The Legislative Panel

Federal Legislation

The Assistant Legislative Officer / Federal Coordinator is responsible for examining any federal legislation impacting libraries, closely monitoring the actions of Congress, and coordinating state-wide efforts of the Legislative Panel and other library representatives. The Federal Legislative Officer also acts as a liaison to the American Library Association s Washington Office, an organization whose purpose is to monitor federal legislation and activities with an impact on libraries. Most activities occur when Congress is in session from January 3rd and through the Fall.

• National Library Legislative Day
  Each year in May, library representatives from around the country meet in Washington DC to attend this two-day event. Representatives attend advocacy and issue training in preparation for meeting with Senators, Representatives and their aides. Each state s delegation shares information about library issues and asks for support of legislation that assists libraries. The Assistant Legislative Officer / Federal Coordinator organizes the Maryland delegation and its visits with members of Congress and their aides.
• Related Links
  Additional information about federal legislation may be found at the following Web sites:
  • American Library Association Washington Office – Includes up-to-date information about federal legislation and issues that impact libraries.
  • THOMAS – Library of Congress – Provides free access to federal legislative information, including bills, resolutions and activities in Congress.
  • Government 101: How a Bill Becomes Law – A step-by-step explanation of this process in Congress provided by Project Vote Smart.

Last updated 15 July 2009.