Remaining Optimistic

A common theme uniting libraries has been our tendency to work toward the goal of benefiting everyone with our services - including the most vulnerable. The commitment of equal service to all and sharing our wealth is an important legacy of American public libraries.

It seems to be more and more difficult to find another private or public entity that does not equate quality of service with ability to pay or social status.

When we read about people trying to fund Sunday hours, library services being cut back, and the ongoing struggle to provide equal service to all when those who have the least lose the most, it can be hard to remain optimistic.

Here is a great presentation by Larry Brilliant of http://google.org on why we should be:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/177

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Robert L. Balliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
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