The annual city expenditure for public libraries is compared to annual expenditures for selected other services, from 1950 through 1968-69. (Author/MM)

PPBS (Programming Planning and Budgeting Systems) has an exciting potential for libraries in fostering improved community relations, assurance of a fairer share of the public purse, and confidence among all concerned that the emergent public library is focusing its resources on the highest priority needs of the community. (Author)

Librarians have been challenged to make the public and the government aware of the value of library services. They must do battle to save programs threatened by cuts in federal funds. The Congress must be urged to reestablish the budget control which has been assumed by the executive branch. (DH)

Libraries are getting involved with open university programs. Some of them are so structured however, that they contradict the concept of independent learning. Problems to be considered include: 1) should librarians adopt the role of teachers? 2) should participants be recruited? 3) what are funding priorities? (DH)

Describes the impact that the war on drugs in Colombia has had on their library services and on the lives of professional librarians. Topics discussed include political, staffing, budget, resource, and physical plant problems; the serious shortage of professional librarians; and extending library service to rural areas. (LRW)

Discusses philosophy and economics of charging users for library services. Free services are advocated for reasons of equal access and intellectual freedom, and alternatives to charging are suggested, citing Seattle Public Library as an example. Opinions and statistics on library fees excerpted from the current literature are included. (CDD)