It is no secret that library budgets are in a downward spiral like the rest of the economy. The recent annual budget survey by the "Library Journal" indicates that per capita funding for libraries will decline 1.6%, and total library budgets will be reduced by 2.6% in FY 2010. Librarians are all too familiar with this bad news, and some of them…

This article reports on a 2009 budget survey conducted by "Library Journal" in which a random sample of U.S. public libraries were surveyed via mail or fax in October 2008. Those that answered the survey projected a modest increase in budgets for 2009, just 2%, with less than a 1% increase in funds for materials, a predictable area for cuts. That…

If one wanted to win a library election in 2006, what would have been the mythical perfect referenda? For building referenda, the sweet spot was hit with measures over $10 million, on a ballot sometime between September and December, with no other items on the ballot, in a general election, for a library serving a population under 100,000. For the…

The book has made the transition to the digital age; that much is certain. However, the jury is still out on what form or forms the book of the future will take and how libraries will adapt. This article is a look at the impact of digital books on public library acquisitions, including available formats, purchasing considerations, functional…

This document provides information on applying for LSTA grants. LSTA is administered at the federal level by an independent Institute of Museum and Library Services, and at the state level by the California State Library. This guide includes a brief introduction followed by general information on: administration; eligibility; procedure; duration;…

Discusses the implementation of free online search services at the Mount Vernon Public Library for all registered borrowers of the county library system. Policy decisions and planning, operating procedures, publicity, and usage evaluation are noted. Retrieval procedures, search request forms, and sample searches are appended. (EJS)

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. Part of this charge includes the responsibility for receiving and administering federal funds to the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. Federal…

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. Part of this charge includes the responsibility for receiving and administering federal funds to the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. Federal…

Discusses the development and current decline of public libraries in Egypt based on a study of international influences which helped shape national discourses about development and provided the context for policymaking and resource allocation in Egypt. The role of UNESCO is examined, and further research is suggested. (LRW)

Based primarily on identified needs for library and information services for the citizens of Alabama, the goals of the five-year program described in this report are stated as follows: (1) to ensure the basic minimums of library and information resources and services adequate to meet the needs of the citizens of Alabama, (2) to strengthen the…

The Powerful Partners Collaboration Grant is a collaborative effort using Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds for educational outreach and increased visibility for libraries in the community. Powerful Partners grant recipients from North Carolina libraries have demonstrated positive outcomes for projects that required interagency…

Presents summaries of 1996 budget reports from public libraries, divided by nine geographic regions of the United States. Data indicates that gains in total budgets are 6%; materials 7.1%; salaries 5.6%; and that fundraising has become a crucial activity to support libraries, especially in funding increasing technology costs. (JKP)

This report describes the methods and presents the results of a study undertaken to analyze the distribution of benefits from state, federal, and local funding within the Texas Library System during the 1980 fiscal year. The background of the study is described and a list of definitions for terms and acronyms used in the report is provided. The…

Describes a process undertaken by small, rural libraries in Massachusetts in which trustees, librarians, and community leaders identified the possible roles of libraries and prioritized needs for individual communities. The results include an emphasis on community standards rather than national, and a list of three basic roles of all libraries.…

Discusses how libraries can apply for funding for youth services in libraries. Describes the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding. Presents examples from four states of recently funding LSTA youth projects. Appendices list funding resources on the Web and print resources on funding. (AEF)