Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 88 Part 2.djvu/540

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White House LiblaTy'^nd Information Services. Authorization

PUBLIC LAW 93-568-DEC. 31, 1974

[88 STAT.

Whereas the preservation and the dissemination of information and ideas are the primary purpose and function of libraries and information centers; and Whereas the growth and augmentation of the Nation's libraries and information centers are essential if all Americans are to have reasonable access to adequate services of libraries and information centers; and Whereas new achievements in technology offer a potential for enabling libraries and information centers to serve the public more fully, expeditiously, and economically; and Whereas maximum realization of the potential inherent in the use of advanced technology by libraries and information centers requires cooperation through planning for, and coordination of, the services of libraries and information centers; and Whereas the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science is developing plans for meeting national needs for library and information services and for coordinating activities to meet those needs; and Whereas productive recommendations for expanding access to libraries and information services will require public understanding and support as well as that of public and private libraries and information centers: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) the President of the United States is authorized to call a White House Conference on Library and Information Services not later than 1978. (b)(1) The purpose of the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (hereinafter referred to as the "Conference'") shall be to develop recommendations for the further improvement of the Nation's libraries and information centers and their use by the public, in accordance with the policies set forth in the preamble to this joint resolution. (2) The Conference shall be composed of, and bring together^— (A) representatives of local, statewide, regional, and national institutions, agencies, organizations, and associations which provide library and information services to the public; (B) representatives of educational institutions, agencies, organizations, and associations (including professional and scholarly associations for the advancement of education and research); (C) persons with special knowledge of, and special competence in, technology as it may be used for the improvement of library and information services; and (D) representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, professional and lay people, and other members of the general public. (c)(1) The Conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission").

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