2016.01.13 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Library is very dedicated to customer service, and overall, receives high satisfaction marks from residents. The current mission and vision of the Library/County do not appear to be widely embraced by staff, nor are they driving a direction for the Library. In comparison to peer libraries, the Washington County Library is funded at a rate of $77,000 less annually than national peers, and $410,000 less annually than metro area peers. Washington County uses a system where the Library department pays rent to the County for its facilities. This is an appropriate system, but the peer libraries in the metro area do not have this added, substantial fee. With this rent payment accounted for, the Library's operational resources are even lower in comparison to its metro area peers. The lower funding level translates primarily into fewer staff. The Library has fewer staff on average than peers, and there is some indication of staff burnout, as well as a need for increased professional development opportunities for staff. In comparison to national and Twin Cities peers, the Library is below average in cardholder penetration, number of programs and program attendance. (The disparity in cardholder penetration may be due to Washington County's active purging to remove inactive cards. Other libraries may not manage their cardholder lists in this manner.) In comparison to national and Twin Cities peers, the Library is somewhat above peers and recommended indicators for purchase of print materials. For all collections (including downloadable) it is average to below average in collections budget per capita. In addition to some of the above areas, the SWOT analysis indicated opportunities for more partnerships, expanded programming, and improvements in outreach. Threats and weaknesses included lack of space, internal communication challenges, and splintering off of city libraries outside of the system. The associated but independent libraries in Stillwater and Bayport provide quality library service primarily to the residents in those communities as well as to other County residents. This arrangement is a positive for all County residents but there is disparity of service between these libraries and the rest of the County libraries in the system. Community libraries exist in Newport and Marine -on -St. Croix but are not fully associated libraries. These libraries are supported by the County with the addition of "Express Library" locker services. Lake Elmo has an independent library that is not affiliated with the County system and is not part of the County's taxing district. The associate and independent libraries in Washington County present challenges in the public's understanding of the library as well as disparities in library service standards. 4