Page 103 - DLIS406_ACADEMIC_LIBRARY_SYSTEM

Academic Library System

Notes Additionally, we gathered data identifying states that have statutes allowing for the creation
of special library taxing districts and/or regional asset taxing districts. PaLA and PCBL were
also interested in how these monies were distributed—for example, what agencies are responsible
for the distribution, what types of programs are funded by state monies, and what, if any,
requirements are in place for individual public libraries to be eligible for funding. We studied
the levels of state funding for libraries over the past decade in each of the 50 states and
identified those states that have had significant increases or decreases in state funding over
the past 10 years.
In addition to funding for state aid to libraries, we identified:
• Dedicated state funding programs for capital purposes, if in place, by state and the
source of these funds
• Other governmental funding streams on the state level that support public library service,
such as statewide licenses for databases and live homework help
• State grant or funding streams for which public libraries are eligible applicants, such as
early learning initiatives, literacy services, economic development efforts, technology
enhancement programs, and K-12 support services
• State and/or local tax incentive programs that encourage business contributions to public
libraries.

On the local level, we identified the ways local municipalities are required or enabled to
generate and utilize local tax revenue in support of public library services what types of taxes
or fees states allow municipalities to level to support public libraries (property taxes, impact
fees, etc.). State library agencies shared with us their strategies for success in maintaining or
increasing levels of support for public libraries in their state.
We gathered and present other relevant data, including charts of the 50 states, in alphabetical
order, showing
• Number of library visits per capita
• Number of circulation transactions
• Personal income per capita

• Average per pupil expenditure K-12
• Number of local governmental units.

Notes In addition, we gathered sample data from metropolitan libraries in the 50 states
and abstracted data on library funding from the Public Library Data Service 2005
Public Library Finance Study. This report presents the data in the form of analysis,
tables, and charts.

Task Explain the various sources to obtain the data.

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