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Hen81
Veteran Poster
Username: Hen81
Post Number: 155
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 07:04 pm: | 
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I had thought of the effect that the economy had on book sales and there is another area being affected, public libraries. Many cities are in a budget hole and everything is on the table. This story about Philadelphia and Jacksonville, Fl. are perfect examples:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6618854.html
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/071408/met_303463404.shtml
Both of these libraries have my books as part of their collection and continued downsizing in public library budgets will hit less well known authors the most. Libraries are a significant factor in book sales and their impact is illustrated by the collections below.
http://tinyurl.com/ClevelandCollection
http://tinyurl.com/JacksonvilleCollection
Who else out there has heard of cutbacks hitting libraries? If libraries become expendable, it would be a great setback for authors, book lovers and the communities served.
http://DTPollard.com |
Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 675
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 11:35 am: |
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Well I'm sure publishers that depend on libraries for revenue (like Recorded Books, LLC) will suffer as a result of the cutbacks.
The thing about libraries is that they are now mini-Blockbusters for movie borrowers, places to use a computer to surf the net, and places to even borrow music. The media they provide now is much more expensive than just books.
I guess if there are less taxpayers because of the bad economy, then there are less tax dollars to go around. Therefore, we have cuts.
I've spoken firsthand with library procurement departments that have told me of their cutbacks when I cold called them to push my books.
Library-users may be forced to use other means to whatever they get from libraries. And publishers will have to find other means of income. |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2467
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 02:12 pm: |
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Really when you look at it, it isn't a huge cut per se. If you start out with 54 libraries and you cut 11, having 43 left isn't the end of the world. |
Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 3308
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2008 - 05:07 pm: |
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A_woman, it depends on the areas where the libraries are being cut. Libraries in low income neighborhoods are often an oasis of sorts, offering children's programming, free internet access, informal (and safe) public meeting places, and of course books and periodicals. A library leaving one of these neighborhoods can leave a huge emptiness in a community. |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2473
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2008 - 06:06 pm: |
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You have a point there Yvette, I agree that a low income neighborhoods could be affected by the loss of even one library, as it could exclude many who might lose one that is within walking distance.
however, my post was in response to the impact closing libraries would have on the publishing business and it's ability to continue to sell author's books to libraries. So in this sense, the economical impact could be much worse, considering the fact that most states are suffering the worst fiscal disaster we've seen in recent times the cuts could have been much steeper. |
Hen81
Veteran Poster
Username: Hen81
Post Number: 160
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2008 - 08:42 pm: |
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A few years ago a local city near Dallas shut its library down due to budget constraints. It was reopened with donations. Considering the budget deficits some cities have, libraries will be on the chopping block nationwide.
Dallas is looking at 4 day city worker schedules. Some cities are closing departments like health departments. These are serious cutbacks with property tax revenues falling due to foreclosures and dropping property values.
That story about Jacksonville stated a $1 million cut in the book buying budget. I have had many people come to book events and state they would request that the library get my book. When I thought about it, that is one of the few discretionary ways that a citizen can request tax money be used. the library down from my house is always packed.
www.DTPollard.com |
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