Tactic for libraries to gain public support to fight budget cuts?

[gmoney]

Ohio libraries are facing some possibly deep budget cuts, and it occurred to me that one thing they might do to garner support among patrons is make a simple change in the auto checkout function.

The libraries around here now all have "self serve" scanners that spit out a receipt itemizing what's been borrowed. What if it also had the list price of each item on that receipt, with a grand total at the bottom, for that visit, and even for the entire year?

You check out a couple books, a couple CDs and a movie, and it's no biggie, but if the receipt said "You saved $78.67 by using your library card today" it might get people to consider what a value it is.

But maybe it's just preaching to the choir, and would cause confusion... "I have to pay now? What's going on?"

Maybe librarians should hang around Barnes and Noble and remind people "yeah, we have those books, and you could read them for free, but you gotta support the levy."

I don't know... just rambling after a visit to my friendly neighborhood library with about $200 worth of goodies in my bag.

Thoughts anyone?

[burning rain]

1. I've seen posters in libraries on that theme...

adding up the cost of two books and a DVD, or what-have-you. Seems like a good idea.

[csziggy]

2. That sounds like a great idea! Most people vastly underestimate their local services

They just bitch about the taxes to support them without any thought on what it would cost if the services were not available to the community.

Heck, send this into the American Library Association - there are more places than Ohio that are cutting library services.

[tabbycat31]

3. I had to pay to join the county system

since my small town does not participate it. I pay $100/year and it is well worth it for me. Today alone, I have 2 books and 2 DVDs. I've been watching TV series on DVD (normally $40-50 if you buy it) and it's great.

It's more than paid for itself.

Good idea on the receipts.