The Statewide Automation Planning Process in New York

The New York Stale Library and the library systems in New York State have a long‐standing commitment to the use of technology to improve services, increase efficiency, and constrain cost increases. In 1986, the Board of Regents of the State Education Department adopted a three‐part program for automation. Pursuant to this program, several important committees have been appointed that have subsequently issued key recommendations. This article addresses the formation and role of the committees and their recommendations covering: general issues, databases, linking, training and consulting, and operational objectives.