Friday, June 3, 2011

Indianapolis Star Editorial: Library Funding a Front-Burner Issue


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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