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Do you use LIBBY to get books online from Libraries?
I do every day. And I have library cards and access to three counties library catalogs. Just got an announcement that the program’s funding is being sliced and to expect less availability and longer waiting. Thanks MAGA. Rich fucks,,,, enjoy your tax cuts. While that’s not life threatening like loss of health care and food it sure bothers our family.
Thank you @larryB for the update. Too many items to keep track of, eh? I'm adding the below for more reference, for whomever may have interest.
Reports suggest that the passage of H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," may impact funding for the Libby app due to cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS is a federal agency that provides financial support to libraries and museums, including funding used to support digital services like Libby.
Here's what you should know:
Potential Funding Cuts: The bill includes provisions that may lead to reductions in federal library funding, which in turn could affect the Libby app.
Impact on Users: If funding is cut, libraries may have to reduce the number of titles available through Libby or implement restrictions like lowering the number of holds users can place. One library announced that they would reduce the number of holds from 30 to 20 due to potential changes to state and federal funding.
Concerns for Smaller Libraries: Libraries in rural and small communities, which rely more heavily on federal funding, could be particularly affected.
Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) are actively working to raise awareness and advocate for continued library funding.
@Catch22. Good report. I think as time goes by everyone will be impacted in ways big and small and things we took foregranted will be stolen from the American people in order to make it so the ultra wealthy pay no taxes. After all is said and done the culture war issues get the morons to vote against their own best interest. It’s all about more money for the few at the expense of the many.
My notes: Mr. Carnegie likely had some skeletons in his closet from his days of building an industrial empire, but understood the power of knowledge for all. Sixty-one of his libraries were built in Michigan between 1901-1918. Twenty remain as active libraries today. I've visited one in Howell several times. These were/are buildings that were built to last, with quality craftsmanship throughout. I still recall portions of this excellent 'PBS, American Experience' from 1997 produced about Mr. Carnegie life. You may have access to this program through various services. LINK
A historical overview of the modern library system.
Andrew Carnegie was a key figure in the development of public libraries, donating millions to build over 2,500 libraries worldwide, including 1,679 in the United States. He believed in the power of free access to knowledge for individual and community betterment, and his philanthropy established libraries as essential civic institutions.
Here's a more detailed look at Carnegie's library legacy: Philanthropic Vision: Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant who became a wealthy steel magnate, believed that libraries were vital for personal and societal advancement. He viewed libraries as instruments of change, not luxuries, and insisted on the "gospel of wealth," which emphasized the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.
The Carnegie Library Model: Carnegie's libraries were often built in communities that agreed to provide ongoing financial support for maintenance and staffing. This model helped create a sustainable system of public libraries across the nation.
Impact and Legacy: Carnegie's donations funded a significant portion of the public libraries in the US, with many still serving as vital community resources today. His foundation continues his philanthropic work, supporting libraries and other initiatives focused on education and knowledge access.
Addressing Inequality: While Carnegie's libraries were groundbreaking, they also reflected the racial segregation of the time. In the Southern United States, some black communities were denied access to existing libraries and received separate Carnegie libraries.
Influence on Library Development: Carnegie's vision helped establish the modern public library system in the US, fostering literacy, education, and community engagement. His work continues to inspire philanthropy and support for libraries worldwide.
Comments
Reports suggest that the passage of H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," may impact funding for the Libby app due to cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS is a federal agency that provides financial support to libraries and museums, including funding used to support digital services like Libby.
Here's what you should know:
Potential Funding Cuts: The bill includes provisions that may lead to reductions in federal library funding, which in turn could affect the Libby app.
Impact on Users: If funding is cut, libraries may have to reduce the number of titles available through Libby or implement restrictions like lowering the number of holds users can place. One library announced that they would reduce the number of holds from 30 to 20 due to potential changes to state and federal funding.
Concerns for Smaller Libraries: Libraries in rural and small communities, which rely more heavily on federal funding, could be particularly affected.
Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) are actively working to raise awareness and advocate for continued library funding.
A historical overview of the modern library system.
Andrew Carnegie was a key figure in the development of public libraries, donating millions to build over 2,500 libraries worldwide, including 1,679 in the United States. He believed in the power of free access to knowledge for individual and community betterment, and his philanthropy established libraries as essential civic institutions.
Here's a more detailed look at Carnegie's library legacy:
Philanthropic Vision:
Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant who became a wealthy steel magnate, believed that libraries were vital for personal and societal advancement. He viewed libraries as instruments of change, not luxuries, and insisted on the "gospel of wealth," which emphasized the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.
The Carnegie Library Model:
Carnegie's libraries were often built in communities that agreed to provide ongoing financial support for maintenance and staffing. This model helped create a sustainable system of public libraries across the nation.
Impact and Legacy:
Carnegie's donations funded a significant portion of the public libraries in the US, with many still serving as vital community resources today. His foundation continues his philanthropic work, supporting libraries and other initiatives focused on education and knowledge access.
Addressing Inequality:
While Carnegie's libraries were groundbreaking, they also reflected the racial segregation of the time. In the Southern United States, some black communities were denied access to existing libraries and received separate Carnegie libraries.
Influence on Library Development:
Carnegie's vision helped establish the modern public library system in the US, fostering literacy, education, and community engagement. His work continues to inspire philanthropy and support for libraries worldwide.