DRAFT

February 8, 2006

TO: RCPL Trustees

FROM: J. Olson, Chairman

Finance Committee

RE: RCPL 2007 – 2009 Draft Budget Narrative

The 2007 – 2009 Budget is built upon the Library Strategic Planning Goals to address increased use of library services and space related to sound, aesthetics, and maintenance.

The Library Strategic Planning Goals that address the public’s use of library services are:

§ Maintain the library as a community gathering place for all ages;

§ Continue to develop intuitive, mobile, and user-friendly library services for all ages; and

§ Create quiet zones for research and study;

§  Provide comfortable furnishings that encourage relaxation and quiet recreational reading;

§ Increase self-service and self check-in of materials

§ Provide library services in neighborhood locations through the use of kiosks, storefronts, or shared facilities with other city services;

The expanded space designated for our youth has proven to be of value to our community. There was an increase of 48.1 % programs in youth programming attendance, for a total of 15,422 in 2005. To add value to the delivery of service and community space in the existing building a plan is being developed. There is continued need to assist generations and diverse cultures in the use of online and print library materials. The more information available, the more people seek information, the more need for support and resources.

The budget increases requested for 2007 are a continuation of the strategic plan adopted by the Board in 2005. The strategic budget goals for the 2007 – 2009 budgets include:

• Self check machines: continued convenience and self sufficiency of patrons check out their materials independently. Additional self check outs are included to support this goal.

• Facilities FTE: Staffing standards in this area identify an increase of 1.5 to 3.75 for 50,000 square feet. 1 FTE is requested along with maintenance contracts as a means to supplement the remaining 1.25 to meet the total standard of 3.75.

• Acoustic project: This item was designated for placement in the Capital Improvements Project (CIP) Budget Cycle.

• Public Space Realignment: Community, Learning and Quiet Spaces: Improving the public areas in the library continues to be part of the overall strategic plan. In order to be more welcoming, comfortable, and effective the interior of the original library space needs to be reorganized and enhanced to be a dynamic as the new addition.

• Laptops: The use of the laptops has continued to increase in support of the strategic plan to provide information literacy assistance. Additional laptops are needed for the increased number of patrons in library computer classes along with library and government staff using the laptops simultaneously for training.

• T1 line: As engage and plan for emerging technologies. .5 T1 line is the increased infrastructure that will allow necessary bandwidth to sustain the website services – online catalog, reserves, databases, oral history streaming videos, pod casting, and downloadable library materials.

• Network services .75FTE to 1FTE: With the increase in technology uses in the library support for these services is needed to maintain seamless support. The addition of computers, laptops, and emerging technologies requires additional staff support in order to be proactive to implement, maintain and repair those services.

2008

• School community Library: As part of the strategic plan we are expanding our access points by partnering with General Beadle School to have a satellite site available to the public. In order to provide staff and materials to this site funds are required to provide our part in the partnership.

• Self Service: Moving forward toward new RFID technology which will allow for ease of material check out and inventory which is another facet in our effort to provide quick, easy and self sufficient check out of materials.

• Reference Staff: As the role of reference services expands to include more outreach, programming and teaching, staff will be needed to provide the coverage necessary to sustain tradition and evolving services.

• Videoconferencing equipment: To offer public and city government access for video conferencing to patrons, city employees, and other organizations and businesses. The assessment of existing videoconferencing equipment in the city identified limitations for public access and use. Professional development, employee recruitment, and distance education support are primary purposes of the service. If additional charges are added for training to use the equipment, the cost would be assumed by the participant. Library staff support can be provided through existing FTE.

2009

• Improved equipment for smart room: To continue to improve and expand our technology offerings to patrons, staff and other city departments we need to upgrade our equipment to keep up with the changes and improvements of technology.

• Laptops: The added laptops will allow for more class participation and simultaneous uses of the wireless lab.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER