The following principles have been developed to guide discussion and development of recommended actions for Nebraska public library finance. Guiding principles developed in Illinois under a 1996 General Assembly Task Force on Library Finance were considered in developing these principles, particularly those which seemed common to Nebraska's interests. Access for these citizens, if there is any, is gained by purchasing a library card from another public library in the vicinity. State aid for local public libraries, from state general revenue funds, is distributed only to areas with established, accredited public libraries. The use of library services continues to grow in a number of Nebraska communities with dramatic increases in service shown especially in those which have built or re-built library facilities to provide attractive, functional, comfortable, and technologically equipped facilities.
Local autonomy is a strong underlying factor in library governance and finance.
That long held political philosophy underlies the high number of independent public library entities, as well as the number of general and special purpose governmental units. Many of Nebraska's municipalities and counties do not have a sufficient tax base to adequately finance a separate, independent library service program. While Nebraska public library guidelines offer, at least to some extent, a measurement of public library service and resources, these guidelines tend to set minimum requirements rather than emphasize goals toward higher levels of service. Perhaps Nebraska's greatest public library financial challenge is providing adequate support to employ qualified and competent library staff. Nebraska's low unemployment level and the relatively low pay for public library staff is a growing concern for retention and recruitment.