Readings Week 15

Indiana Tax Cuts Hurt PLs by Lynn Blumenstein

The article discusses the tax cuts placed on home owners in IN and its impact on public libraries.

I believe the article brings to light how much reliance the library places on the community to fund itself. Although it is a government institution, the library does not receive a very large amount of government assistance. The article reminds me of another reading we had where the community band together and practically funded the library budget voluntarily. Although it is difficult to think that every community will share this sentiment. Likewise, I think the library community may have to begin considering alternative sources of income. Going back to our collection development assignments and our budget assignment earlier on in the year, I can really begin to see the importance of what we are doing and applying these lessons to situations that may occur in the future. Budget cuts are happening and therefore, the libraries have to be ready to find alternative sources of income to maintain the services provided and make the experience of coming to the library as enjoyable as it was prior to the tax cut or budget cut.

The Case for Consolidation by Saul Amdursky

Amdursky discusses the changes that need to take place within the library to become more efficient and progress into the “modernity”. The author notes that although change is difficult it is necessary if the library wishes to maintain a presence in the ever changing communities.

I think the concept of consolidation is interesting and if done properly could be very beneficial. However, it is worrisome that positions may be lost for those that really need the employment should consolidation take effect. I agree with the author, change is difficult, but like anything in life it can be a good thing. Honestly, the comment the author made about the status quo is accurate and could even be furthered by referring to the song from High School Musical, where the students are discussing the importance of the status quo for the functioning of the school. If furthered, they would realize the school does far better when the different groups and cliques merge and realize that there are more similarities and benefits than before. I think this is an approach that should be viewed in a similar way, open minded and prepared for what could happen.

The Economic Impact of Libraries in Indiana

The article discusses the economic benefits the public library has had for the state. The study was conducted by the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.

I felt that the article was interesting because it provided so much information about how much the public library system has impacted the economy. I had never thought that the library would have close to 9,000 jobs available. Also, the fact that “good value” is considerably greater than the cost of operation. I had thought that there would be more disparity between the two, skewing in the opposite direction with operation being greater. I believe that even though there is a lot of worry about where the library stands currently, these figures help alleviate some of the uncertainty because it seems libraries are here to stay. The fact that community leaders consider the library to improve the local quality of life and the pride the community has for their library speaks a great deal about how the library will stand in the future.