Non-Resident Fees for Libraries

This session focused on the on-going debate over whether libraries should charge fees for non-residents. The gist of the debate seemed to focus on the ideal of library materials being available to all people equally versus the practical demands of a city council in tough economic times.

Both sides of the debate were well represented and each had important points to bring to the table. Those representing the non-resident fees side stated that with the possibility of state funding being withdrawn, their libraries were being urged by the community and elected officials to keep materials available for members of that community. Members representing the no non-resident fees side indicated that they found the negative impact on their image combined with the negative impact on their staff culture outweighed the economic differences. It was also indicated that some solutions might be possible with the advanced technology becoming available, and in making sure that libraries focus on the value they provide for services.

Stacy Aldrich added that the current CSLA rules prohibit the uneven distribution of library materials - in that a library would not be able to limit the amount of materials a non-resident may borrow over the materials a resident may borrow. and that the CSLA rules (which were adopted many years ago) may need to be revised.