Agenda - 02-17-2005-6c - Laserfiche WebLink

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In Tune 2004, the BOCC approved hiring a library consultant to provide recommendations on the size needed for a librazy headquarters facility for Orange County and guidelines on co-locating librazy facilities using professional library standards and community needs. Dale Caddis, retired Director of Durham County Public Library was engaged as the consultant.. Her final report was delivered on September 30, 2004 and is attached- The Task Force members and consultant have thoroughly investigated the charge and reviewed the consultant's report and recommendations. Members have worked very diligently to provide this report in a short period of time. Below are the recommendations that we are making: 1) That Orange County adopt a long range library facility plan that takes into consideration the needs of the entire county and is based on 20 year population projections. (Lag-Range Library Facility planning, Recommendation #1, pgs 11-1.3) 2) That the Orange County Public Library develop a comprehensive 3 - 5 year strategic action plan that places priority on achieving a vision of countywide equitable librazy services and resources for all citizens of Orange County. (Long-Range Library Facility Plauring, Recamnendation #2, pg 13) 3) That a new Orange County Central Library be constructed in the vicinity of Hillsborough, a cenhal location for the County. The recommended size range of the facility is between 30,000 - 65,000 squaze feet based on the equations provided by the consultant using design population estimates for 2025. (Lor:g-Range Libray Facility planning, Recornurentlation #3, pgs 13-17) Pursuant to orir charge, the Task Force investigated the advantages and disadvantages of a co-located facility on the DTCC. site in Waterstone. Advantages: - The site is centrally located and would be convenient to the needs of the total county population; - A substantial synergy between DTCC students and county residents would be realized; - The tax burden would be reduced through facility cost sharing and co-use of the land; - Users of the new facility would have access to a larger, broader collection, Public library patrons would have access to other DTCC resources; students would have access to a significantly larger collection; - The dual collections of'a combined public and community college library would enrich the experience of students in the proposed middle college high school program; Disadvantages: - There aze unresolved issues related to DTCC restrictions /expectations about maximum square footage for a new library facility; - Concerns have been expressed about the loss of the Orange County Public Library from Central Hillsborough;