Under IC 4-22-2-24, notice is hereby given that on January 6, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at the Indiana State Library, 315 West Ohio Street, History Reference Room, Indianapolis, Indiana, the Indiana Library and Historical Board will hold a public hearing on proposed rules designed to strengthen public libraries across the state of Indiana and ensure that Indiana libraries provide quality library services to Indiana citizens.

The total estimated fiscal impact on public libraries is $872,657 in up-front costs and $821,657 annually thereafter. These costs are spread out among the 149 public libraries that would not meet the revised standards. The requirements imposing additional costs include requirements related to (1) the percent of operating funds used for collection development; (2) the purchase of answering machines; (3) increased interlibrary lending; (4) increased library programming; and (5) Internet connectivity and public access terminals. Such requirements are necessary to ensure libraries can meet current community needs and current industry standards for public libraries. Initial costs of $231,250 and ongoing annual costs of $184,750 are imposed on the Indiana State Library for the purpose of assisting public libraries in meeting interlibrary lending standards and for training libraries with regard to new standards.

Copies of the proposed rules and corresponding fiscal analysis are available for public inspection at the Indiana State Library, 315 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. A copy of the proposed rules and economic impact statement on small businesses is also available for public inspection on the library's website at http://www.in.gov/library/standards.htm.

Copies of these rules are now on file at the Indiana State Library, 315 West Ohio Street and Legislative Services Agency, One North Capitol, Suite 325, Indianapolis, Indiana and are open for public inspection.