ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 9, Number 50
June 1, 2000

In this issue:

Lawrence, Kansas Newspaper Publishes Favorable Report on Saving 
FDLP Funding; Kansas Depository Librarians Featured

A recent article in the Lawrence (Kansas) Journal-World is an 
excellent example of how to tell the story about the public impact 
of budget cuts threatened by the U.S. House of Representatives 
Appropriations Committee to the FY 2001 budget for the Federal 
Depository Library Program (FDLP). 
(http://www.ljworld.com/section/citynews/story/9365)

The report by Erwin Seba in the June 1, 2000 issue of the Lawrence 
Journal-World is an example of the kind of news report that 
library supporters in other regions should try to generate. 
Library supporters may also want to redistribute this article as 
appropriate. 

Featured in Seba's news report are depository librarians Donna 
Koepp (Kansas University), Cindy Gyler (Johnson County Library), 
Cheryl Canfield (Hutchinson Library), and Cindy Roupe (State 
Library in Topeka, KS.).  All noted the real world problems caused 
if the House budget cuts are enacted.

Reporter Seba quoted Donna Koepp as saying:  "I'm afraid we're 
headed for a new Dark Ages.Public Access to government information 
goes to the core of democracy.  Thomas Jefferson must be rolling 
over in his grave."

Noting the effects on small business use of government 
information, Gyler is quoted:  "American citizens have paid for 
this information with their tax dollars. They use it to find jobs 
and start businesses."

The financial implications for libraries were noted by Canfield 
from the Hutchinson Library. "About five to seven years ago, I 
estimated what it would cost to buy all the documents we receive.  
It was about $15,000 to $25,000.  I don't have a budget that big."

Roupe echoed the same message.  "We could never afford it.  If all 
the depository libraries in the state got together, we would not 
have the money."

Seba clearly did his homework on this issue.  Not only did he 
interview numerous Kansas librarians, he also called pertinent 
congressional offices and provided a thumbnail sketch on the 
number and nature of federal depository libraries in Kansas.  He 
noted that two of the Kansas House delegation (Rep. Jim Ryun and 
Rep. Dennis Moore) indicated that they could not support such deep 
cuts to the FDLP.

This is the type of news report that library supporters can help 
generate in their own regional and local papers.  In Kansas, 
library supporters are trying to get the news report published in 
other regional papers.  The article has already been shared with 
various legislative staff in some higher education institutions 
and has elicited interest from these lobbyists. Continued 
communication about this important issue can lead to additional 
help in fighting these proposed budget cuts.

For further ideas about using the Seba article or generating 
additional press ideas contact Lynne Bradley at ALA's Office of 
Government Relations or the Washington Office PR specialist, Frank 
DiFulvio.  Both can be reached at 1-800-941-8478.

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ALA Washington Office, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 403, 
Washington, D.C. 20004-1701; phone: 202.628.8410 or 800.941.8478 
toll-free; fax: 202.628.8419; e-mail: alawash@alawash.org; Web 
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