DATE: March 7, 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 has proven to be a valuable resource as a community gathering place and global resources. There was an increase of 48.1 % programs in youth programming attendance, for a total of 15,422 in 2005. Electronic access to information increased for all services offered, computer use in the reference and youth services departments, the online catalog and the library homepage. A development plan for adding value to the services and community space in the existing building is underway. The need continues 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 Acoustical plan is designated to move forward through the Capital Improvements Project (CIP) budget process.

The operational budget increases within the 5% guideline for 2007 are a continuation of the Library Strategic Plan. These increases for 2007 include:

• Two self check out machines. Year Two of a Three Year Plan for convenience services by adding two self check machines.

• Facilities (1) FTE: Staffing standards identify 3.75 FTE for 50,000 square feet. Currently there is 1.5 FTE for a deficit of 2.25 FTE. 1 FTE is requested along with maintenance contracts to meet the total standard of 3.75. Maintenance Contracts for snow removal and lawn care.

The budget items outside of the 5% operational increase for 2007 include:

• 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.

• Online Resources: Four additional laptops for the mobile lap are needed for the increased number of patrons in library computer classes and city-wide training.

• Bandwidth, .5 T1 Line necessary for existing and emerging technologies. Technology use of equipment has increased by 48%. The use of the laptops has continued to increase to provide information literacy assistance. A .5 T1 line is the increased infrastructure that will allow necessary bandwidth to sustain the website services such as online catalog, reserves, databases, oral history streaming videos, pod casting, and downloadable library materials.

• Network services .75FTE to 1FTE: 10 hrs. per week. This is a placeholder time not included in the budget increases but intended for notification in the city technology reconfiguration plan. The increased technology use requires library support to maintain seamless services. 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 RCPL is partnering with the School Community General Beadle Project for a Public Library Satellite available to the public. RCPL will provide staff and materials as our part in the partnership. The school will provide funding for the building, furniture and equipment. Youth materials will be shared between the two libraries.

• Self Service: Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification Data (RFID) technology to provide convenience for material check out and inventory assessment.

• 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