RE: Using Libraries as Forums

[Chuck Thomas <cthomas@rcls.org>]

Funding naturally can make a difference, but we maybe are not talking
tons of cash here.  As has so well been pointed out, organization 
and access to information is what the librarian needs.  Few of us
have the space to house comprehensive new environmental collections
but we do have the "skills to organize and access."  And we are 
community centers and our missions are to provide information 
and resources.  Perhaps funding regional training workshops on access
to EPA resources (of course funding for sub time would really prime 
the pump)would accomplish multiple goals: enhancing public access to
info, utilizing existing skills, use structures that the public is 
accustomed to visiting and are already being paid for.  And you are 
absolutely correct, we can get the information (with access, training 
and funds), the interpretation is up to the patron.