Don't drive the patrons away. (Indianapolis Star, 6/2/2011)
Excerpt: As the campaigns work their way toward November, library funding must be given a place on the lengthy list of front-burner issues facing candidates.
Just as the library's incoming boss must be prepared to adapt to rapid change in technology and patrons' needs, elected leaders must address the danger of a backslide.
Record numbers of residents were using the libraries when the decision was made to lay off 37 employees, shorten hours, add a day of closing each week and reduce the budget for books and other new materials. Since then, visits have declined 16 percent and circulation 4 percent; though, in keeping with the times, website use has seen a slight uptick.
The transforming effects of the digital age on libraries are nothing less than profound, giving rise to the temptation to view bricks-and-mortar venues and face-to-face contact as diminishing aspects that invite cost-cutting. But while economies are necessary in every category, it must be remembered that libraries fill a vital multifaceted role as community gathering places and service centers. If a spiral begins whereby residents drift away from them because they grow less welcoming, the loss to quality of life, especially in low-income areas, would be incalculable. We have seen it with IndyGo, which now represents a challenge to government far greater than stabilizing the libraries.
Related articles:
Empty cup at the finish line? (4/30/2011)
Indiana House passes library funding bill before Democrats take a much needed road trip. (2/22/2011)
Indiana Senate moves more quickly than House on library bill. (2/10/2011)
No rest for IMCPL 'loyalists'. (2/9/2011)
'Library loyalists' provide a remedial lesson in funding priorities. (2/8/2011)
Legislative effort to provide more funding for IMCPL continues. (2/4/2011)
Show of support by IMCPL advocates. (1/25/2011)
Library angel. (1/17/2011)
Indianapolis Star editorial: "Give library a fair share of tax" (1/13/2011)
Sustainability in the form of a share of county income taxes. (1/12/2011)
Township deals comes undone. (1/8/2011)
Vote to restore library hours and rehire staff: Thanking God again in Wayne Township, Indiana. (12/16/2010)
Wayne Township's $200,000 for IMCPL: "Thank God it's a nice purpose". (12/8/2010)
Temporary fix (not yet approved ) to keep 4 IMCPL branches open. (11/19/2010)
ICMPL to lay off 37 employees. (11/12/2010)
Cuts in library hours, materials budget. (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours. (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials. (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option. (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'. (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff. (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future. (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014. (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011. (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report. (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries. (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries. (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open. (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries. (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge. (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center. (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open. (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open. (4/20/2010)
Editorial: Find resources for library. (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries? (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue. (4/16/2010)
Postscript. (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list. (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County: Stand Up for Libraries. (4/13/2010)
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