Bio: Margaret Butterworth worked in Singapore 1980-84 as Librarian at the United World College of SE Asia and 1993-96 as Lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, helping to set up a Masters Course in Librarianship. She is now completing a PhD at Curtin University on the topic of user fees in public libraries. She is an active member of WASLA (West Australian School Library Association), editing both the newsletter and the website. She may be contacted at: margaret@iinet.net.au.

Abstract: Constraints on the public purse have resulted in funding shortfalls for public institutions in many countries, whichever political party is in office. Whilst there exists a fundamental feeling that libraries are beneficial to society, there is no political will to to fund them adequately through taxation. Freedom of access to information is no longer guaranteed by cost-free access, in situations where library budgets cannot stretch to providing sufficient technology and training.

Libraries are responding by implementing fee-based services which can both raise the image of the institution and cross-subsidise the free service. This paper examines the circumstances where entrepreneurial activities succeed or fail, taking examples from several countries including the UK, Ireland and New Zealand. The major case study presented is Singapore, where technology is being employed to save on staffing and to introduce innovative services, in accordance with the national agenda of creating a learning society. Topics include the rationale for charging, practical implementation strategies, pricing policies, marketing plans, staff and user reaction and the criteria for success.

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