ABSTRACT
How can we really know the state of public libraries today? The articles in this collection approach this question through both research methodologies and personal experience, and provide a broad-ranging overview of where public libraries stand with respect to their communities, their goals, and their activities. Denise Davis, Director of ALA's Office for Research and Statistics, conducted an extensive survey to provide an overview of “The Status of Public Library Funding 2003–2005.” Her objective investigation reveals mixed results, with most libraries experiencing steady-state funding over the three year period she studied, and with increases, where they occur, being targeted at required expenditures such as higher salary and utility costs, so that the overall situation of the libraries was not improved.
