Bessie B. Moore, NCLIS Vice Chairman; Jean-Francois Bertrand, Minister of Communications, Province of Quebec; Elsa Granheim, President of IFLA; and Margreet Wijnstroom, Secretary-General of IFLA

At their March meeting, the members of NAC voted to invite the Commission to avail itself of the Network Advisory Committee both as a sounding board and a forum for matters of interest to NCLIS. The Chairman of the Commission accepted the invitation on behalf of the Commission. NCLIS anticipates making use of this forum to provide expertise on networking and resource sharing. In June the Committee discussed the report of the NCLIS Public/Private Sector Task Force and laid plans for a discussion of the topic of public/private sector interaction in networking at the upcoming October meeting, with the intention of reviewing these results at the next meeting of the American Library Association.

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

In order to advise more effectively on international issues, the Commission decided to expand its international activities during FY 1982. In response to a request from major elements of the U.S. library and information community which was supported by the Department of State, NCLIS agreed to assume responsibility for the U.S. National Committee for the UNESCO General Information Program (UNESCO/PGI). It was felt that the Committee's ability to perform its functions would be enhanced by close association with a Washington-based group in the information field. As Secretariat for the U.S. National Committee, the Commission will serve as a focal point for the needs, interests, and views of the U.S. library and information community with respect to this program. By taking on this responsibility, NCLIS will be able to draw upon the extensive expertise of international library and information associations at minimal cost to the taxpayers. These associations represent both the for-profit and the not-for-profit components of the private sector, and they are expected to donate more than 500 hours of their time to the Commission. Specific activities to be performed will include: 1) advising the State Department on U.S. policy with regard to the UNESCO/PGI and on selection of U.S. delegates to various international meetings; 2) transmitting information between UNESCO and U.S. National Committee members; and 3) acting as a clearinghouse for requests received from UNESCO.

In 1982 the Commission set the tone for its increased

international involvement by holding its first meeting in its 12-year history outside the United States. The Commission's August meeting was held in Montreal in conjunction with the meeting of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). NCLIS also continued to support U.S. participation in IFLA.

IV. Developing Specifications

for Library Legislation

98TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION

H. R. 2878

To amend and extend the Library Services and Construction Act.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. SIMON introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic]

1

A BILL

To amend and extend the Library Services and Construction

Act.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa

2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3

4

SHORT TITle; findingS

SECTION 1. (a) This Act may be cited as the "Library

5 Services and Construction Act Amendments of 1983".