Examines the role of the library in contemporary society and discusses the various options available for their fiscal support in the future. The use of user fees to finance selected services--to expand some and improve others--is advocated only as a supplement to support from general tax revenue. (Author/JVP)

The first librarian ever elected to US House of Representatives discusses personal impressions of Washington's war on libraries, federal Office of Management and Budget's Circular A-76, power for counterattack, modernizing the library mission, the primary censor, new terms of recognition needed for librarians, and eight elements in program for…

Addresses issues relating to federal legislation that provides electronic access to federal databases and information through the Government Printing Office (GPO). Highlights include the role of depository libraries; public access; funding; publishing restrictions; national standards; and political issues, including opposition from the National…

This issue of "The Bookmark" contains 23 essays examining the challenges facing public library trustees and changing community needs. Topics considered include: the role of the trustee, fund raising, lobbying and the legislative process, library building programs, library automation, literacy, intellectual freedom, information access, preschool…

Librarians expect, but do not invariably find among university colleagues, an understanding of the library's educational mission, respect for their professional craft, and reliable communication. (Author)

Describes the private university library's role in a proposed national library program and reviews the contributions and resources that the library can bring to it, the financial problems entailed by participation, and sources of support. Options for funding the program are identified, and the role of MIDLNET is discussed. (Author/JD)

Summarizes the arguments for and against fees in public libraries, and discusses whether the fee controversy is one of alternative technical means of securing funding, or of competing visions of the role of the public library. (Author/CLB)

Outlines steps school media specialists can follow to establish direction for library media program and offers methods of documentation and justification. Reasons for documentation, the implementation process (documentation of what is happening, what is needed, how needs will be met), and documentation product presentation are highlighted. Six…

Examines the role of the public library in providing outreach services to migrant farm workers, citing experiences of three public library systems in the areas of information and referral, bookmobiles, and funding. Physical and psychological inaccessibility are discussed. Three references are cited. (EJS)

Argues for purchase of library books within Canada. Reasons given are the library's cultural responsibility and the need to aid in resolving the financial crisis faced by Canadian publishers. (SW)

Reviews the idealistic origins of the public library in the United States and the gradual shift from private to public financial support. It is argued that a skeptical attitude toward the public sector led to the recent financial crisis for public libraries, and that strategies for funding must include reaffirmation of the original idealistic…

Based on a study of roles, organizational relationships, services and funding of the Dane County Library Service, the Madison Public Library, and the South Central Library System, this report establishes recommendations for the three library agencies as developed by a joint planning committee. The background, composition, methodology, and…

The 49 resolutions proposing local, state, and national action that form the basis of this report are grouped in six library and information issue-areas: funding, cooperation, access, resources and service, public relations, and education. Other sections of the report describe both pre- and conference activity. Included are South Carolina Governor…

Examination of the downward trend of college and university enrollments and its possible effects on academic libraries notes that fewer undergraduates, fewer full-time students, and more graduate, part-time, and older students will affect clientele, services, and support. Other trends considered include fewer new academic librarians and the…

Report on survey of 160 public libraries highlights characteristics of libraries involved in literacy education, incentives and barriers, services provided, populations served, library staff, materials and equipment, library participation in cooperative literacy efforts, and budget and funding sources. A recommended approach to library involvement…