State Senate Passes “New York Comprehensive Information System Act”

State Senator John A. DeFrancisco announced that his bill (S2314) passed the New York State Senate today, June 12, 2013.

Access to information is vital to creating an environment conducive to learning and innovation. Under this legislation, the New York State Library would be authorized to coordinate the purchase of electronic databases and other information resources for state agencies, library systems, and other governmental entities.

“More Central New Yorkers are using their local libraries to research employment opportunities and learn new skills. This bill would allow libraries to lower their overheard, stretch their resources, and offer patrons more for less,” said Senator DeFrancisco.

New York State’s 4,000 libraries spend millions of dollars a year on purchasing online databases from private vendors. Authorizing the State Library to purchase these subscriptions on behalf of participating entities, will allow the State to obtain lower prices and greater access.

“By consolidating purchasing, taxpayers could realize millions of dollars in savings in just a few years,” concluded Senator DeFrancisco.

The bill has been delivered to the New York State Assembly.