The Hatter asked Alice, "Why is a raven like a writing-desk?" "I give up," Alice replied: "What's the answer?" "I haven't the slightest idea," said the Hatter. Alice sighed wearily. "I think you might do something better with the time," she said, "than waste it in asking riddles that have no answers."

Librarians today are facing increasing demands for services while coping with stable or declining levels of fiscal and human resources. To survive in an environment of escalating expectations, libraries are looking for new answers as to how they can become more nimble to develop effective strategies and practical solutions. This presentation will explore two interconnected approaches to answer the riddle. The first approach is to control client expectations by developing and articulating a comprehensive client services program. The second approach is for libraries to work through library consortia not only to expand access to print and electronic collections, but also to develop innovative and dynamic new services.

Arnold Hirshon, Executive Director, NELINET