Report Title:

Library Internet Kiosks

Description:

Appropriates funds to the public libraries to install five internet kiosks throughout the State (HB1350 HD1).

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1350

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to libraries.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that while the public libraries seek to increase access to library services, decreased funding has made it very difficult to provide adequate services throughout the State. In particular, it is very difficult for people in remote areas or areas that do not have a nearby public library to access services, and there is little money available to increase the number of full library sites.

Installing Internet kiosks is one way to address the public's need for library services when no funds are available to train and pay new librarians or construct new libraries. To serve populations with the greatest need, kiosk sites would be chosen for their remoteness and distance from established libraries.

Internet kiosks will serve as a model for economical, effective library services access. They have been installed throughout the country and have proven to be a valuable aspect of libraries' services. The kiosks are stand-alone units that consist of a keyboard, monitor, printer, fax machine, phone line, and Internet connection. Access to the units can be achieved though a library card, debit card, or cash.

The Internet kiosks could not only significantly increase access to library services, but also make Hawaii a front-runner in providing state services through access to Hawaii's electronic portal, eHawaii.Gov. The kiosks could be placed in many diverse locations, including malls, grocery stores, long-term care facilities, or correctional facilities. Any location that has electrical and telecommunications capacity could become a part of this new program that holds the promise of significantly improving the libraries' and the State's ability to serve the public.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for a demonstration project to install five Internet kiosks throughout the State.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 for a demonstration project by the Hawaii state public library system to install and maintain five Internet kiosks in sites throughout the State.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. The state librarian shall submit a report to the legislature on the status and results of the demonstration project no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2004.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.