Agenda - 11-09-2006-1 Space Needs report

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4 In Tune 2004 , the BOCC approved hiring a library consultant to provide recommendations on the size needed for a library headquarters facility for Orange County and guidelines on co -locating library facilities using professional library standards and community needs . Dale Gaddis , 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 . (Long-Range Libray Facility Planning, Reconnnnendation #1 , pgs 1143) 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 library services and resources for all citizens of Orange County. (Long-Range Library Facility Planning, Reconntnendation #2, pg 13) 3 ) That a new Orange County Central Library be constructed in the vicinity of Hillsborough, a central location for the' County. The recommended size range of the facility I is between 30, 000 — 65 , 000 square feet based on the equations provided by the consultant using design population estimates for2025 . (Lang-Range Library Facility Planning, Recommendation #3, pgs 1347) • Pursuant to our 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 are umlesolved issues related to DTCC restrictions / expectations about maximum square footage for a new library facility; F. Concerns have been expressed about the loss of the Orange County Public Library from Central Hillsborough ;