnesota libraries with e-library systems is experiencing a significant cut in federal funding and that if Minnesota declines to step in, the company "only has about a year left." He said the reduction could substantially reduce local library operating capabilities and add costs to the local library. Engholm said staff will contact State Senator Dave (Senator) Utke to request assistance in pursuing funding at the state level.
The council did not take formal action during the meeting but Engholm asked staff to contact state legislators on the issue; the matter may return to the council if legislative action or funding requests are pursued.
