(no subject)
Apr. 14th, 2005 12:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pennywhistleDear Ohio,
FUCK YOU VERY MUCH.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Mark Willis, Community Relations Manager, 227-9543
DATE: April 13, 2005
For More Information, Contact Mark Willis or Tim Kambitsch, 227-9535.
House Budget Cuts Almost One Million Dollars from Dayton Metro Library
The House of Representatives passed their version of the Ohio budget yesterday, which included a 5% cut for public libraries, a loss of about one million dollars a year for the Dayton Metro Library.
“We’re extremely disappointed,” the library director Tim Kambitsch. “If these cuts are in the final budget, they will have a noticeable impact on library service,” he said. The budget bill goes next to the Senate, then to a conference committee before going to Governor Taft for final signature by the end of June. The Dayton Metro Library gets about two thirds of their funds from state.
“We hope the Ohio Senate realizes how much this budget hurts libraries and restores adequate funding,” he said. “We are not asking for an increase from the state, just an end to the cuts that have hit the library for the last four years.”
Another controversial aspect of yesterday’s budget bill gives libraries the authority to charge for the use of audio visual materials, such as books on tape, videos, and DVDs.
“My initial reaction is that this is not a practical way for the library to replace a million dollar cut,” said Kambitsch.
Page 1 of 3
Library Cuts page 2 of 3
“Currently, we have carved our niche in the audio visual area by stressing variety –a few copies of best sellers, along with classics, foreign language, PBS documentaries, instructional, and children’s movies.
“ If we begin to view audio visual items as revenue generators, we would have to completely change that view and adopt the approach that video stores use. To make money, we have to buy lots of copies of new, popular videos and few of anything else.”
“I haven’t spoken to any video store owner yet, but I’m not sure they will think it is fair to compete with a tax funded, tax exempt organization. Because our collections are so different, there is not much competition now but if we have to make up for budget cuts by charging for AV items, we will have to compete directly with these stores. That’s where the money is,” Kambitsch said.
“A number of other problems that come to mind. For example this would put us in the position of charging for a DVD of Hamlet, or a book on tape of the play, but the exact same play on paper is free. People can get any light romance paperback book for free but we will charge for “Schindler’s List” or “Roots.” It’s hard to understand why the format is the determining factor.
“Clearly, charging for audio visual materials would disproportionately hit families and senior citizens. Many families like to give their children the positive messages in videos such as Veggie Tales but if we charge, then low income families will not have that choice,” said Kambitsch.
“I’m especially concerned about how this would impact seniors. Books on tape are extremely popular for people who have trouble with their eyes, so they do their reading by listening to books. Many seniors are on a fixed income and like to stretch their budget by getting free videos at the library. A charge for audio visual items would be a real hardship for some of these seniors.”
page 2 of 3
Library Cuts page 3 of 3
“There is also an important issue of philosophy. A library is a place where everyone has equal opportunity and access, regardless of their ability to pay. Change that and many would say you no longer have a library, just another place trying to make money.
“Obviously, charging for AV items is not the way to make up for a million dollar cut to our budget. Library funding has been cut repeatedly since 2001 and we hope the Senate and Governor listen to the community and stop cutting library budgets,” said Kambitsch.
FUCK YOU VERY MUCH.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Mark Willis, Community Relations Manager, 227-9543
DATE: April 13, 2005
For More Information, Contact Mark Willis or Tim Kambitsch, 227-9535.
House Budget Cuts Almost One Million Dollars from Dayton Metro Library
The House of Representatives passed their version of the Ohio budget yesterday, which included a 5% cut for public libraries, a loss of about one million dollars a year for the Dayton Metro Library.
“We’re extremely disappointed,” the library director Tim Kambitsch. “If these cuts are in the final budget, they will have a noticeable impact on library service,” he said. The budget bill goes next to the Senate, then to a conference committee before going to Governor Taft for final signature by the end of June. The Dayton Metro Library gets about two thirds of their funds from state.
“We hope the Ohio Senate realizes how much this budget hurts libraries and restores adequate funding,” he said. “We are not asking for an increase from the state, just an end to the cuts that have hit the library for the last four years.”
Another controversial aspect of yesterday’s budget bill gives libraries the authority to charge for the use of audio visual materials, such as books on tape, videos, and DVDs.
“My initial reaction is that this is not a practical way for the library to replace a million dollar cut,” said Kambitsch.
Page 1 of 3
Library Cuts page 2 of 3
“Currently, we have carved our niche in the audio visual area by stressing variety –a few copies of best sellers, along with classics, foreign language, PBS documentaries, instructional, and children’s movies.
“ If we begin to view audio visual items as revenue generators, we would have to completely change that view and adopt the approach that video stores use. To make money, we have to buy lots of copies of new, popular videos and few of anything else.”
“I haven’t spoken to any video store owner yet, but I’m not sure they will think it is fair to compete with a tax funded, tax exempt organization. Because our collections are so different, there is not much competition now but if we have to make up for budget cuts by charging for AV items, we will have to compete directly with these stores. That’s where the money is,” Kambitsch said.
“A number of other problems that come to mind. For example this would put us in the position of charging for a DVD of Hamlet, or a book on tape of the play, but the exact same play on paper is free. People can get any light romance paperback book for free but we will charge for “Schindler’s List” or “Roots.” It’s hard to understand why the format is the determining factor.
“Clearly, charging for audio visual materials would disproportionately hit families and senior citizens. Many families like to give their children the positive messages in videos such as Veggie Tales but if we charge, then low income families will not have that choice,” said Kambitsch.
“I’m especially concerned about how this would impact seniors. Books on tape are extremely popular for people who have trouble with their eyes, so they do their reading by listening to books. Many seniors are on a fixed income and like to stretch their budget by getting free videos at the library. A charge for audio visual items would be a real hardship for some of these seniors.”
page 2 of 3
Library Cuts page 3 of 3
“There is also an important issue of philosophy. A library is a place where everyone has equal opportunity and access, regardless of their ability to pay. Change that and many would say you no longer have a library, just another place trying to make money.
“Obviously, charging for AV items is not the way to make up for a million dollar cut to our budget. Library funding has been cut repeatedly since 2001 and we hope the Senate and Governor listen to the community and stop cutting library budgets,” said Kambitsch.
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no subject
Date: 2005-04-14 05:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-04-14 05:19 pm (UTC)Thanks for pointing this out. Will write now...
no subject
Date: 2005-04-14 05:20 pm (UTC)FUCK YOU VERY MUCH."
I think that every time I have to go through Ohio on a road trip.
no subject
Date: 2005-04-14 08:26 pm (UTC)Ohio sucks - no doubt about it.