SQUEEZING DOLLARS FROM ENERGY COSTS

For libraries, reducing operating costs is rarely a simple matter. Increases in expenses typically outpace inflation—a phenomenon common to institutions throughout the service sector of the economy. And while personnel and fringe benefits generally comprise the bulk of a library's operating costs, these can be among the most difficult to control. Indeed, outside factors like funding cutbacks, or simple attrition, are too often the means of reduction in these areas. Another approach is to cut back on materials purchases. But, although this may result in short‐term gains, it may also impair the library's effectiveness over the long term.