Assembly Member Kellner Named Chair of Libraries and Education Technology
I am proud to report that I have been named Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology by Speaker Sheldon Silver. The Libraries and Education Technology Committee has jurisdiction over issues affecting public, academic, school and private libraries. The Committee deals with the administration and funding of libraries and library systems in New York State.
With New Yorkers using our libraries more than ever they are a vital educational tool for the middle class and those struggling to make it into the middle class. Libraries are a learning hub for every community in New York State. They provide a free gateway to knowledge for every generation of New Yorker; from the pre-schooler checking out her first picture book to her grandparent that brings her. Free public libraries in America predate the Constitution, and will continue to be a crucial institution in New York’s public infrastructure for future generations to come.
I have always been an advocate for libraries and education technology for New Yorkers. In 2010, I released a report entitled "Transforming Textbooks: How Electronic Textbooks Can Reduce Costs and Expand Academic Resources in Our Public University Systems,” which detailed how electronic resources purchased by University Libraries can reduce the costs of higher education for low – and middle – income families. With public college students spending an average of $1000 per year on required texts – electronic textbooks provide a critical cost saving opportunity for New Yorkers.
In the current session, I have introduced two pieces of legislation that give important issues in libraries and education technology the necessary attention. The first bill focuses on education technology. A. 1178 authorizes the regents to create a task force to review the issue of textbook cost and ways to enhance the academic role and delivery of course materials through greater collaboration between faculty, publishers, college bookstores and libraries. The second bill A.4664, which has bipartisan Republican sponsorship in the Senate, ensures that no libraries will receive less state aid than it received in 2011. Both of these bills are essential to the overall goal of improving libraries and education technology in New York State.
I am honored to be chosen to chair the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology. As your Assembly Member, I will continue to fight to keep our libraries at the forefront of emerging technologies so that New Yorkers are prepared to meet 21st century challenges.