Minutes 05-14-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lucinda Munger said staff is working on this, and the goal was to get the Board of County Commissioners feedback tonight. She said that the next step will be to refine the actions and procedures to support the goals. She said the staff will be working with the Manager's office, HR, IT and finance to define in concrete terms what can be done. She said this will be part of the final plan that will be brought back in the fall. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the plan is for the Board of County Commissioners to sign off on this draft, and then in 6-8 months staff will come back with the final plan. Luncinda Munger answered yes. Commissioner Pelissier asked if this had been reviewed by the Town of Chapel Hill. Lucinda Munger said no. She said that there is no Orange County library location in Chapel Hill. She said that Chapel Hill is a separate municipal library. She said that Chapel Hill may have interest in this, but it is not for them to approve or comment on at this time. She said that Carrboro and Hillsborough did get a copy, because there are County libraries in these towns. Commissioner Pelissier questioned why this is the choice if the County wants to build toward collaboration and seamless service. She said it is not so much about approval, but it is a responsibility to plan for all libraries in the county. She asked if this should not at least be shared with Chapel Hill. Dr. Anthony Chow said he agreed, and he said it would be a wise thing to do. Commissioner Pelissier if there are resources to help in gaining information on best practices so that the County does not have to re-invent the wheel. Lucinda Munger said yes, this has been looked at with other libraries in other counties. She said these can findings can and must be tailored to meet the needs of Orange County. Dr. Anthony Chow said there are now companies that are creating demographics information that can allow a macro perspective. Commissioner Price said she uses the library a lot. She asked if children in the interviews felt that the library was an extension of school, or if the children are just coming for fun. Lucinda Munger said both are true. She said the library is an extension of school and a place to do homework. However, she said it is also a place for Lego club and other fun activities. Commissioner Price and Chair Jacobs asked about the letter from Carrboro regarding additional library sites. Lucinda Munger said the last time staff met with the Board of Aldermen, the board mentioned that they would like to submit more library sites for consideration by Orange County. The letter mentioned a preference for a particular site. She said staff will review this over the summer and do analysis on these 4 additional sites. She said these results will be brought back next fall and the decision will be transmitted back to Carrboro. Chair Jacobs said he was not clear in listening to responses to the Commissioners' questions as to what the timeframe is for the final report. He said this is a foundation, but the Board has to make decisions during the budget process for the following fiscal year. He asked when the staff will need further direction. Lucinda Munger said the hope is for this to be brought back in late September or early October 2013 to begin the implementation. Chair Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Pelissier about sharing this draft with the Town of Chapel Hill. He said that Chapel Hill residents do fund the Orange County Libraries and therefore have a stake in this. He said the Board will be meeting with Chapel Hill in November. He said that it would be ideal for the town to be able to see and digest this report, as library services will be part of that discussion.