By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – One effect of the state budget that Missouri lawmakers approved last week is that colleges in the state will have to spend more so that students can check out books from other institutions.
The spending plan that is waiting for Governor Matt Blunt's signature eliminates a $650,000 subsidy to the Missouri Bibliographic Information User System (MOBIUS).
The director of MOBIUS says that will translate to a 36% increase in the fees charged to participating libraries.
The network allows patrons to search a statewide database for books not available at their local libraries. The books are typically delivered to them in a few days.
Sixty colleges and universities in Missouri, along with two public libraries, participate in the system.