A strong public library with well-stocked stacks, a diverse cultural calendar and an engaging program of activities is central to any vibrant community. So when the budget for these core offerings is cut in order to accommodate increases in personnel and related overhead costs, something is definitely rotten in Denmark.
The LB library budget put forth for 2011-2012 actually decreases expenditures for essential items including books, films, sound recordings, audio-visual rentals, and periodicals and other materials, while increasing the line items for personnel, insurance, retirement contributions, social security and health expenses. In fact, the proposed spend on basic media decreases 7%, while the personnel expense increases 1.5% and related expenses increase 11.9%!
The math just doesn't add up to the kind of library asset that we can or should fund without challenge. Something surely stinks right here in LB.
No comments:
Post a Comment