[Publib] Budget cuts - hours vs. materials

[Nann Blaine Hilyard]

People are more likely to respond to a fundraising appeal for library materials -- especially books -- than they are to a fundraising appeal to pay salaries or keep the doors open.

Nann
@the library in Zion, Illinois


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Hi,

I, too, would argue cut hours over materials.  Not only will you loose
people if you don't have the materials they want no matter how long you are
open, but there is also a visibility issue.

I've found a surprising number of people who support libraries, but never
use them.  (As contradictory as that seems.)  Cutting materials hurts users
only - and is hidden from the general public.  Cutting hours, user's
typically understand and adapt to, but it makes the cuts more visible to ALL
of the population, not just the user.

Su

Su Epstein, Ph.D.
Library Director
Saxton B. Little Free Library
Columbia, CT