Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND)

Created by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 1979: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/43/07

COLAND holds open meetings six times per year and conducts hearings on library policies and publications.  Members offer advice as part of the DPI biennial budget request and provide testimony on state and federal legislation.  Council members also provide advice to DPI on publications, policies, and products.

COLAND works closely with the DPI division for Libraries and Technology.  Membership includes nine professional members who represent public, school, academic, special, and private libraries as well as library educators.  The remaining ten council positions are held by public members with a demonstrated interest in libraries or other types of information services.  COLAND members serve three year terms, ending on July 1 of each year, and are appointed by the Governor.

Members of the library community and the general public are welcome to attend council meetings and to address the group of a committee on specific questions under consideration.  To ensure that adequate time will be available, requests should be submitted to the council chairperson or appropriate committee head three weeks before a meeting.

Organizations interest in nominating individuals to serve on COLAND, as well as individuals interested in self-nominating to serve on COLAND, should contact the Governor's office at (608)266-1212 or complete the applications form found on: https://wi.accessgov.com/public/Forms/Page/governor/gov-boardsandcommissions/