AMHERST - The chief librarian in Cumberland County is concerned about what might happen if the province decides to cut its Internet funding for regional libraries.
But Beth Clinton said the Cumberland Regional Library is always prepared.
"We never know what's coming in terms of funding, so we're always prepared for what may happen," said Clinton from the Four Fathers Memorial Library in Amherst.
The province recently told all public libraries it is considering pulling its funding for Internet service.
"That service isn't just for people using the public computers. It's also used for our circulation and cataloguing and we can't really do without those services if the funding is cut," she said.
With seven branches throughout the county, the Cumberland Regional Library spends $20,772 on connectivity services.
The Cumberland Regional Library has been using the automated services since September 2000.
Though Clinton said she's concerned about this funding announcement, she said it hasn't been confirmed.
She also said she's concerned about funding in general.
"If they cut this funding, it's an added burden for us. If the government doesn't give us adequate funding to make up for this, that funding has to come from somewhere else," she said.
"It's going to come through service cuts."
The province is also thinking about cutting its funding for travel costs for chief librarians.
Clinton said there are usually two meetings per year for chief librarians throughout the province, and that they are sometimes two-day meetings.
Most of the time they are held in Halifax, which is the most central location.
"We get together to work on things such as reciprocal agreements and services, like our downloadable audio program," Clinton noted.
If the travel expenses are cut, Clinton said that's just one more thing to worry about.
rtetanish@amherstdaily.com
