State aid for libraries(also known asstate aid for public libraries,state aid,direct aidorstate funding) is funding provided topublic librariesbystate governmentsin the United States. State aid is typically divided among all libraries in a state in the form ofblock grants.Each eligible library receives a percentage of state aid based on the library's budget, income and population served. State aid supplements local library budgets, and is particularly important forrurallibraries and libraries supported by a smalltax base.[1]Other reasons states offer aid to libraries are to promote resource sharing among libraries; to encourage cities to establish and support libraries; and to establish minimum standards for libraries.[2]State aid is combined with other forms of library funding—including federal aid, funding bylocal governmentsand privatephilanthropy—to provide money for library books, staff andinformation technology.Other forms of aid may be used to fund library construction and remodeling.
In order to qualify for federal assistance for libraries, states must provide a certain level of state aid. This is called "maintenance of effort." For example, in order to maintain access to federal technology grants,Floridamust provide its libraries with at least $21.2 million a year in state aid.[3]State funding must be re-authorized every year bystate legislatures.
Most states offer aid to libraries. However, state aid has recently become more politically contentious. Critics of state funding argue that local libraries should be funded with local money. In 2012, the state of Louisiana eliminated state aid. In a statement, the governor’s chief budget aide said that “in tight budget times, we prioritized funding for health care and education. Operations such as local libraries can be supported with local, not state dollars.”[4]Several other states have also cut state aid in recent years. In 2009, 41% of states reported declining state funding for libraries.[5]The decline in funding has been most significant in the Southeast.[5]
References
edit- ^Houlahan, John (Spring 1980)."Current trends in rural public library service"(PDF).Library Trends.Retrieved31 July2013.
- ^"State Aid to Public Libraries".Grants and Related Programs.Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.Retrieved31 July2013.
- ^"State aid to public libraries rationale"(PDF).Florida Library Association.
- ^Schwartz, Meredith (28 June 2012)."Update: Louisiana Eliminates State Aid to Public Libraries".Library Journal.Retrieved31 July2013.
- ^ab"State funding for many public libraries on decline".American Library Association. February 2009.Retrieved31 July2013.