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

[Linda Cannon]

Just curious--What does the neighboring library require of renters? Obviously, they aren't going to have a property tax bill. 


Linda Cannon
Collection Development Librarian
Joplin Public Library
 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Rachel Singer Gordon
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 11:32 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Michigan library doesn't have to provide service

I live in an unincorporated area that is not served by a library district. I buy a family card each year at a neighboring library, which requires me to bring in my property tax bill, then charges me what I would have paid in property taxes if I did live inside their district. While this is a pain (and -- my house would be worth more if it WERE in their town...), it seems to address some of the issues around equitable treatment better than a flat fee does.

- rsg

-----

Rachel Singer Gordon
Webmaster, LISjobs.com / Consulting Editor, ITI Books
AIM: rachelsgordon
Web: http://www.lisjobs.com
Management Responsibilities? http://www.lisjobs.com/talm/

> 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

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