Questions

So I have been thinking a lot about surveys. I most certainly know that I want to ask both the public and librarians their thoughts on the topic.

These are questions that I want answered either from research or surveys. 

Topic: Privatizing libraries - should it happen?1. what are the benefits of privatizing libraries? What are its drawbacks?
2. how to finance a private library.
   a. by subscription
    b. by local funding, such as a charter school using local school funds?
    c. Libraries in Regency England were pay only for use. Would the historic model work today, or would it make books available only to the elite who could pay for access?
 3. Would large foundations, such as the Bill and Melinds Gates group, be interested in private libraries in disadvantaged areas, such as Appalachia, where public funding for libraries is minimal? Research the levels of funding for libraries in rural areas v. big cities to see if this is true.
4. If the federal, state, and local governments are cutting costs everywhere, and we have seen in Chesterfield County (my home town) that libraries are open just four days a week, is the only solution to a minimal library system privatizing libraries?
5. If government won't support libraries, will people who are unemployed and need to use the library to job hunt be able to afford to use a private library?
6. If a library uses private grant and fundraising money to operate, will the fund donaters expect to control the libraries' book orders? The kinds of patrons allowed inside? The hours of operation?

If any of you blog readers who often go to the public library want to weigh in your opinion than by all means, please do.  This will give me an even more "real world" aspect of my proposal.

The Beast!

So, when I was at ALA in New Orleans this summer I was trekking it from one end of the convention center to the other for another session (and this was a long hike)  when I was stopped by a woman at a table in the hallway with a petition board, and handing out free bags and pens.  Being someone who can't resist free stuff (I did come home with over 40 free books and 10 bags)  I stopped to see what the petition was about.  It happened to be a petition against privatization.  The lady asked me to sign, which I did, told me to check out the site, (which I am just now doing)  and gave me a really cute bag with a "privatization beast" stress reliever.  Here is the like to the site.

http://privatizationbeast.org/

And the Research Continues...

So I am struggling a bit in finding what I think are and would be considered quality articles on the topic of privatization.  Also, I don't know which online directory or database would be best for me to dig into. Ive been looking at all the sources on the BB site, but everything is so broad. What category does my topic fall into?  I'm getting worried.  I think this is something I will bring up on Wed. Maybe other's are having a hard time as well. 

I am finding more articles that pertain to either specific states, or countries, but I am looking for something more general.  Maybe  I should reshape my topic. 

Here I have updated my Livebinder with more sources.
http://livebinders.com/edit?id=185791