State Senate Passes New York Comprehensive Information System Act

Sen. DeFrancisco Bill, Co-Sponsored by Sen. Griffo, Would Improve Statewide Access to Information

State Senator John A. DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, announced that his bill (S2314) passed the New York State Senate today.

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.

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

New York State’s 4,000 libraries spend millions of dollars each year on purchasing online databases from private vendors. By authorizing the State Library to purchase these subscriptions on behalf of eligible participating entities, the state would be able to obtain lower prices and greater access to information.

“In turn, it could help taxpayers realize millions of dollars in savings within just a few years, while creating an environment that’s conducive to learning, research and innovation,” concluded Senator DeFrancisco.

“We’re always trying to find new and innovative ways to reduce the burden on local governments and help them save money. This is a simple, common sense idea that will leverage the power of bulk purchasing to save libraries money when they order essential electronic resources. I applaud Sen. DeFrancisco for introducing this bill, and I thank my Senate colleagues for passing it today,” added Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-Rome), a co-sponsor of the bill.

The bill has been delivered to the Assembly and is awaiting action by that body.