HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - Library Board - Annual ReportFort Collins Public Library Board
2003 Annual Report
During 2003, the Library Board focused on the following goals identified in the Work
Plan:
Library Centennial Celebration. A Board member worked with Library
Programming Team staff to plan events for the Centennial Celebration.
Expanded funding for library services. A committee was formed to work with
Council and staff to develop solutions to the pressing need for additional library
space, funding, and services. The Library Board Co -Chair also attended a
Library District Information Workshop to learn about the pros and cons of the
library district concept and his findings were reported to the City Manager.
Library Support Organizations. The Board achieved its goal of enhancing its
relationship with support organizations by inviting monthly reports by the Friends
of the Library and quarterly reports by the Library Trust. These meetings
continue to assist in the coordination of activities and unity of goals among the
groups. Volunteers contributed 13,144 hours to help with the Library. This is the
equivalent of 6.32 fulltime paid library staff.
Library -Community Partnerships. Lead Library staff members attended Board
meetings throughout the year to give presentations on department activities in the
library and in the community, educating the Board and allowing for their input
and support where needed. Board members also received an update from the
City's Advance Planning department regarding City Plan and the Transportation
Master Plan. In addition, a Board member attended a semi-annual Harmony
Library Advisory Committee meeting to provide input to the committee and
report back to the Library Board.
EmergingLibrary Trends. A committee was formed to keep Board members
apprised of emerging trends in library issues with quarterly reports with attention
focused on legislation issues at state and national levels. The committee targeted
funding, privacy, and community outreach issues in particular. Along those
lines, one committee member provided detailed analysis of the implications of
anti -terrorism legislation as they relate to libraries. Another committee member
did extensive research on funding issues as a nationwide problem, funding
alternatives that are working in other libraries, and additional possible funding
sources that they used.
The Library Board provided budget recommendations to the City which members believe
are essential to the provision of library services in the community. They recommended
that Council allow for the increase in costs to run the library so that the existing level of
services does not further deteriorate, recommended the hiring of a security guard, asked
for consideration of the previously requested Children's Librarian position, and funding
for expansion of the Special Services Coordinator position. Board members also
attended Council meetings to express support for these recommendations. The Council
responded to these requests by providing funds for security protection that has made a big
difference to Library users and staff. Fewer serious incidents requiring police
intervention have occurred since security coverage was provided.
The Board participated in the Periodic Review Process, and key members attended a
Council study session on July 22. As a result, it was suggested that the Library Board
report quarterly to Council concerning Library trends and issues. This report is scheduled
to begin in January 2004.
The Board recommended three Policy Agenda items for Council: 1) implementation of
the Capital Plan for library services for the next 10 years; 2) consideration of the Library
as a primary rather than secondary service; and 3) continued Council support to ensure
that intellectual freedom continues to have a place in Fort Collins.
During 2003, various Board members attended and participated in numerous library
activities such as the annual Annie Walk, the Centennial Celebration, volunteer
recognition, NewWestFest booth staffing, and they also helped with tours of the Poudre
Valley Creamery.
During the year, Board members submitted Soapbox articles to the newspaper sharing
results of a public survey they conducted on library services and informing readers of the
benefits of using their library and encouraging them to use what their tax dollars paid for.
The areas that still need to be addressed include the pressing need for a fulltime bilingual
community outreach resource. The Board unanimously supports the need for this
position to be unfrozen.
The Board also reviewed and supported the technological advances associated with self
check-out and pick up of books on hold. These measures provide the most efficient and
cost effective method to circulate materials.
Taking into consideration the current economic situation, the Board feels we have
successfully accomplished goals identified in our 2003 Work Plan and look forward to
another challenging year ahead. We will continue to work closely with Council and staff
to ensure that the community receives the outstanding library service they deserve.
1/26/04