SRC-DPW S.B. 692 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 692 76R6094 JRD-FBy: Lucio Education 3/30/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, TexShare, a library resource-sharing network that allows students and faculty of higher education institutions, provides services to 174 higher education institution members. Millions of Texans, especially those served by smaller, rural public libraries and those in economically disadvantaged areas, have no access to the information provided by TexShare. This bill would allow public libraries membership into the TexShare program and provide funds for the extension of its services. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 692 provides guidelines for the expansion of the TexShare library consortium. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 441.201, 441.202, 441.203, 441.204, 441.206, and 441.209, Government Code, as added by Section 1, Chapter 250, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, as follows: Sec. 441.201. New heading: DEFINITIONS. Defines "commission," "institution," and "public library" in this subchapter, rather than chapter. Sec. 441.202. CREATION OF CONSORTIUM. Requires the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (commission) to establish and maintain the TexShare consortium for public libraries. Sec. 441.203. FINDINGS; PURPOSE AND METHODS. Provides that the legislature finds it necessary to assist libraries, rather than academic libraries, at certain institutions and public libraries to promote the public good through enhancing quality teaching through exchange of information, rather than academic information, improving educational resources in all communities. Deletes provision regarding effectiveness at institutions of higher education. Sec. 441.204. MEMBERSHIP; FEES. Provides membership is open to all public libraries that are members of the state library system. Authorizes the director and librarian of the commission to establish categories of consortium services and assess different fees to members for different categories of consortium services, rather than basing fees on services chosen by a member. Sec. 441.206. ADVISORY BOARD. Requires the commission to appoint an eleven-member, rather than nine-member, advisory board. Provides that at least two members must be representatives of the general public, and at least two members must be affiliated with a public library in the consortium. Provides Chapter 2110, rather than Article 6252-33, Revised Statutes, does not apply to the composition of the advisory board. Requires the advisory board to elect a chairman and vice chairman, rather than a secretary. Authorizes the advisory board to recommend the consortium enter into projects with entities other than public libraries. Sec. 411.209. GROUP PURCHASING AGREEMENTS. Authorizes the commission to enter into agreements under which materials or services may be obtained by libraries if the commission determines the agreement offers the most cost-effective method of purchasing services for members, rather than that offer purchasing services to libraries at institutions of higher education. SECTION 2. Amends Section 2155.139(a), Government Code, to provide that Section 2155.061 is inapplicable if the acquisition is for a library or resource-sharing program operated by the commission or the goods or services acquired are electronic databases and information products. SECTION 3. Requires the commission to phase in the TexShare library consortium efficiently and within the appropriations made. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. Sec.