Society is facing question of where to place its money. Outsourcing is a manifestation of changes that are taking place at all levels. Role of librarians Issue of library cooperation. Concern that much that is outsourced to vendors for cataloging does not get into national databases. Issues relating to contract creation and modification, evaluation of vendor performance.
Funding comes from state via legislative mandate and from local support.
Lincoln Trail is also manager of the telecommunications system. The system does contract negotiation for its members. A past service was management of a shared collection of video materials. Some systems in US run Community Information networks. Continuing education and training program.