If libraries are at the "bottom of the food chain," why do do NCES data indicate that gate count in academic libraries increased 25% and the number of students served by group presentations increased 22% between 1998 and 2008?  Why do IMLS data indicate that visits to public libraries in the U.S. increased 17% between and total circulation increased 12% between 1998 and 2007?  And why does so much anecdotal and popular press information indicate that public libraries in the current economic environment are being completely overwhelmed, not by people seeking shelter and physical comfort, but by people turning to the public library as a source of critical information on topics such as how to gain shelter and physical comfort, how to update personal technology skills, and how to identify and find jobs?

Danny