07241989 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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report to council page 3 LIBRARY FACILITIES: The biggest single problem facing our library today is the problem of inadequate facilities. Not only are we running out of space for books and readers, but our current space is being used for services which are often incompatible. Our patrons are complaining more and more about the lack of a quiet area within the library for reading and study. 'ehi.s problem is especially evident during summer days when children are coming to the library by the hundreds to participate in the library's summer reading program. The adult tutoring program also puts a strain on our crowded facility. Fortunately, the City Council and Planning Commission are aware of these probl ems and have. incl uded new library facilities in the CIP for FY 1991. We are confident that our citizens will confirm the need for improved library facilities by voting in favor of a library bond issue. LIBRARY AUTOMATION: Another major challenge facing the library is that of automation. The library's circulation and cataloging functions have grown too large to manage effectively with our manual filing systems. We estimate that the library staff handles over 500,000 manual filing transactions each year. These transactions could be handled much more efficiently and economically with an automated library system. This would not only help eliminate the need for additional staff in future years, but would also result in improved access to library materials. Again, the CIP addresses this need as an FY 1992 project. CONCLUSIONS: The library continues to be an important and well-used resource for the community. Perhaps more than any other public agency it serves the entire community--both the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the well-educated and the barely educated. The Library Board and staff are interested in taking a more active role in assisting the city with economic development activities. We hope to do this by continuing to provide adults with opportunities to improve their workplace productivity through education. We also hope to improve on the library's ability to provide information and assistance to the business community.