I have been doing research on the Political Climate portion of the Environmental Scan. To say I have learned a lot would be a gross understatement. Over the next few blogs I will try to convey some of what I have gleaned.
I have always heard that libraries had to compete for its funds and that always seemed so harsh to me. One person I interviewed put it another way. This person said that what is really happening is that there is only a "finite amount of money at any particular time". Different entities all want a piece of the pie but there is still only one pie that has to be shared. This person did go on to say that libraries are viewed by the public as good and necessary. I am sure that helps when it comes time to parcel out the budget.
Leslie
1 comment:
Leslie,
I think that is one reason you see so much now about advocacy and communicating the value of the library. Although everyone loves libraries, when we are set up to compete with law enforcement, water and sewer, fire protection, and other community services, the library is often the last to be considered. And there is a significant tax revolt going on in the country, so political leaders are less and less willing to increase taxes, and in many cases are cutting taxes at the expense of services. :(
Lyn
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