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The 1998 Legislative Session was the most successful for libraries
in recent memory. Funding for a statewide database project and
an increase in State Aid to county libraries were approved.
The General Assembly approved $1.5 million to fund DISCUS,
South Carolina’s Virtual Library, coordinated by the State Library.
This funding will provide online access to a wide range of full text
databases to all public libraries, all higher education institutions,
and K-12 schools. As South Carolina’s virtual electronic library,
DISCUS will provide the same databases to all participating
libraries. General Assembly members were impressed with the
capability of this project to provide a high degree of information
equity to the citizens of South Carolina. This project is funded out
of Education Improvement Act (EIA) money in the State Department
of Education’s budget. A budget proviso directs that the funds be
transferred to the State Library.
State Aid to county libraries was increased by $347,846 (a 7
percent increase representing 10 cents per capita). State Aid for
FY99 will be $1.50 per capita. The minimum grant remains at
$15,000 per county. Legislative successes such as these are due
to the hard work of South Carolina’s library community.
It is more important than ever for library supporters to keep
legislators informed about how DISCUS and increased State Aid
for county libraries benefit all South Carolinians.
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