Charging users for library service

The question of instituting direct charges for library service is examined and is contrasted with the current indirect changing system where services are paid for by taxes of various types. The policy of whether to levy direct charges for on-line bibliographic searching serves as an example for the analysis. In this case it is concluded that due to considerations of information as a merit good, the service should be supplied free of direct charges to certain users in a specified amount. For other users it is reasonable to impose direct charges.