Review of the status of public library user fees highlights arguments against fees (discrimination against poorer elements of society; libraries provide services of value to society as whole and justify public financing); efficient allocation of resources; situation in Canadian province of Saskatchewan; and the typical Canadian library user. (17…

Discusses a formula for determining number of microfiche readers needed in public libraries based on a Los Angeles County Public Library study weighing library size, user population, and information disseminating activity. Data on number of microfiche readers available to public in randomly selected Canadian public libraries are presented.…

Computer technology and data banks are making manual storage systems outdated; yet it is difficult for libraries to obtain funding for automated retrieval equipment. Five suggestions to meet funding needs are offered. The effect on publishers of the projected decrease in book use is also noted. (SW)

Discussion of current funding problems experienced by public, school, university, and special libraries in Nova Scotia indicates that cutbacks are causing staff layoffs and loss of purchasing power. Small public libraries are particularly affected, but new graduate librarians find employment, and free-lance librarians are extending service beyond…

Summarizes views presented by three speakers from the Canadian library and information community in a workshop at a joint conference of two professional associations. Topics addressed were the state of research in public, academic, and special libraries; the need for library research; and how to find funding to support research. (CDD)