New York State Library

Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC)

Overview

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, or RAC, was established by the Board of Regents in 1894 "to serve as a library council with whom the University officers may consult whenever the advice or cooperation of experts may be desirable."

Goals of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries

The Regents Advisory Council will act as an advocate for libraries, library staff, and library trustees.

(Adopted January 25, 2008)

Goal 1: Monitor and Advise

The Regents Advisory Council will monitor and advise on State Education Department and Office of Cultural Education policies, staffing, long-range plans, legislative proposals, regulations affecting libraries, and library implications of other Education Department and Regents Programs. The Regents Advisory Council will also monitor and advise on Federal policy and long-range plans regarding libraries.

Goal 2: Strengthen

The Regents Advisory Council will work to strengthen the programs and services of the NYS Library's Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library, the Division of Library Development, and other programs and services of the State Education Department that affect libraries.

Goal 3: Communicate

The Regents Advisory Council will ensure that effective communication takes place with the Regents and the Commissioner of Education regarding library matters. The Regents Advisory Council will also ensure that effective communication takes place between the Regents and the library community. The Regents Advisory Council will seek to build an effective consensus on all policies and programs affecting all types of libraries.

RAC Resources

Access member information, meeting code of conduct, and council bylaws.

RAC Vision

Explore the RAC Vision document as well as supporting materials.

Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award

The Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award is given annually to recognize the achievements of small, medium and large libraries and library consortia in New York State.

Last Updated: December 22, 2023