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Finances are very important to any small public library and require continuedeffort to maintain and, at times, a huge push to increase. It is hard to providethe services the library can and should for the benefit of all citizens withoutdecent financial support. However, many small public libraries are seen as abonus; something not necessary to the community but really nice to have. Intoday's society public libraries are necessary for every community: they are aplace to go when you have questions; they allow the resources of a communityto be pooled for the benefit of all; they provide support and resources to thoselacking; they can be a place to improve your workforce, train in technology,and launch a business; and they are a place to go when you need to talk withother people. We have gone to society in a hurry and there is no other place togo and gather, to talk and share, to explore new ideas and to see what hascome before.
 
There has been discussion lately about libraries using alternate fundingsources. While I believe public libraries should use as many funding sources asthey can -- one time or continual, small or large -- the community has to makea yearly, set commitment to the library whether it be from a millage, specialtax, local government guarantee, or other source. Depending on funding fromthe state is hard during budget crunches and relying on local government lineitems for your money opens up the same problem.It's also important how the money is kept track of and how it's audited. It isvery important to have a yearly audit, listen to what the auditors have to say,then share the results with the public and let them know you're beingaccountable with their money. If the auditors find things aren't jiving, fix them.Accountability also means delivering measurable results and meetingcommunity needs. SeeChapter 7, Marketing, for more information oncommunicating the library's value to the community.Determine the cost to circulate an item, from ordering it to getting it on theshelf. What is the overall cost of public computer access and the cost per useof your computers? How about your programs or interlibrary loan? Comparethese with averages determined from other area libraries, libraries servingsimilarly sized populations in your state, and national statistics. This chapterlooks atbudgeting,revenues,expenditures,politicking,accounting, and reporting.
 
Budgeting
The mission and goals of the library drive the budget. Do not worry aboutmatching your expenditures with revenues when you begin, but budget withoutlimits to see what is possible. A well-founded case for new services, additionalspace, new technology, or special community programs works as a lever to
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