RECOMMENDATIONS

What follows are recommendations that are designed to provide an outline for actions that would result in improved public library services for all Virginians. If implemented, the consultants believe that they would ensure that the "Commonwealth’s public libraries are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century as valued community resources responsive to the rapid change in technology and society." If the recommendations are ignored, it is our opinion that the gap between the high performing and the marginal libraries in the State will grow and that an increasing number of Virginians will be deprived of a valuable resource that can help them succeed in school, on the job, and in their daily lives.


The recommendations, like the findings, are organized into four major topics. They are:

• QUALITY OF PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES
• EQUITY OF ACCESS TO QUALITY PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES
• FUNDING
• ADVOCACY/PUBLIC AWARENESS


While the recommendations are not presented in a priority order, we believe that it is important to point out that the four categories are highly interrelated. It is unlikely that libraries will receive additional funding unless there is greater and more effective advocacy for public libraries. Libraries are unlikely to be able to address the issue of equitable access to quality library services without increased funding. Finally, universal access to quality public library services will not be a reality in Virginia until the equity issue is confronted.