Despite the recent turmoil in the U.S. economy, most libraries that were tracked by "Library Journal" won their referenda at a rate just slightly lower than 2007. Nearly three-quarters of operating referenda passed. Building referenda under $10 million passed at a whopping 85%, with those over $10 million batting slightly better than…

Some have proposed funding of library services through user fees, but their assumptions are anachronistic and wrong. Rather, drastic changes need to be in the direction of more public support. (CH)

The interests of libraries and users are best served when library services are provided without fee. Policy makers must be convinced that library services are a combination of public and merit goods deserving governmental funding. (RAA)

Notes that library support kept pace with inflation during 1980 and indicates a continuing sex bias with respect to women library directors. Women are neither proportionately represented nor paid as well as their male counterparts and their libraries suffer from lower per capita financial support. Data and references are provided. (RAA)

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…

The director of the Public Library of Nashville & Davidson County (Tennessee) discusses the library's development since 1995. Highlights include Nashville's growth potential and political climate; improving the efficiency of internal operations; staff involvement in problem-solving (technology training and systemwide programming);…