The purpose of this column is to provide a snapshot of the environment in which, in a down economy, libraries bearing the brunt of an outcry to limit or eliminate service for reasons of economic expediency, must continue to voice the impact they have on education and the community to their legislators and funding sources and seek solutions to ensure future viability.
The article takes the form of a literature review and commentary on a topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions.
If one solution to serve education and the community lies is the creation of more joint‐use library facilities, then such creativity in seeking out this and other inventive and resourceful solutions must be viewed seriously in an effort to ensure quality library service into the future.
The value in addressing this issue is to suggest the need for creative planning to ensure the future viability of libraries.
