There are pros and cons to charging fees for library services. Some of the pros for charging a fee to use the services include: better services with increased funds, more efficiency, and the notion that something that is paid for is more appreciated and better taken care of, compared to something that is free, which tends to be taken for granted. Arguments for not charging fees include the assertion that fees are discriminatory, illegal, are more work than they are worth, and an impediment to the notion of free access to information (Rubin, 1998).
I believe that libraries should not charge fees as they limit the size of the user population and inhibit the idea of free access to information, which is the foundation of public libraries in America. Library services can be provided to all who are interested, using the funding sources currently in place; though perhaps better budgeting and reallocation of funds are in order.
References:
Rubin, R. E. (1998). In Foundations of library and information science (pp. 142-145). New York: Neal- Schuman Publishers.
6 comments:
I agree. In my opinion, charging a fee defeats the purpose of a public library. This would limit access to information for all. We want to encourage more people to use the library. This would do just the opposite. Libraries are already competing with the Internet. Adding user fees will not help.
I agree with you about libraries charging fees but I wonder if it will change should public enthusiasm for funding libraries change.
Hi Emily,
I love you blog and your profile - you soud like the busiest person in the world!
I don't think public libraries should charge fees for routine services either.
Happy blogging.
Jean
Aren't we already paying fees in the form of property taxes, tuition (for Academic Libraries)?? This may be a bit of a solution with inadequate funding for libraries.
I don't think we should charge fees for traditional. It would limit the patrons who could receive services. I do think it is okay to charge for additional services like copies. I also think a nominal charge for some classes, updated technology like borrowing a Kindle, or other non-traditional serivces would be okay. It could be on a sliding scale. Libraries are losing "customers" to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and even Kinko's, why not try and capture this market back?
I find that charging in some respects is okay, cause it prevents individuals from abusing the system. But at the other side, it is a public service and we are paying in taxes. But to be truthful, the only money that goes to the library is the left over money after everything is paid off. So now that we just passed that tax law for property taxes, you know that services will be the last issue on any county or state's agenda. So expect to pay for services!
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