News Release

On Friday, December 3, 2010 the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) received its FY2012 budget cap from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance (ANF).  ANF begins the state budget process by providing government agencies with a budget cap that each agency must use to submit a budget that stays within the allotted amount. The FY2012 budget cap of -7.75% (negative) marks the third consecutive year the MBLC has received a budget cap that requires the agency to reduce funding to vital library programs at a time when library usage is at historic highs. In FY2010 the reduction was -1.5% (negative) and in FY2011 it was close to -17% (negative). The MBLC is required to submit a FY2012 budget with the mandated budget cap by December 10, 2010. The Board has called a special meeting for December 9, 2010 at 1:00 in its Boston office to discuss FY2012 funding concerns.

Since July, 1, 2008 state spending has been reduced by 11.6%. During that same time period, state spending on libraries (MBLC accounts) has been cut 38% from $34.1 million to $21.1 million. “We understand that the state is still in the process of recovering from the economic downturn. For many residents, libraries have been an essential resource in the recovery process. People trying to save money or looking for assistance with their job searches are turning to their libraries in record numbers. Continual disproportionate reductions to library funding jeopardize the very services that residents depend on,” said MBLC Chair Katherine Dibble.

In response to the FY2011 budget cap of nearly -17% the MBLC, the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems and library representatives from across the state developed a plan that consolidated six regional library systems into one. The new single entity called the Massachusetts Library System began operation in July, 2010 offering core services such as delivery for interlibrary loan and training for library staff.

This consolidation is the latest in a long history of efforts to provide the best possible library services at the lowest possible cost. Under the MBLC’s leadership, library services have been automated and streamlined, cooperative purchasing agreements have been established and many needs of the local libraries and residents are addressed through statewide contracts, services and grants. “The Board has done everything it can to be as efficient as possible, but given the huge surge in library usage, libraries are at their limit,” said Dibble.  See chart below for information on library usage and funding since FY2000.

The MBLC has developed its FY2012 Legislative Agenda in which it proposes increases to library funding in order to adequately meet the increased demand for library services. For more information, please see http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/publications/agenda2012.pdf