What’s measured The report gauges government funding for public libraries as reported by the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer and the South Carolina State Budget and Control Board. Funding includes financial details associated with salaries and wages, construction, purchase of materials and other direct costs. This indicator includes public libraries operated by counties or cities and excludes libraries at state universities or colleges. Per capita numbers were calculated using the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual population estimates. South Carolina no longer collects detailed library funding information from its counties, meaning that results for 2006 were not available. Why it’s measured Government funding for libraries per capita provides a measure of government support of libraries. The use of per capita figures spotlights how governments are responding to population increases and shows the varied nature of funding across counties. Libraries are a means of disseminating information to all residents of the region. In some instances, libraries are the only resource available for literature, periodicals, computer access and reference material. Continued funding is essential to maintaining a service many residents rely on. Indicator results Funding for libraries in the Charlotte region as a whole has remained steady at $29.83 per capita in 2004 and $30.04 per capita in 2005. At the county level, funding has varied since 2004, with Anson, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan and York counties showing a decrease. Chester, Cleveland and Stanly counties have shown an increase. Cabarrus, Catawba, Gaston, Lancaster, Lincoln and Union have remained steady. Evaluation Maintaining funding for libraries is essential to providing an important service to regional residents. Library funding has remained in step with population increases. Steep increases in funding by some counties may be attributed to construction of new facilities, demonstrating a willingness to upgrade or expand buildings. Such expansion and improvement of facilities as well as increases in funding allow the region to continue offering a valuable resource. Connections Government funding for libraries can be associated with many aspects of a region’s quality of life. Libraries disseminate information to people from all walks of life and, for some people, are the only source for this information. A library’s ability to provide such information is essential to educating and exposing residents to material they would otherwise not have the ability to obtain. Libraries also serve as a meeting place for people to engage in conversation about the library’s many offerings as well as to interact socially. |