The Impact of Shrinking Budgets

Chris Schoenherr 2011

What is the problem and the scope?

In a study conducted by Library Journal, out of 647 public libraries, 72% had their budget cut, and 43% had staff cuts. (Kelley 28) There is an imbalance because demand for library services is at an all-time peak while funding is being slashed by large percentages. Many fear that a lack of money could derail the rapid adjustments necessary to remain relevant. (Kelley 28) In 2008 library referendums went 0 for 10 in November elections. In 2010 library referendums went 4 for 10 in November elections. (Fallon)

What is the impact on collection development?

Needs in other areas take away funding from collection development. Lack of physical space for a growing collection may encourage less purchasing of physical materials. Less funding for staff may lead the introduction of paraprofessionals into the field of collection development . Lack of buying can lead to libraries holding onto older, outdated materials. More of a focus on electronic resources. (Fallon)

Image courtesy of Library Journal 2011

How are libraries dealing with the problem?

TECHNOLOGY Libraries need to stay ahead of the curve and embrace new trends in technology. This is extremely important for libraries to stay relevant to their community. RELEVANCY Heightened advocacy is key to protecting library budgets. Grassroots advocacy efforts are extremely successful. (Pearson 23) WORKING SMARTER The current situation is forcing a reassessment of many collection development policies, increased collaboration between libraries and other libraries, and other institutions within the community.

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Predictions?
Its difficult to predict how library budgets will change over the next few years, but one thing is certain, libraries must evolve and retain their relevance one way or another. Through many poles and surveys, we know that library services are being utilized more than ever. The question is how can libraries use that to their advantage. Although many libraries saw enormous budget cuts in the past few years , the outlook for the 2011 fiscal year, according to a survey by Library Journal, is overall an optimistic one, and many of the libraries that saw budget cuts in 2010 saw a slight increase in 2011. (Kelley 29)

Resources
1. http://dpi.state.wi.us/pld/te8.html This web page is a tool designed for library trustees on how to develop a library budget. The resources is quite comprehensive and it was developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
2. Pearson, Peter. "Fundraising and Advocacy in Tough Times." Public Libraries 48.4 (2009): 21-23. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text. EBSCO. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. Print resource available online. This article had a great deal of information about fundraising. Fundraising is an issue most librarians havent had to deal with in the past and this article, written by a library fundraising professional has a wealth of fundraising ideas. 3. http://librarygrants.blogspot.com/ This blog is dedicated to library grants. It is continuously updated with all types of information about grants directly related to libraries.