Academic librarians across the country are up in arms over a recent proposal to eliminate key federal data that is essential for research and education. The proposed plan, put forth by the current administration, seeks to cut funding for various government agencies that collect and disseminate critical information.
One of the agencies that would be affected by this plan is the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which provides valuable data on educational trends, student demographics, and academic performance. This data is widely used by researchers, educators, and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve education systems.
Academic librarians play a vital role in supporting research and scholarship at universities and colleges. They rely on access to reliable and comprehensive data to help students and faculty members with their research projects. Without access to this data, librarians fear that the quality of research and education will suffer.
In a joint statement issued by the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries, academic librarians expressed their strong opposition to the plan to eliminate key federal data. They argued that cutting funding for agencies like the NCES would have a devastating impact on the academic community.
Librarians are calling on Congress to reject this proposal and to prioritize funding for federal agencies that collect and disseminate valuable data. They believe that access to reliable and comprehensive data is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of education systems.
In addition to the NCES, other agencies that are at risk of losing funding include the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Librarians are concerned that without access to data from these agencies, researchers and educators will be left in the dark when it comes to making informed decisions.
As advocates for information access and knowledge dissemination, academic librarians are committed to fighting against any attempts to undermine the integrity of federal data collection. They believe that data plays a crucial role in advancing research, scholarship, and education, and they will continue to stand up for the preservation of this valuable resource.
In conclusion, academic librarians are united in their opposition to the plan to eliminate key federal data. They are urging Congress to prioritize funding for agencies that collect and disseminate valuable information, and they will continue to advocate for the preservation of data that is essential for research and education.
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