The latest news on library consolidation

This just in and to all of those who said it was not being considered please read on.

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Local Government Reform's report is now available at http://indianalocalgovreform.iu.edu/assets/docs/Report_12-10-07.pdf. Recommendations 18-20 (of 26) specifically address public libraries. The State Library is reviewing each recommendation and encourages others to do the same.





Recommendations 18-20 read as follows:



Recommendation #18: Reorganize library systems by county and provide permanent library service for all citizens.



Indiana has 239 library districts serving communities ranging from approximately 250 to 833,000 in population. Many library districts, large and small, provide excellent library service. In fact, in 2004, Indiana libraries ranked second overall, and at or near the top 20 in 22 national benchmarks on services, collection, revenue and expenditures published by the National Center for Education Statistics. Libraries are important community assets that provide a variety of specific services based on local needs.



The overarching goal of libraries should be to maximize access to services, materials and other information resources at the lowest possible cost. The use of aggregated statistics alone masks a number of access, performance and cost-inefficiency issues. Currently, an estimated 395,000 citizens in 38 counties do not have access to library services in the communities in which they live; 29 counties contain territory that is ―underserved by contractual library service. Indiana libraries employ almost twice as many staff (full-time equivalents) per 10,000 population than the national average.



In recent years, the General Assembly prohibited the creation of new library districts serving less than 10,000 people. Almost three-fifths (136) of all districts serve populations of less than 10,000. These small districts serve less than 9 percent of the population and account for only 8 percent of total statewide circulation. Small districts make up large proportions of those exceeding the state average for operating expenditures and staffing per 1,000 population and for cost per circulation. In 2006, 15 library districts serving populations of 5,050 or less were cited for failing to meet minimal state standards.



A better balance between cost and service can be achieved. We recommend the mandated reorganization of library districts across the state into 92 countywide systems, with the option to reorganize into multi-county districts when prudent. By reducing the number of districts, we can address current unserved and underserved areas and achieve additional economies of scale within administrative and purchasing expenditures.



This responsibility should be assigned to the county executive. In Marion County, this responsibility should be assigned to the mayor. We further recommend the establishment 34 of grant funding to offset the significant technology costs that may accrue in converting and merging current systems.



Indiana has too many library districts and administrators, but Indiana does not have too many libraries. We recommend maintaining the current mix of geographically dispersed facilities to allow districts to serve local populations and needs. We recommend that the process begin immediately.





Recommendation #19: Require that the budgets and bonds of library and all other special districts be approved by the fiscal body of the municipal or county government containing the greatest proportion of assessed value in the unit seeking approval.



Libraries and other special districts are independent local governments governed by ex-officio and appointed members, rather than by officials elected directly by the voters. Many, although not all, have the power to levy property taxes and issue debt. Taxpayers have indicated frustration with the gap in accountability created by such enormous fiscal powers in the hands of non-elected officials.



We believe that the most direct way to address taxpayer frustration is to create an external local approval process for the budgets and debt for these local governments. We recommend that the fiscal body of the county (in the case of unincorporated areas) or municipality containing the most assessed value within the unit boundaries approve all budgets and the issuance of all bonds with input from citizens and taxpayers. We note that our proposed solution is different in kind but not in principle from the powers designed for the county board of tax and capital projects review. We conclude that fiscal restraint may work best in the hands of existing city and county councils that already are known to the public.



Recommendation #20: Strengthen the current joint purchasing infrastructure for libraries.



Indiana libraries have a number of longstanding statewide, regional and local arrangements for the provision of joint training, purchasing and services. While much attention has been focused on the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority as the result of the PROBE study conducted by Indiana Office of Management and Budget, there are additional joint resources and service arrangements that deserve review regarding effectiveness and cost.



We recommend that the Indiana State Library continue its work to review, update and expand statewide purchasing and service arrangements to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of library services across the state.

Property Tax increase not just the fault of local governments!

It seems to me that the Governor has made it his mission to blame all of Indiana's property tax problems on Local Government. Not So!

In an online article from Umbaugh and Associates it is stated, "The results of our report, titled Indiana's 2007 Property Tax Crisis, show that there is no one culprit for tax bill increases in 2007. Instead, many issues already present in our tax system combined in 2007 to create substantial increases in the average residential tax bill. Due to these multiple causes, any successful solution to the 2007 Property Tax Crisis must address all components of the tax bill, including tax levy, base, and credits."

The link to the entire article is here: http://www.bizactions.com/index.cfm/ba/e105/fa/73751267G1424J1063652P0P10065383T0/

Fantastic article in the 12/1/07 South Bend Tribune

You will note in the article that even those who endorse consolidation that it will not save much if any money. Link Follows: http://southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071201/News01/712010396/1129/News

SOSPL has been picked-up by others in the "blogosphere"

I have been contacted by Michael Stephens (www.tametheweb.com) that both his blog and www.librarian.net have picked-up postings on SOSPL. The posting for the librarian.net article is here:
http://www.librarian.net/stax/2199/issue-library-consolidation-in-indiana/

The posting for the tametheweb.com article is here: http://tametheweb.com/2007/11/save_our_small_libraries_a_blo.html

Superb comments have been left at the librarian.net site and all are worth consideration.

THOUGH

We have learned the hard way that once something is "considered" in Indiana we would be well advised to act immediately. Regardless, we need to let our voices be heard.

Letter of support from a New Carlisle Library Patron

October 24, 2007


Dear Representative:


I am writing this letter in support of maintaining the current system of
administration and funding that our local library in New Carlisle enjoys.

Of all the libraries I have been a patron of, the New Carlisle library
exemplifies the ideal approach to management and administration.  Our local
director has dedicated himself and the staff to providing not only a first
class location but also the very best in customer services.  It is clear
that the entire organization operates with the patron in mind providing
services with little red tape and always seeking to think like their
customers. It is also clear that they have the freedom to operate properly.

While you may find some libraries with similar characteristics, I challenge
you to find one that actually brings our community together.  The library is
such an attractive place that each generation of our community finds
something of lasting interest there.  Our school children go there sometimes
on a daily basis after school to broaden their studies or recreate, our
seniors go there to plan and participate in numerous craft and health
programs and our middle aged find support for home design, resources in
support of college/technical studies and also to find an interesting DVD.
The library also facilitates meeting services for all community needs such
as environmental issues, health issues and educational topics.

Everyone finds the library a genuine community location that each can talk
about at the dinner table as well as genuinely participate in as a family,
with everyone finding an attraction there.  It's a unique place that
mothers, fathers and their children have in common.  It is also something we
take pride in.

The strategic planning required to bring us to this point goes back more
than a decade and the operation and vision to maintain it relies on the
specific knowledge of our community's distinctive need as well as the
capability to make proper prioritization's of resources as limited resources
invariably require.

We understand that the current plan is to centralize administration and
funding in an effort to help maximize resources across the state.  While on
paper this may make statistical improvements, managing to a satisfactory
performance metric only jeopardizes our "A+" performers in an effort to
bring the statewide GPA to "C+"  or "B+" isn't worth killing off our role
models.  Without those success stories, what would we have to talk
about/emulate?

I personally would like to invite you to come visit our library any day of
the week.  You need to see success in action to have a true appreciation for
what these words are trying to represent.

Let the individual library board's choose which is best for their own local
community and leave the funding up to the local taxpayers to decide.


Steve Varela
New Carlisle Library Patron

Way to go Wakarusa!

Wakarusa-Olive, Harrison Township Public Library Friends of the
Library are sponsoring a "Save Our Library" campaign. They have stamped,
addressed envelopes for Governor Daniels, state representatives, and
state legislators for interested library patrons to take and write
letters. E-mail addresses for these legislators are also available.

A handout about library consolidation and a sample letter are on hand.
Interested patrons are asked to express their support for local control
of the Wakarusa-Olive, Harrison Township Public Library and also to
support all small libraries in Indiana. Based on the number of envelopes
that have been taken, the group estimates that 300 letters have been
sent within the first ten days of the campaign.  

The Friends of the Library have also contacted the teachers at
area schools and urged them to write their legislators and express their
opinion about this important issue. The Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce and
Town of Wakarusa will also be addressed and asked to pass resolutions
supporting the library. 


Jo Geleske
Library Director
Wakarusa Public Library
Wakarusa, IN 46573
574-862-2465

Excellent article about library consolidation...

in today's LaPorte Herald Argus: http://heraldargus.com/archives/ha/display.php?id=387505