Quote:
Originally Posted by speakingtohe
Do they need to please or do they want to please? Is this general library policy or individual?
Helen
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Depends on the part of the country but library funding has been under pressure for years, with actual cuts in many areas. That would seem to be a need to please, no?
Many library systems for years have operated as much more than book repositories; hosting adult education, cultural events, and community events. To a large extent they are complements to the formal educational system. Recreational services (CDs, DVDs, popular fiction) get a lot of attention because of their visibility but in most library systems the bulk of the budget goes to the services side which is why the price of books is now an issue; faced with a choice between buying more books for circulation and hosting job search seminars, most opt for the latter.
Times change and libraries have been changing with their communities.
http://www.masslibsystem.org/continuing-education/
http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/special...ent-assistance
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Servi...ing-Rooms.aspx