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Orange County Library Long- Range Facility Planning V <br /> Executive Summary <br /> In January, 2004, the Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed a Library Services <br /> Task Force to review the recommendations a previous task force had submitted to the County <br /> in 2001 regarding library services and to " subsequently make recommendations to improve <br /> library services and facilities specifically related to the expansion of the Central Library in <br /> Hillsborough and the branch library in Carrboro . " Specific areas of interest were the potential <br /> for co-location of a new central facility with the Orange County campus of Durham <br /> Technical Community College (DTCC) and combining the operations ofaCarrboro ' s <br /> McDougle Branch Library and Cybrary. into one branch library facility. <br /> The Task Force began its work in May and contracted with library consultant Dale Gaddis in <br /> July to assist with needs assessment and development of recommendations . <br /> It became very evident from the outset of the work of the Task Force that the <br /> recommendations for the central library and the Carrbordo facility needed to be part of a larger <br /> vision for the county as a whole . As a result, the recommendations being presented are more <br /> in scope than originally requested . Details are submitted only for the areas of <br /> comprehensive <br /> priority identified in the charge from the Board of County Commissioners , however, if the <br /> County is to be successful in addressing these areas , it is important for the County and library <br /> administration to recognize and address the broader planning issues . <br /> Srunulary of Sigri �ficarrt Findings <br /> ■ The population of the county as a whole values education and is supportive of library <br /> services , but it is confused by the current system of library governance and funding <br /> responsibilities . <br /> ■ The development of library services for Orange County residents has been <br /> fragmented at best, resulting in great disparity in the level of library services provided <br /> throughout the county. <br /> ■ The facilities and resources of the Orange County Public Library system are <br /> significantly below the standard required to provide effective public library services . <br /> Library staff has been creative and resourceful in "making do" with very limited <br /> resources . <br /> a The population is growing at a high rate , with significant growth in the number of <br /> older residents and residents moving here from other countries . The central library <br /> has not been enlarged in over 20 years , despite the growth in population during the <br /> same period . <br /> ■ The residents of the county depend heavily on the Chapel Hill Public Library to <br /> supplement the resources of the Orange County Library for their library needs . The <br /> presence of this library, operated by a separate jurisdiction , affects the planning of <br /> countywide library services . <br /> 3 <br />