Income Inequality & Libraries

Income Inequality & Librariesby Cameron Smith

What is income inequality?Income inequality refers to income that is being dispersed in an unequal and unfair way. It has grown increasingly in the United States over the last few decades.I chose this topic for its relevance to libraries and American citizens. Its enormous impact and influence has been and continues to be felt by many Americans.

What has the income gap looked like over the years?

What impact does income inequality have on public library patrons & staff?

During times when many citizens and families in the bottom 80% (as shown in the graph) have less disposable income for the educational and cultural materials libraries offer, libraries have a larger role to play and more urgent needs to address. At the same time, libraries are put at risk by decreased funding and resources needed to operate efficiently as tax bases shrink and budgets are cut.

Since the 2008 financial crisis, many libraries have reduced their hours, resources, and staff. $65 million in operating funds for New York City libraries have been lost. These libraries have cut 1,000 library employees. Thus, while many citizens and families (low-income or otherwise) continue to rely on libraries for free information, services and access to that information are strained.

Why is funding important for public libraries?

While some additional funding has become available, such asThe recent $22 million in additional funding to NYCs library system, there is still a long way to go.

The most important concept I have learned from the research process is that where public funding comes from, and how it is distributed, in the context of rising income inequality has a major impact on the public library system. Libraries offer services that cannot be replaced or underestimated. Free access to information for all citizens benefits everyone.Libraries exist for the greater good.

I hope to learn more about how libraries are funded as I begin to work in a library environment, both by working with staff and witnessing the funding process in action. Perhaps I will have the opportunity to work in governmental or philanthropic organizations to raise awareness and financial backing for the public library system.

References:

"Income Inequality. American Library Association, n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2015. .

"Income Inequality." Inequality.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Aug. 2015. .

The Editorial Board. "Libraries Are Key Tool to Narrow Income Gap." AM New York.N.p., 19 May 2015. Web. 1 Aug. 2015. .

Ungar, Rick. "The Retirement Crisis Is Here For Millions-Income Inequality Now Set To Wreak Its Ugly Revenge." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 19 Mar. 2013. Web. 2 Aug. 2015. .

Moana ChimesJon BrionPunch-Drunk Love, track 10/17, disc 1/12002Soundtrack182997.8eng - iTunPGAP0eng - iTunNORM 000002B3 00000288 00001124 00001002 000004E5 0001997D 00004DBF 000047EA 000004CB 0001A0BCeng - iTunSMPB 00000000 00000210 00000750 00000000007B1920 00000000 0037C797 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000eng - iTunes_CDDB_1DD0A5C11+199265+17+150+9875+23315+31105+47765+54982+59175+65562+81422+99157+112877+118960+128980+138755+154042+163417+184947eng - iTunes_CDDB_TrackNumber10