I’ve been hearing about public libraries selling advertising space as a source of funding for a couple of years now. I keep thinking that I should be opposed to this idea on principle – and I’m fascinated to discover that I’m not.
I think this article does a fine and concise job of summarizing the issue:
Advertising in Libraries? Considering the Consequences (posted on Non-Profit Quarterly, February 27, 2013)
Selling advertising space in libraries has the potential to be a substantial source of funding. Librarians are well aware of the dangers this type of arrangement poses; any library wishing to go this route will make sure to include language in any such contacts that explicitly deny advertisers the right to have any say in operational or policy decisions.
Continue reading “Advertising In Libraries? Maybe…”