Cooperative systems were established under 1958 laws authorizing the organization of such systems. Most public libraries receive the bulk of their support from local taxes and endowments. Today, local libraries also receive cash grants, books, and services from their Systems, which act as a conduit for state aid. A formula was established for system support in 1966, which takes into account population, area served, and local initiative. Running a library is not just a matter of putting a few books on the shelves and then hanging a sign on the door.
Good service requires a lot of time, effort, and professional skill.
Books, records, tapes, films, and all the other media of the modern library must be carefully selected so the collection grows in scope as well as size. Items must be cataloged and arranged so they can be located quickly and easily. Librarians must have the time, training, and background to provide professional assistance to readers. There must be an efficient method of checking items in and out so that people will know what is available. In the past, most of this work fell on a single person.