Agenda - 10-19-2004-7c - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Library Long-2ange Facility Planning Q Executive Summary In .January, 2004, the Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed a Library Services Task Force to review the recommendations aprevious task force had submitted to the County in 2001 regarding library services and to "subsequently make recommendations to improve library services and facilities specifically related to the expansion ofthe Central Library in Hillsborough and the branch library in Carrboro." Specific areas of interest were the potential for co-location of a new central facility with the Orange County carnpus of Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) and combining the operations of Carrboro's McDougle Branch Library and Cybrary into one branch library facility.. The Task Force began its work in May and contracted with library consultant Dale Gaddis in July to assist with needs assessment and development of recommendations. It became very evident from the outset of the work of the Task Force that the recommendations for the central library and the Carrboro facility needed to be part of a larger vision for the county as a whole. As a result, the recommendations being presented are more comprehensive in scope than originally requested. Details are submitted only for the areas of priority identified in the charge from the Board of County Commissioners; however, if the County is to be successful in addressing these areas, it is important for the County and library administration to recognize and address the broader planning issues. Suru»rmy ofSignificant Fiadiugs ^ The population of the county as a whole values education and is supportive of library services, but it is confused by the current system of library governance azrd funding responsibilities. ^ The development of library services for Orange County residents has been fragmented at best, resulting in great disparity in the level of librazy services provided throughout the county. ^ The facilities and resources of the Orange County Public Librazy system are significantly below the standard required to provide effective public library services. Library staff has been creative and resourceful in "making do" with very limited resources.. ^ The population is growing at a high rate, with significant growth in the number of older residents azrd residents moving here from other countries. The central library has not been enlarged in over 20 years, despite the growth in population during the same period.. ^ The residents of the county depend heavily on the Chapel Hill Public Library to supplement the resources of the Orange County Library for their library needs. The presence of this librazy, operated by a sepazate,jurisdiction, affects the planning of countywide library services.