Abstract
The "free" vs. "fee" issue continues to plague American public libraries. This paper contends that since public libraries operate in a market driven economy, the historic approach that librarians have taken on the side of "free" because of professional ethics and morality is the least effective when competing for resources. Adam Smith's notion of the "invisible hand" of capitalism seems to have finally caught on if the number of libraries now charging for online database searching is any indication. Public libraries, if they are to take their place with the avant-garde of the information industry, must make the choice between struggling to maintain the status quo or accepting the new role in the information industry.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
