In this commentary the author reflects on longer-term issues facing higher education in the context of recession and crisis in public finance. The views expressed are written from a personal perspective with the aim of stimulating and encouraging a wider and ongoing debate around the themes presented. The author draws upon the findings of three…

In this article, the author explores how some community colleges have survived, if not thrive, amid the pain of a deep recession. Rather than cut educational options, administrators at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona have opted to freeze discretionary spending, sweep unspent budget allocations back into its general budget, improve its…

Examines reduction of public library services as way to deal with problem of higher costs in time of decreasing revenues and discusses the need to understand current economic situation and relationship between public library support and economic prosperity. Economic theories, stagflation, individual prosperity, and ways to plan for austerity are…

Discusses the importance of developing a comprehensive grants development process to advance community college strategic plans, especially in the current economic climate. Details the process as developed and implemented by Sinclair Community College (Ohio). States that colleges that employ methodical processes and effective operating systems to…