This article considers the arguments used in support of private-sector educational establishments in post-Communist Europe and compares them with the observations and experiences of an academic librarian working in the field. The article uses as its case study a private-sector university in Slovakia and addresses the issues of quality and standards in evidence today. Reasons for the rapid growth of private-sector establishments across the region are initially studied before the frequent arguments used in support of private-sector enterprises are considered. The article goes on to examine the wider implications of the growth of the private sector for the societies of post-Communist Europe.