In this article, the author presents the results of "Library Journal's" 2010 budget survey. The overall trend in FY10 indicated that 72 percent of survey respondents said their budget had been cut, and 43 percent had staff cuts. Among libraries serving populations above one million, these figures were even more acute, with 86 percent reporting…

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…

According to the results of LJ's latest annual referenda survey, covering measures held between December 1, 2006, and November 30, 2007, voters approved both operating and building referenda at very high rates. If a library reported a referendum this year, chances are they are in high spirits. Operating referenda, with 69% of measures succeeding,…

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…

Presents an interview with the head of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Diane Frankel. Discusses the IMLS vision; library funding under IMLS versus the Department of Education; criteria for grant awards; effects of the Gates Library Foundation on federal funding; library/museum collaboration; and funds allocation to libraries…

Considers role of states as middlemen between federal government and local public libraries in administration of Library Services and Construction Act funds. An audit of Illinois state library agencies, 1970 federal mandates, state control of federal funds, and state library agencies' use of funds are discussed. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

This discussion of the cost efficient allocation of time in public libraries highlights time as a "fee," the cost of time, time and public library use, Sunday hours and time, cost of Sunday hours, the flextime factor, and use of Sunday hours. Eight sources are given. (EJS)

Outlines an approach to budgeting in the research library. The following priorities are addressed: an adequate student labor force; adequate support staff; professional staff; education, training, and professional involvement; physical facilities and equipment; and the access--rather than collection development--budget. (EA)

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)

Reports on Bill and Melinda Gates's tour of Alabama, the first state to be wired to the Internet by the nonprofit Gates Library Foundation, and the model for connecting 1000 more libraries this year. Mutual appreciation between Alabama librarians and the Gateses resulted. An interview with Bill Gates focuses on challenges libraries face in…

In this article, the author reports the ripple effects of the energy squeeze due to Hurricane Katrina and other factors that sent energy costs skyrocketing. Energy costs are a good part of why budget growth, which has been steady over the past five years, has been slowing down. The projected change from FY2005 to FY2006 is only 3.3%, compared to…

This analysis of nine myths of library automation highlights cost effectiveness, circulation control and delinquency rates, budget allocation, staff needs, technical services productivity, the online catalog, need for consultants, the MARC format, and turnkey systems. Views of the reality regarding each myth are offered. (EJS)

Recommends academic libraries consider cooperative storage of unused or little-used library materials to offset the proliferation of print materials and conserve financial resources. Mutually shared storage would retain collection integrity, expand collection availability, conserve library space for the active collection, and permit a no-growth…

Suggests strategies to help middle managers in libraries cope with difficult financial times. Highlights include resource allocations; the importance of change to prevent a decline in quality and to demonstrate some degree of control; the need to control both financial and staff resources; and providing vision for the future. (LRW)

Discusses expectations of public library reference service and the reality of what librarians can provide amid declining resources. Suggests reference librarians should define the gap between potential and reality in reference service, and inform the customers about how little money it would take to provide better service. Argues that librarians…