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| Format: | Recurso educativo Open Access |
|---|---|
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
1992
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED358848 |
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Table of Contents:
- Massachusetts Public Libraries in Crisis: The Burden of Non-Resident Lending and Borrowing. Report of the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight. Senate 1635. Budgeting Financial Support Interlibrary Loans Library Circulation Library Planning Library Services Library Statistics Public Libraries State Programs User Needs (Information) Users (Information) This report examines the present fiscal condition and changing nature of the system of public libraries in Massachusetts. Despite the impact of budget cuts on operating hours and staffing, the demand for library services has increased concomitantly with the information needs of individuals, professionals, and businesses. Many of the municipal libraries are finding that as much as 20% to 30% of their library users reside in other communities. This blurring of service delivery areas is causing financial strain at the local level where over 87% of all library revenues are generated. The growth in non-resident circulation demands that new funding strategies be examined in order to keep public libraries viable for all citizens. Following an introduction, the findings of the committee are presented in three sections: (1) Public Libraries in the United States; (2) Public Libraries in Massachusetts, including Massachusetts public library support and activity for fiscal years 1988-91, as well as interlibrary loans, reciprocal borrowing, and non-resident circulation; and (3) Conclusions and Recommendations. The first of two appendices contains tables showing total operating income, appropriated municipal income and total state grants as a percent of total operating income for fiscal years 1988 and 1991. The second appendix shows estimated non-resident circulation costs for Massachusetts cities and towns, for fiscal years 1988 and 1990. (ALF)