Agenda - 09-14-2010 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 1 • Update to BOCC on Orange County Library Services During the FY 2010-2011 Budget Work Sessions, the Library and County Management were tasked to develop information for the BOCC concerning the future development of Orange County Library services. The particular focus was to be placed on possible sites for a Southern Branch Library, service options for the rural community, further discussions on a collaborative partnership with the Chapel Hill Public Library and preparation fora 3-Year Strategic Plan. The goal of the following report is to update the BOCC on the progress made in those areas since the June 15, 2010 meeting. Preliminary Evaluation of services to Orange County 1) Rural Orange options: The approved 2010-11 Budget for Library Services included closing the Cedar Grove Branch. In the past 2- 3 months, the Director and staff have informally polled regular patrons of the Cedar Grove Branch regarding those library services they considered the most popular. The majority of these users reported that reliable and consistent Internet Service, particularly wireless, was the single most service utilized at this location. Books and materials were not the focus of the Branch for these users. • A FY 09-10 analysis of library service statistics for the Main Library shows a double digit increase in circulation and reference questions since the move to West Margaret. These increases in service levels coincide with the opening of the new Main Library. Statistical snapshot of Main comparing Whitted to W Margaret Lane Circulation and Reference Questions Main Circulation Main Reference Questions Jan -Aug 2010 159,567 46,465 W Mar aret Jan -Aug 2009 132,280 10,699 Whitted Percentage 17% 77% Increase The attachments also show the following: 1) over 50% of the Main Library's circulation comes from rural Northern Orange; 2) Main's circulation now includes all parts of Orange County, with the exception of the Town of Chapel Hill. (See Attachment A) • Pg 1