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…

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…

Libraries are integrating Web 2.0 services into work practices, positioning themselves in online social environments, and deploying enhanced search and discovery tools. Collections conversely are not progressing to the same degree. Like many public services today, library budgets are stained. User-pay options are appearing in library systems,…

Offers strategies for increasing library budgets, based on the pragmatic realities of funding decisions. Strategies discussed include: associating library needs with a more influential constituency; allowing service to deteriorate to intolerable levels; using influential patrons as spokesmen for the library; and appealing to funders' priorities…

Considers 10 areas of internal operations in which the Research Libraries Group/North American Collection Inventory Project (RLF/NCIP) Conspectus can be used as a management aid: collection priorities, collection management, space utilization, preservation programs, staffing allocations, material fund requests, accreditation, materials selection,…

Suggests that as automated information services become more prevalent, it is essential that libraries find permanent funding to support this activity. Funding of information provided by an online search that satisfies legitimate educational and research needs with monies from print materials budget is considered. Three reactions to essay are…

Allocating adequate materials funds from the university operation budget is essential if libraries in China's key universities are to successfully support their learning and research communities. This article examines funding problems, and suggests proposals for change: establish a deducting-percentage system; enhance integrated resources…

Presents a study of utilization of student employees at Bowling Green State University Library and the development of an allocation formula to provide proportional funding to tasks prioritized by relative operational importance. The study further produced an objective basis for reallocating resources from less essential to more essential tasks.…

Presents data from 1971 to 1990 to show that the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) standard that the library's appropriation shall be 6% of total institution budget has never been realized. Suggested reasons (e.g., increasing budgets for administration, research, and student services) are discussed, and possible solutions are…

Based on an in-depth study of the staffing of the California State University (CSU) libraries at Pomona, San Bernardino, and San Francisco, this report examines the adequacy of the formulas used to allocate staff to the 19 CSU system libraries. Focused on the impact of library staffing on the ability of students and faculty to access and use…

This preliminary edition bibliography was designed as a working tool for librarians who require a representative collection of references on library budgeting, cost effectiveness, costing, fees, funding, insurance, prices, and financial management generally. It contains entries for 850 English language documents on economic aspects of information…

This publication was developed by Alabama school library media professionals to help principals understand good school library media practices. The principal can publicize the school library as a center for student and family learning. He or she can actively promote the importance of information literacy as a basis for authentic, life-long…