Minnesota Agencies

The Library Planning Task Force's vision statement describes their work: "Provide to all people in Minnesota access to a wide array of high quality library services and global information resources in a range of formats whenever, wherever, and however the information services are needed." The task force also reviews plans for proposed library project in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Library Planning Task Force was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1994 to help libraries take advantage of computer and telecommunication technologies. The Task Force was composed of both librarians and knowledgeable people from other professions. The Task Force accomplished the following:

• Developed a vision of and plans for coordinated use of electronic library and information services which led to the establishment of the Minnesota Library Information Network (MnLINK).
• Reviewed plans for proposed library projects using state funds. During its tenure, the Task Force reviewed 14 proposed library construction or renovation projects.

The 1995 Minnesota Legislature requested a review of funding sources in the light of the state's growing interest in strategically addressing information technology development. In August 1996, the Library Planning Task Force completed the "Sources of Library Funding Report Final Report" outlining recommendations on the structures of library funding in Minnesota.

The Legislature altered the size and composition of the group in 1996 (see Laws of Minnesota 1996, chapter 395, section 14). In 1999, the group's expiration date was set for June 30, 2001 (see Laws of Minn. 1999, chap. 214, art. 1, sec. 2, subd. 9).