1. Forced Advocacy: How Communities Respond to Public Library Cuts
Lisa Hussey, Simmons College
Diane Velasquez, University of South Australia
June 1, 2012

2. Introduction Case Studies of Two Urban Public Libraries
Recessionary Budget Pressures
Boston & Los Angeles
Cultural Heritage of Public Libraries
Historical Support of Libraries
Budget Shortfalls
Large Increase in Patron Use

3. Boston Public Library (BPL)

4. BPL Founded Through the Munificence and Public Spirit of Citizens
The Public Library of the City of Boston - Built by the People and Dedicated to the Advancement of Learning
The Commonwealth Requires the Education of the People as the Safeguard of Order and Liberty

5. BPL FY11 - Public Announcement Initial budget panic
Possibility of closing 4-10 branches
No closings after State Legislature passed amendment on budget
Layoffs of staff, particularly at Central Library in Copley Square
90.5 positions eliminated

6. BPL Politics Refusal to lay blame
Praise from public participants for public decision making process
Library of Last Recourse changed to Library for the Commonwealth
Digital focus
Grants for digital initiatives

7. BPL FY12 No layoffs No branch closures
Consolidating services into Main Branch at Copley using Kirstein Trust Funds
Reduce materials/book budget
Elimination of Sunday hours Main Branch at Copley Square
Hold 15 positions as vacant

8. BPL Sunday hours at Main Branch - FY12 Overtime costs
Seen as 'public' statement rather than cost saving
Additional $350,000 from State budget used to reinstate until May 2012
Level funding from FY11

9. BPL FY13 3% over FY12 Restoration of materials budget to FY11
Additional $130,000
New e-reader program
Early literacy nook at Charlestown Branch
Teen writing lab at Elgeston Square Branch
Teen zone renovation at Hyde Park Branch
Outdoor space rejuvenation at South Boston Branch
Level funding from State

10. Los Angeles Public Library
Mandated funding reductions
Previous to , 1.75% of chartered budget
Library department paying back for overhead
Decrease of 328 positions
Hours decreased to 5 days a week
Materials and other services reduced

11. LAPL Revenues, Expenses, & Overhead

12. Salaries

13. Measure L Charter Amendment
Increase library budget charter from 1.75% to 3% over four years
Charter amendment passed by council
Placed on March 8, 2011 ballot
City Council and Mayor supported
Police, Fire, LA Times did not support it

14. Measure L Charter Amendment
Passed by 63% of voters
The amendments mandates:
45% of funds to library’s operating budget
55% would fund direct and indirect costs
For , projections were $13,445,506
45%: $6 million
55%: $7.4 million

15. Measure L Charter Amendment Proposed Funding IncreaseFY %
Estimated Funding Increase
2.06%
$11,787,569
2.37%
$25,098,360
2.69%
$38,366,625
3.00%
$51,677,416
Source: Santana (2010)

16. Proposed Service RestorationFY
Proposed Service Restoration
Restore 6 day service at all 73 libraries
Restore 2 additional evenings/week at all 73 libraries
Increase budget for technology upgrades & library materials
Restore 7 day service at 9 libraries

17. LAPL - FY12-13 Budget Add 49 positions Funding includes:
Restore Monday/Wednesday evening hours
Friday morning hours
Funding includes:
Building a digital library
Human resources office
Accounting and shipping divisions
Strategic plan

18. Conclusion Boston and LA had successful results Future research:
Survey of Top 50 US Urban and Top 25 Canadian public libraries
Survey of Top 25 Australian public libraries