Senator Defrancisco and Colleagues Pass Library Cost Savings Bill

Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C, Syracuse) today sponsored a bill (S3297) that would authorize the State Library to coordinate and negotiate purchases of electronic databases and information resources on behalf of libraries, state agencies and other governmental agencies to save money.

“As our state struggles with escalating costs, we must provide ways for governmental organizations to operate more efficiently and reduce their costs, while maintaining quality services,” said Senator DeFrancisco.

Currently, New York State and its 4,000 public, grade school, middle school, high school and college libraries spend millions of dollars annually purchasing subscriptions to online database and other electronic resources from private vendors. The pricing can vary widely depending on the purchaser and size of subscriptions.

“Lower prices and greater access to resources can be achieved with the State Library negotiating the purchase of subscriptions in large volume,” concluded Senator DeFrancisco.

Savings anticipated would range from several hundred thousand to millions of dollars over the course of a few years depending on the amount of participation.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.