ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries


70 /C & R L N ew s

In the News
• In the last 25 years, federal funding for

libraries came to less than the cost o f one air­
craft carrier (est. $3.5 billion).

• Academic libraries receive two cents of
every dollar spent on higher education— down
from three cents in 1980 with the purchasing
power deflated to that o f a penny.

• Annual federal spending on libraries to­
tals only 57 cents per person— about the cost
o f a pack o f gum.

These are just a few facts showing where
libraries stand in the federal budget break­
down. For more details on how libraries may
fare with the new Congress, see this month’s
“Washington Hotline.” Lynne Bradley reminds
us that the House Republican “Contract with 
America” has many library programs on its list
o f possible cuts.

As National Library Week, set for April 9– 15, 
approaches, it is a good time to take stock of the
current state of affairs and take the initiative.

Librarians must becom e advocates for li­
braries if we want to build support at the lo­
cal, state, and national levels.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

In this issue Linda Wallace, director o f ALA’s 
Public Information Office, explains two new 
ALA initiatives designed to improve visibility 
and funding for libraries. First, Library Advo­
cacy Now! aims to build a nationwide network 
o f library advocates, and focuses on helping 
those who care about libraries becom e effec­
tive advocates using contacts with the media, 
legislators, and other forums to build support 
for libraries.

The other initiative is the “Pass a Buck for 
Libraries” campaign urging Congress to in­
crease that 57 cents o f tax dollars per person 
to one dollar per person. Details about these 
programs are provided on pages 76– 79.

I hope that you will take time to consider 
how you can use National Library Week to 
promote libraries and information in your li­
brary this year. As Wallace reminds us, if we 
don’t take the time to celebrate National Li­
brary Week, and if we don’t make the time to 
be advocates for libraries, who will?

— Mary Ellen K. Davis 
E ditor & P u b lish er