HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 - Library Board - Work PlanFort Collins Public Library Board
2005 Work Plan
The goal of the Library Board continues to be that of making library services available
to the public at acceptable levels. This involves generating expanded library space
within the system, as well as locating additional funding for 0&M. As possibilities to
meet these goals arise throughout the year, the Board will examine those proposals
and advise Council as needed.
In 2005 the Library Board's Work Plan is to:
1. Support technology initiatives as the foundation for providing library services.
For the Library to continue to serve patrons at the same level without
additional staff, it is necessary to keep the Library's technology resources up
to date. Current funding expires in 2005 and $559,000 annually will be
needed to keep the system running effectively. The Board will provide
information to Council about the importance and benefits of our Library to our
community.
2. Support plans to outfit, staff and eventually stock the Lifestyles branch.
This Southeast branch is needed to provide equitable library services to
residents of this sector of the city. It will also temporarily relieve the need for
additional space to provide library services currently impossible to adequately
deliver. The Board will work with staff to provide support and advise in
developing the branch.
3. Pursue a more equitable and inclusive funding model. Enlist Council's
support of the Library through Building on Basics and a possible Regional
Library Authority.
The Library is under -funded for a community our size. Its current technology
funding expires in 2005. The Library cannot provide most of its core services
to the public without this funding —acquisition and cataloging materials,
keeping track of where they are shelved or when they are loaned or returned
and answering sophisticated questions only addressed by electronic
databases. The Board feels that Technology funding is absolutely essential
and supports its inclusion in Building on Basics at $559,000 per year. The
Board believes the additional funding for future projects like a downtown Civic
Center Library requires new sources of funding and feels a Regional Library
Authority should be seriously considered for capital, operation and
maintenance funding. The Board will support Council in every possible
manner to help in this process.
4. Recognize the community -volunteer efforts and spotlight the benefit derived
from the 7.32 full time equivalent library volunteers.
This represents 697 people who donated their time this past year to the
Library. If they were paid at $8.34/hour, it would have cost the City $126,943
to have this work done. In addition, the Friends of the Library have
contributed almost $65,000 for library programs, staff development and
small, un-funded capital items. Ways of recognizing the contributions of the
Library's volunteers will be explored and may include highlighting volunteers
in media and at the Library.
5. Foster community interaction with the Library.
Continue to look for ways to partner with businesses, public institutions and
charities. The plans for the Lifestyle Center Library offer some interesting
possibilities for shared programs and services.
6. Advise Council of developments in Library -impacting legislation.
Heavy use of the Internet, the public's need for up-to-date and accurate
information on any subject without fear of censorship, concerns about the
appropriateness of some information available on the Internet and legislation
impacting rights to privacy of library users are just a few of the issues that are
being legislated. These are highly controversial and affect the ability of our
city Library to provide the same level and quality of public library service that
our citizens have enjoyed. The Library Board will continue to monitor and
report any proposed legislation thatjeopardizes or strengthens freedom of
access to information.
11/26/04