With the downturn in energy markets, libraries across the state are being asked to make do with less, including the Wyoming State Library. Between the Legislature’s “penny plan” and the Governor’s 8% budget reduction request, the WSL has been asked to trim just under 11% from state funds in its budget. This reduction is in line with what other state agencies have experienced.
“The reality is that any time you have a smaller budget, you have to evaluate current projects,” said Jamie Markus, Interim State Librarian. “While we’re re-aligning some things, we’re making sure key services continue. Our commitment to supporting the library community won’t change.”
Libraries should not see any significant changes in WYLD services. “WYLD infrastructure is a high priority,” said Brian Greene, Program Manager. “We know our libraries rely on WYLDCAT, OCLC, and interlibrary loan. Our office will make sure the technology and the technical support are there.”
In the GoWYLD databases, the State Library discontinued its contract for Reference USA in 2015 and for EBSCO OmniFile as of July 1. Mango Languages was dropped by WSL but picked up by the University of Wyoming with no interruption in service. An Electronic Resources Task Force is now prioritizing the types of electronic resources that academic, public, school, and special libraries need for their patrons.
The marketing and publications office is re-envisioning the One Book Wyoming program and Wyoming Library Roundup magazine, which are both on hiatus for 2016. The intent is to make both projects sustainable to achieve their goals of promoting literacy and libraries. In the meantime, the office is launching a new WSL website at library.wyo.gov and working on ways to promote the GoWYLD databases.
A planned upgrade for the six digital collections will go forward. Among other improvements, the new Knowvation software will bring Wyoming Places into the same system as the other collections. Wyoming Legislation will add content: enrolled acts, session laws, governors’ vetoes, and approximately 1,000 bills that were missing.
By statute, the Wyoming State Library is charged with library development throughout the state. The WSL management team is making strategic decisions to maintain and improve its services, despite reduced revenue. Libraries can continue to count on the State Library to support them.