January 23, 2007
TO: Greta Chapman
President, South Dakota Library Association
FM: Rick Melmer
Secretary, Department of Education
RE: Meeting with Governor Rounds regarding South Dakota State Library
Dear Greta:
Yesterday, State Library Board members Eric Abrahamson and Linda Daugaard and I met with Governor Rounds to brief him on the status of the State Library's transition project and strategic planning initiative. I wanted to convey to you the Governor's support for the work that we are doing and for the new direction in which the State Library is heading.
Specifically, the Governor:
- supports the State Library's transition project;
- believes libraries and librarians can and should play a critical role in the social and economic development of South Dakota;
- supports the State Library in its new mission to provide "leadership for innovation and excellence in libraries" (state government to be added);
- believes the State Library's timeline for developing a new strategic plan that fits this new mission statement is appropriate; and
- believes that after the strategic planning process is complete later this spring, a clear assessment of the State Library's needs for facilities and personnel can be made by the State Library Board and the Department and the issue of keeping or distributing any portions of the remaining State Library collection can be addressed at that time.
I know that members of the South Dakota Library Association are keenly interested in the State Library's transition project. We share a common desire to enhance the capacities of all of South Dakota's libraries, and understand that we have challenges ahead as we determine the best ways to reach our goals. I look forward to the continuing collaboration between the SDLA and the State Library.
All the best,
Rick Melmer
Secretary of Education
