What is a library budget?

A library budget serves as a comprehensive financial plan that designates how resources will be distributed to support various library operations and services. This includes funding for staff salaries, materials procurement, technology, facility maintenance, programming, and other essential activities that enable the library to fulfill its mission of providing access to information and services to the community. By outlining expected revenues and expenses, the budget allows library management to make informed decisions about resource allocation and prioritization of services, ensuring that the library can meet the needs of its patrons effectively.

The other options, while related to library operations, do not capture the essence of what a budget entails. For instance, a list of books is simply a cataloging aspect and does not encompass the financial planning aspect of running a library. Tracking library members relates to library administration but does not address the financial aspects required for sustaining library services. Lastly, visitor statistics may inform operational decisions, but they do not represent the allocation of financial resources necessary to maintain or enhance library services.