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)

A 1991 survey of 53 public libraries serving populations greater than 25,000 showed library circulation is increasing at a steady rate, whereas library expenditures for materials (measured in 1980 dollars) decreased in the past year. This survey showed the largest annual increase in circulation since the survey began in 1980 and the first decrease…

Reports circulation and expenditure statistics for public libraries for 1980-90, based on a representative sample of 53 U.S. public libraries serving a population of over 25,000. Data include figures for adult circulation, juvenile circulation, salary expenditures, material expenditures, and circulation and expenditures per capita. (LRW)

An historical profile of the New York Public Library helps explain its budgeting problems. Extensive fund raising in 1972 enabled the five research libraries to remain open to the public, but sustained federal funding will soon be necessary. (DH)

Presents statistics from the 1995 Index of American Public Library Circulation, including the index of library expenditures (salary expenditures, material expenditures, and others), adult and juvenile circulation figures, circulation per capita, expenditures per capita, expenditures per circulation, and material expenditures per capita. (LRW)

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)

Discusses results of the 1992 Index of American Public Library Circulation based on a survey conducted by the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign Library Research Center. Highlights include adult and juvenile circulation, operating expenses, salaries, library materials expenditures, expenditures per capita, and expenditures per circulation.…

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)

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)