Outsourcing and Privatization of Public Libraries

"Woven into distinguishing "contracting," "outsourcing," and "privatization," are the issues of what constitutes a "core library service," who should control or manage those core services, and how can such control and management be exercised."

The Florida House of Representatives Committee on Tourism, Report on Privatization of Public Libraries - Pros and Cons, January 2002

In response to requests for assistance in evaluating the most effective approach to providing public library service, the State Library and Archives provides the following resources.

Report on Privatization of Public Libraries - Pros and Cons - This report was developed by staff of the Florida House of Representatives Committee on Tourism in January 2002 and includes the following components.

• Executive Summary (329KB PDF)
• Public Library Outsourcing Checklist (190KB PDF)
• Florida Public Libraries and Privatization - A Guide for Florida Library Boards and Friends (240KB PDF)

Selected Bibliography on Outsourcing and Privatization in Public Libraries - These publications represent developments and issues related to contracting with private vendors for the management of public libraries.

Types of Library Systems Receiving State Aid in Florida (2008) (56KB PDF)

Public Library Development in Florida - A County-by-County Status Report (2008) (44KB PDF)

External site not maintained by the Department of State.

Download free Adobe Reader to view PDFs.