TALLAHASSEE – On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 847, Florida Postsecondary Academic Library Network, a top priority for the State University System and the Florida College System. This critical legislation, sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters and Rep. Cord Byrd, streamlines online learning and library services for all 40 public higher education institutions and provides access to distance learning courses, degree programs, online advising services, and a single online library.
“This legislation maximizes postsecondary attainment avenues and provides effective, efficient services allowing students, faculty, and the State to benefit from Florida’s #1 ranked higher education system,” said Syd Kitson, chair of the Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System of Florida. “We are grateful to Senator Gruters and Representative Byrd for partnering with us as sponsors on this bill.”
The legislation provides a single point of access to information on distance learning and critical resources to support students working to accelerate their postsecondary education. State University System and Florida College System e-resources will be strategically licensed together, which results in $12M in annual cost savings to the State.
The legislation also provides Florida’s higher education public institutions with one single library automation system to support instruction, research, workflow, and access to licensed e-resources for students and faculty, resulting in $16M in cost savings to the State, increasing innovation and efficiencies.
“HB 847 provides critical access to higher education tools that meet students where they are,” said Kent Stermon, chair of the Board of Governors’ Innovation and Online Committee. “Students will have access to services that support distance learning and have critical resources necessary to earn college degrees and embark on a rewarding career at their fingertips.”
###
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 420,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.