WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO REFORM LIBRARY FUNDING?
As well as the earlier Parry Review, the NSW Library Council commissioned its own review in 2012, and has presented funding recommendations to the Government. Those recommendations would involve: • A modest increase in overall funding, which would then be indexed to ensure overall library funding keeps pace with cost of living increases. • Changes to the funding model to provide a sustainable base level of funding for small councils, along with an allocation of funding to support library services in areas affected by disadvantage. • Dedicated funding for statewide programs and infrastructure investment.
The Greens NSW Arts Policy includes a commitment to work towards: • increasing the per capita funding to local government for libraries; • promoting equal and adequate access to cultural and educational institutions, including libraries; and • ensuring access to public cultural institutions, including libraries, galleries and museums, remains free of charge.
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