China And The United States Aid For Public Library System Is A Comparative Study

With the rapid development of modern science and technology, arising of the Internet and changing of people's reading habits, public libraries face challenges and opportunities. The convenience that the Internet gather information attracts many users of public libraries. The appearance and popularity of e-books are changing people's traditional reading habits. However, public libraries'reliance on government investment that is the sole source of funds, shortage of funds in public libraries is becoming increasingly evident. The opportunity is that public libraries can be changed and updated by making effective use of network technology and convenient e-books. How could public libraries acquire adequate funds for public with providing fast and convenient public services? Funding system of public libraries emerge into a number of scholars'view. This paper aims to make recommendations accordingly for improving public library system in China ,by clarifying the concept, funding system , the status quo ,the different sources of funds of public libraries in U.S.A. and in China. The first chapter introduces the basics of the funding system of public libraries in U.S.A, including the source of funds and regulatory system. The second chapter describes the funding system of public libraries in China, including current development and specific content of funding system. The third chapter compares the difference in sources of funds of public libraries in U.S.A. and in China, and to dig into institutional causes. The author regards the government funds as the main source of funds of the two countries, the difference is reflected in the variation of the social groups and individual donation. Moreover, compared to the relative diversity of the American regulatory system, in China there are the government regulation and self-regulation, but lack of social regulation. Chapter IV puts forward some proposals to develop system of funding public libraries in China, including to improve relevant laws and regulations of the library, to promote the diversification of sources of funds of public libraries, to develop the regulatory system and to enhance cooperation between libraries and other organizations.