In 1984, in their December 7 meeting, the Idaho State Library Board approved the new Library Development Division. The purpose of the Library Development Division is to help Idaho libraries of all types improve services to their clientele by:

• Coordinating statewide plans involving all types of libraries and all service and support areas
• Administering state, federal, and other funds allocated for library development purposes
• Coordinating and promoting continuing education and staff development opportunities for library personnel and their governing boards
• Coordinating and providing consultant services on matters relating to libraries
• Conducting research to better understand and improve library services within Idaho
• Coordinating public awareness programs to promote the availability and usefulness of library and information resources

Activities in the first year of the Library Development Division included developing operating and evaluation procedures, making on-site visits to libraries, publishing a State Library newsletter on a regular schedule, increasing self-sufficiency of libraries at the individual library level, improving the administration of Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds, and continuing to plan for multi-type library development as a component of the statewide plan for library services.

Throughout the past 27 years, Library Development has continued to be fundamental to the Idaho Commission for Libraries’ mission to assist libraries to build their capacity to better serve their clientele.