Glenn R. Miller,  Acting Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Libraries

Greetings, library colleagues and friends.
Warmest wishes on a frigid January day, and belated Happy New Year!

My purpose for writing today is simple—to ask and urge you to assist the Office of Commonwealth Libraries as we seek to include libraries as a full partner in building Pennsylvania’s critical workforce for the future.

In brief, the federal government now requires that every state establish a consolidated workforce development plan that combines the activities of many agencies into one focused statewide plan.  Here is a draft of Pennsylvania’s plan.

I would greatly appreciate if you would take some time to look at the draft plan—especially the Strategic Elements on pages 7 through 19—and provide comments before the deadline of  Monday, February 1 at 5:00 p.m. 

Comments are encouraged and easy to submit here:

I recognize that the timeline here is tight but, in my opinion, the opportunity is real.  Already, I have been involved in multiple meetings here in Harrisburg on this topic and I can report that there is a growing understanding that libraries can and should play an integral role in serving employers, employees, students, and all learners seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

I view this as vitally important—that the team working on this plan learn from the perspectives of librarians all across Pennsylvania.  If you are actively engaged with your local workforce development board, your perspective will be most helpful.  But even if you feel disconnected from this process, now is a great opportunity to explain how the resources and expertise provided in libraries—public, academic, and school—could help to shape a stronger, more productive workforce which benefits all of us through a stronger Pennsylvania economy.

In addition, it would be helpful for my meetings here if you would share a copy of your comments with me as well:  glennmille@pa.gov.

I thank you in advance for devoting some time and energy to review this and provide your vital library perspective as the plan moves to the next stage.

Glenn

Acting Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries