For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 65 cents

Stock No. 5203-00022

INTRODUCTION

The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, (NCLIS) a permanent and independent agency within the Executive Branch, is charged with primary responsibility for developing and recommending overall plans for library and information services adequate to meet the needs of the people of the United States. This report, the second Annual Report of the Commission, describes the activity of the agency between July 1, 1972, and June 30, 1973. It covers the results of investigations and studies that were begun as the first year of operation ended; provides initial information on the surveys and contracts in progress; summarizes the testimony from the first three regional hearings; condenses the recommendations of a special conference on user's information needs; and sets forth the initial points in a national program statement on libraries and information services that has been drafted and is now being revised by the Commission.

The work of the Commission during fiscal 1973 was (and is) both timely and directly related to major national goals. It was timely because national leaders have recognized that information provided at the right time and in the right amount and format can improve the ability of an individual, an organization, a business, or a governmental agency to make an informed decision, produce a better product, or live a richer life. It was in consonance with major national goals because better information services lead to a better informed citizenry-one that can cope with problems in the areas of neighborhood and personal security, adequate food and fuel, improved human relationships between persons of differing backgrourids and world peace. The Commission is seeking diligently for those paths, old or new, that will make information equally available to all.