A variety of accomplishments can be noted under the Commission's third major goal, improving library and information services through resource sharing and applications of technology. The Commission received the preliminary reports of the Task Forces on the Role of the Special Library in Nationwide Networks and Cooperative Programs (jointly sponsored with the Special Libraries Association), Community Information and Referral Services, and Library and Information Services to Cultural Minorities. The first of these reports will be published jointly by the Special Libraries Association and NCLIS; the other two reports will be published in FY 1983. The Commission also received the report of the Intergovernmental Library Cooperation Project, an NCLIS-sponsored study on federal libraries and resource sharing carried out in conjunction with the Library of Congress and the Federal Library Committee. In a new program area planned during FY 1982, NCLIS entered into a pioneering public/private sector partnership with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), to examine the impact of information technologies on various segments of the population. IBM will pay two library/information specialists to work with the Commission during the course of FY 1983 to define the anticipated information environment of 1985 and provide the Commission with a broader and more solid base for planning. The Commission's enabling legislation directs it to pay special attention to the needs of citizens living in rural areas. During FY 1982 the Commission continued to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Intermountain Community Learning/Information Services Project, and other groups on a National Rural Information Services Development program. Accomplishments in this program included the joint Congressional hearing (mentioned above) and a working model of a future rural learning/information center, both featured at the World Future Society's Fourth General Assembly in July 1982. The Commission's cooperative work with state and regional library associations and professional associations also increased during 1982. In accordance with its legislative mandate, NCLIS continued its activities as advisor to the Executive and Legislative Branches of the federal government on matters related to library and information policy and programs. The Commission convened regular informal meetings of representatives of agency information programs, and it provided advice and assistance to federal agencies-for example, to the Office of Management and Budget on implementation of the Paperwork Reduction Act, and to the Office of Technology Assessment on a planned study of technology in libraries. NCLIS also arranged for officials of the National Center for Education Statistics to meet with members of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and representatives of other library and information associations in order to identify statistical needs and improve the collection and dissemination of data. The Commission also enjoyed the privilege of assisting Mrs. George Bush with her visits to libraries as part of her effort to promote volunteer literacy programs. In an important ongoing area, NCLIS continued its follow-up on the 1979 White House Conference on Library and Information Services through continued liaison with WHCLIST, the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Taskforce. WHCLIST promotes the implementation of resolutions adopted by the White House Conference. Beyond its work in these mandated areas, ongoing programs, and the goals it set for itself for FY 1982, the Commission maintained its international involvement by continuing to support the programs of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and by holding its first Commission meeting outside the U.S. in Montreal, in conjunction with the 48th General Conference of IFLA. NCLIS also expanded its international commitment by agreeing to become the Secretariat for the U.S. National Committee for the UNESCO General Information Program (UNESCO/PGI). NCLIS adopted this new role at the request of the U.S. library and information community and the U.S. State Department. The principal role of NCLIS will be to act as a conduit and focal point for the flow of information among the U.S. National Committee, the UNESCO/PGI, and the State Department. In all of these varied activities, and in its planning and goal-setting, the Commission affirms the opening policy statement of its enabling legislation: ". . . Library and information services adequate to meet the needs of the people of the United States are essential to achieve national goals. . ." NCLIS works with decision-makers, organizations, and individuals in all sectors of our society to help insure the future of library and information services that will meet the needs of all our citizens. |