Diversifying Fiscal Support by Pricing Public Library Services: A Policy Impact Analysis

Abstract

This paper addresses the possibility of diversifying the resource base of local library systems which currently are critically dependent on property taxes for their funding. A case is offered for pricing library services, and an empirical analysis of such a policy which was adopted by the Dallas Public Library System is reported. Employing a deliberate sequence of significance tests within the context of an interrupted time-series, quasi-experimental design to study the impact of the program on service demand, the results are evaluated with respect to several economic and evaluative performance criteria. While such a user-charge policy may not be wholly adequate or efficient, it is effective, promotes equity, and is deemed appropriate to supplement current funding arrangements.

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