Many local governments in the United States operate public libraries that provide books,
reference materials, Internet access, public meeting space, genealogical assistance, and
other information/education services at no charge.
Answer the following questions:
1. Are the services of these local libraries pure public goods? Why or why not?
2. What government functions are these public libraries seeking to serve?
3. What privatization options might be possible?
4. What library services should be free and what could be subject to a charge? Why?
5. What would be the concerns raised if many services were made available only on
a charge basis?