Assembly Member Kellner Named Chair of the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology

Kellner calls libraries “A vital educational tool for middle class and those struggling to make it”

January 24, 2013

Albany, NY – Today, Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner (D - Upper East Side, Yorkville, Roosevelt Island) was named Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology by Speaker Sheldon Silver.

“With New Yorkers using our libraries more than ever they are a vital educational tool for the middle class and those struggling to make it into the middle class. I am honored to be chosen to chair the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology,” said Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner. “I will fight to keep our libraries at the forefront of emerging technologies so that New Yorkers are prepared to meet 21st century challenges.

The Libraries and Education Technology Committee has jurisdiction over issues affecting public, academic, school and private libraries. The Committee deals with the administration and funding of libraries and library systems in New York State.

In 2010, Assembly Member Kellner released a report entitled "Transforming Textbooks: How Electronic Textbooks Can Reduce Costs and Expand Academic Resources in Our Public University Systems,” which detailed how electronic resources purchased by University Libraries can reduce the costs of higher education for low – and middle – income families. With public college students spending an average of $1000 per year on required texts – electronic textbooks provide a critical cost saving opportunity for New Yorkers.

Assembly Member Kellner succeeds former Assembly Member Bob Reilly, who has retired from elected office.

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