[Publib] Michigan library doesn't have to provide service

[K.G. Schneider]

While I agree to a certain extent with the Michigan Library Association's
postion that expensive, individual library cards could "transform libraries
into essentially private book rental repositories for those able to purchase
a card", I don't see the harm in offering a non-resident account option. 
 
As long as the non-resident fee is comparable, isn't it a good way to
increase revenue for a public library? Perhaps a single card, rather than a
family account, for the per capita funding rate of $132 that the township
spends. 
 
The library where I work charges a $40 non resident fee to indivduals for 12
months of access. 
 
Wendy Cornelisen 

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I expect the real issues in this case are below the surface. What I have
seen with nonresident cards is that it's hard to keep them equitable, both
in perception (hey, why do those folks get a free ride?!) and reality (it's
very easy in those arrangements for the nonresident fee to fall behind its
actual value). Nonresident cards are also disincentives for communities to
establish their own libraries... it's a public service for the residents
served by the hosting library, but a private, optional service for the
nonresident communities. So I'm guessing there are some ideology wars going
on here.

It also sounds as if there was a bad divorce several years back when the
library said if you want our services it's gonna cost you X and the other
city said forget about it. So then along comes a guy who "offers" to buy a
card for one-third of what it's worth, at least in the host library's
eyes... well, what a good deal THAT is. Hey, can I propose my own property
tax, while we're at it? 

It's still sad that a town that clearly wants/needs library service leaves
its residents in a predicament where they have to go begging some other town
to have their needs met. It underscores that libraries are an optional
service, and that we can never take anything for granted.

Karen G. Schneider
kgs at freerangelibrarian.com