It is no secret that libraries have struggled with annual increases in subscription costs of print-based journals, joined now by increases in license fees and other associated costs for electronic resources. Unfortunately, traditional sources of funding fail to keep pace in support of these escalating expenses. We became intrigued with the idea of dramatizing for our users the similarities between the costs of needed resources, and a variety of real-world goods. We assembled an exhibit in a variety of media, to demonstrate these comparisons. Scanned copies of journal covers lay side-by-side with ads for such desirables as world cruises, luxurious sport cars, and refrigerator/freezers. This offered an interesting perspective on the nature of many "must-have" titles, as they are likened to big-ticket items that many of us can never afford. Individual cost factoids decorated study tables and restroom stalls, reminding the public about discrepancies between rising costs and dwindling available funds, and dispelling the misconception that "tuition covers it." Selected examples graced the screen of our web page. A common theme throughout was the fact that when we buy these expensive items, we do so every year, at progressively higher costs each time. This poster affords a glimpse of our presentation, and a look at some of the interesting comparisons.

Poster presented at the 2005 Medical Library Association conference. Describes three methods used to obtain user feedback for a web redesign project: focus groups, a web-based survey and a Rate-the-Page feature that appeared on individual web pages. The results from each method are included.

Objective: Increases in the cost of resources combined with flat budgets prompted the library to look at its accounting practices to see if the budget could be balanced more effectively. Methods: The library has experienced shortfalls in funding and other financial challenges. To manage these issues, the library established a central accounting department to audit several aspects of the budget and to determine whether the financial situation of the library could be improved. The audit results provided a starting point for the accounting department to construct the framework to implement changes to improve the overall financial situation of the library. Through corrective measures, smart planning, re-negotiating, and reorganizing of the accounting processes, the library is now positioned for future financial success.

Purpose: This poster will illustrate the progress of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Neighborhood Networks (NN) and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). HUD created NN in 1995 to encourage property owners to establish multiservice community learning centers to promote self-sufficiency and help provide computer access to low-income housing communities. Many of these centers provide programs that include access to healthcare information. Because part of the mission of the NN/LM is to promote access to quality healthcare information, it is a natural fit and opportunity for both parties to provide education and support for the underserved.