In the context of faster growth of community information needs and demands than growth of public funds, questions about where new resources can be found are the subject of much discussion within the library profession. This report is an attempt to raise questions and clarify issues that should be considered in advance of the formulation of library…

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)

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…

Traces the role of public libraries in American democracy and free enterprise and their contributions to the careers of such men as Carnegie, Radtke, Goddard, and Land. Library services to industry are described, and a new federal-state-local pattern of funding is advocated for the maintenance of public libraries. (RBF)