Number: RS22533
Title: Restructuring EPA's Libraries: Background and Issues for Congress
Authors: David M. Bearden and Robert Esworthy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Near the end of the 109th Congress, some Members raised questions about the closing of several libraries of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expressing concerns about the continued availability of their collections. Library professional associations and public interest groups raised similar questions about access to this information. EPA reported that the closings were part of its efforts to restructure its libraries in response to the agency's transition from walk-in services to electronic dissemination of information, as a result of the increasing use of the Internet to access its collections. In response to concerns about this transition, EPA is refining its plan to restructure its library network, and reports that it will not make any further changes to its library services until the plan is completed and reviewed by affected stakeholders. As EPA refines its plan, interest in the library closings has continued in the 110th Congress. In its report on the FY2008 Interior appropriations bill (S. 1696, S.Rept. 110- 91), the Senate Appropriations Committee recommended a $2.0 million increase above the President's FY2008 budget request for EPA to restore the libraries that have been closed or consolidated. Some Members also have questioned the library closings in hearings and in written communications with EPA.
Pages: 6
Date: August 22, 2007