Income Inequality & Libraries

2. What is income inequality?
Income inequality refers to income that is being dispersed
in an unequal and unfair way. It has grown increasingly in
the United States over the last few decades.
I chose this topic for its relevance to libraries and
American citizens. Its enormous impact and influence has
been and continues to be felt by many Americans.

3. What has the income gap looked like over
the years?

6. What impact does income inequality have
on public library patrons & staff?

7. During times when many citizens and
families in the bottom 80% (as shown in the
graph) have less disposable income for the
educational and cultural materials libraries
offer, libraries have a larger role to play and
more urgent needs to address. At the same
time, libraries are put at risk by decreased
funding and resources needed to operate
efficiently as tax bases shrink and budgets
are cut.

8. Since the 2008 financial crisis, many
libraries have reduced their hours,
resources, and staff. $65 million in operating
funds for New York City libraries have been
lost. These libraries have cut 1,000 library
employees. Thus, while many citizens and
families (low-income or otherwise) continue
to rely on libraries for free information,
services and access to that information are
strained.

9. Why is funding important for public
libraries?

10. While some additional funding has become available, such as
The recent $22 million in additional funding to NYC’s library
system, there is still a long way to go.
The most important concept I have learned from the research
process is that where public funding comes from, and how it
is distributed, in the context of rising income inequality has a
major impact on the public library system. Libraries offer
services that cannot be replaced or underestimated. Free
access to information for all citizens benefits everyone.
Libraries exist for the greater good.

11. I hope to learn more about how libraries are funded
as I begin to work in a library environment, both
by working with staff and witnessing the funding
process in action. Perhaps I will have the
opportunity to work in governmental or
philanthropic organizations to raise awareness and
financial backing for the public library system.

13. References:
"Income Inequality.” American Library Association, n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2015.
<http://www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/future/trends/incomeinequality>.
"Income Inequality." Inequality.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Aug. 2015.
<http://inequality.org/income-inequality/>.
The Editorial Board. "Libraries Are Key Tool to Narrow Income Gap." AM New York.
N.p., 19 May 2015. Web. 1 Aug. 2015.
<http://www.amny.com/opinion/editorial/libraries-are-key-tool-to-narrow-income-
gap-1.10451694>.
Ungar, Rick. "The Retirement Crisis Is Here For Millions-Income Inequality Now
Set To Wreak Its Ugly Revenge." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 19 Mar. 2013. Web.
2 Aug. 2015. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2013/03/19/the-retirement-
crisis-is-here-for-millions-income-inequality-now-set-to-wreak-its-ugly-revenge/>.