Word: users
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...proponents of 2 1/2 and/or of user fees are not responding wisely or with complete awareness to the implications of the situation. Their moves for radical changes in the fiscal support base of public library service is appalling. almost unbelievable, in fact. Libraries are public institutions and were established for the public good (pro bono publico). It is important, indeed essential, to understand it and know how to handle its arugments...
...education and free access to information is the foundation of our educational system, and was the impetus for the American Free Library Movement. Enlightenment for all, in free and ready access to and service at your public library is the birthright of every citizen. The advocates of a user-fee threaten this philosophy. I see our tradition and heritage in grave danger...
...particular class who were "worthy" and capable. Access was based on birth, on membership, on religious affiliation or some other form of class affillation. The free public library has flouished since those dark ages. The public library has become an integral part of our way of life. The user-fee proponents are seriously questioning the whole concept of the free public library, and there is grave danger abroad...
...compromise for a user-fee structure is just plain unacceptable. In effect. it is saying the poor, the disadvantaged, the middle-class be damned that those who are not financially able should not be allowed access to the service of a research library. Ready reference, and recreation is all they can use. The message is clear, in effect, it is "you are poor, therefore, you are unworthy. Stay in your class and don't aspire to special knowledge for by your bature your are not capable o tasting the pleasures of learning-research...
...User-fee advocates have made their point. Once user-fees becomes a part of library fiscal support, the municipal politician will have a field day. He will demand more support from this direction and provide less support from tax monies. The argument of practicality will have won over the fundamental principles of the democratic tradition of free access to information-knowledge. As a substitute, there will be a politician deciding who is worthy or capable of using these tax supported and user-fee supported facilities. The real and only challenge is to maks the library and its services an even...