Agenda - 06-06-2000-9c - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June G, 2000 Action Agenda Item No. 9 -~ SUBJECT: Creation of Libra Task Force DEPARTMENT: Library PUBLIC HEARING: Yes No X ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Library Services Task Force Proposal Brenda Stephens, Ext. 2528 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 96$-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To establish a short term, county-wide task force to study library services in the county and prepare a draft long range plan for Orange'County libraries by April 30, 2001. The plan will evaluate branch library proposals currently on-the-table, examine the adequacy of the county's current facilities, and make recommendations about potential future library sites. BACKGROUND: In the past several years, various individuals, organizations and municipalities have proposed locations for new library branches. Several proposals for libraries are currently under consideration including the Carrboro Community Center Cybrary and the school media center at the new high school. The county has evaluated each proposal separately, absent a long range plan for county library services. In April 1999 UNC graduate student, Lindsey Tear, conducted a community survey under county aegis to assess the service needs of all Orange Co. residents. In April 2000, the library. established a working group composed of staff librarians to build on the results of the survey; it has begun collecting demographic and other background data from local, state and federal sources. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. (If the task force decided to conduct focus groups or undertake other large data collection efforts around the county, this would incur costs. Otherwise, costs for organizing and implementing the task force would be borne by the library.) RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accepts this proposal to establish a short term task force to study county library services.