master facilities plan 2005-2025 - ircgov.com · planned and other issues. a site selection...

Indian River County Library

Master Facilities Plan 2005-2025

Ruth O’Donnell, Library Consultant and

Harvard Jolly Architects

1

Indian River County Library Master Facilities Plan 2004-2025: Executive Summary

Indian River County Library Master Facilities Plan 2004-2025 Executive Summary

Introduction In response to anticipated continuing population growth the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, Public Library Advisory Board, and county management initiated a public library facilities planning process in early 2004. They sought expert opinions to assist them in identifying future library space needs and best locations in a formal master plan document. Ruth O’Donnell, Library Consultant, and Ward Friszolowski, Architect, Harvard Jolly Architects, studied existing and future needs, current usage of services, status of existing facilities, and other issues related to public library service in the county. The table below presents a summary of existing facilities.

Library Site

Facility History

Size in Square Feet Service Roles

Main Library 1600 21st St. Vero Beach

Owned by IR County Opened February

1991 Expanded 2002

49,286 SF Full service public library with focus on: Reference Independent learning Preschoolers learning Community activities

and information North Indian River County Library (North IRC) 1001 Co. Rd. 512 Sebastian

Owned by IR County Opened November

1990 Expanded 2002

25,445 SF Full service with focus on: Popular materials Independent learning Preschoolers learning

Gifford Library Gifford Youth Activity Center 4875 43rd Ave. Vero Beach

IR County owns the building (opened in 1998, expanded in 2000)

Opened in early 2004 in dedicated space in the Youth Activity Center

Partnership between the library system, United Way Foundation of IR County, and the Gifford Youth Activity Center, a non-profit agency

1,513 SF(does not

include shared meeting room)

Public library outreach service (not a full service library). Focused on children attending the Center; adults can use but materials not appropriate. Computers available and are also used in Center GED classes. Shares a conference room with the Center that is located next to the library.

2


Library Site

Facility History


Law Library IR County Courthouse 2000 16th Ave Vero Beach

Located in IR County Courthouse, owned by County

Opened in current location in 1995

3,993 SF Special library; focus is reference service related to legal information

TOTAL ALL TOTAL PUBLIC

80,237

76,244

This plan is presented to the Board of County Commissioners after review and approval by the Indian River County Public Library Advisory Board (PLAB). The plan includes study methods and findings, and a recommended plan for developing the library system to meet public library service needs for the next twenty years. Methods

The consultants worked closely with library and county staff as they investigated facilities needs. Study methods included:

Document, electronic information, and publications review

Interviews with elected and appointed county officials, the Public Library Advisory board, and library management

• Four public meetings, a meeting with Friends of the Library leadership, and three meetings with library employees

• Interviews and meetings with representatives of a number of organizations and public agencies in the county

• Assessments of the Main, North IRC, and Gifford libraries

• Comparison of library resources and use to state and national peer groups and state standards.

• Population demographic review and analysis and study of current and projected residential development in the county

• Review and analysis of library resource and use statistics, including comparison to state and national peer groups and Florida standards

• Observation of traffic patterns and travel time and distances around the county

Findings Study findings are described in detail in Sections Two through Seven of the plan. In summary, the consultants found that:

3


Existing Facilities • The Main Library and the North Indian River County Library facilities are in good

condition but cannot be expanded further at their present locations. Space is fully used at these libraries and any new service and the regular addition of newly available library materials requires reallocation of existing space and thinning of collections.

• The library outlet at the Gifford Youth Center can be expanded to gain additional space. Local Opinion • Most member of the public, elected and appointed officials, library support group

members, and library staff think additional public library space will be needed as the population of the county grows.

• Most people interviewed believe that the town of Fellsmere and the Gifford Community should have local public library service because of economic and transportation issues in those two areas.

• The South County area is also perceived to need local service.

• A joint use public/community college library on the Indian River Community College Muller Campus is thought by many to be desirable as a means of attracting improved higher education opportunities to the county as well as serving the public.

• Most people believe the beach population is best served by libraries on the mainland and that it would be difficult if not impossible to locate a library on the island.

• Library staff and members of the public suggest moving non-public service functions to a separate facility (from the Main Library) to provide additional public service space.

Library Resources and Use Library collections, staffing, funding and other resources were compared to two peer groups: five library systems in Florida and 35 libraries from around the nation. Comparisons were also made to standards published in Florida Library Association Public Library Standards 2004. Those comparisons indicate that:

• Indian River library funding is good by comparison to others.

• Resources available to the public such as collections, hours of service, technology, staffing, and volunteers are either above or well above average for the two peer groups and either at the Essential or Enhanced quality levels in the standards.

Note: quality levels in the standards are Essential, Enhanced, and Exemplary.

• Use of the library system’s resources ranges from one below average (electronic visits) and one average to the remainder above or well above average in comparison to state and national peer groups (there are no Florida standards for the use measures discussed).

• These results indicate strong support for libraries and equally strong levels of use.

4


Population Demographics • The 2005 projected county population of 124,400 is projected to increase to 168,000

residents by 2025, the end of this plan. This 35% increase will occur in new residential development throughout the areas of the county east of I-95.

• Residential development in planned developments of significant size is anticipated in unincorporated areas, especially in the central and southern parts of the county.

• Population growth will also take place in the Sebastian area, turning Sebastian into the largest incorporated city by 2025, twice the size of Vero Beach and almost doubling the numbers of people living there compared to the present day.

• The population west of I-95 is not expected to increase since that area will continue its agricultural use designation.

• People living in the incorporated areas of the county will make up a little over 40% of the total population by 2025, a slight increase from 2003 estimates of 36.5%.

• Population projections indicate that a service area plan with four divisions – North County, Mid-County, West County, and South County – is appropriate for planning needed library development. A map of the service areas is in Section Five of the plan.

• Mapping of population data indicates that young children (under 5) and people over 65 are concentrated in different parts of the county. There are many children in the southeast, Fellsmere, and Gifford. Older people are clustered on the island, in the West Vero Corridor, in Sebastian and Roseland, and in Vero Beach. This has implications for library service as both these populations are heavy library users.

• Population data mapping also indicates that people living below the poverty level and/or who have no high school diploma are concentrated in Gifford, Roseland, Fellsmere, and south county. Individuals with these conditions are also a library service target.

Travel Time and Distance to Libraries • Libraries in Indian River County are within Florida standards as regards the time it takes

to get to them from various part of the county east of I-95. • Population growth and the success in implementing plans for road development are

factors that will impact the ease with which people can get to a public library. Locating Public Libraries The consultants offered their expertise regarding site selection for public libraries. Issues discussed were:

• Public libraries should be as visible as possible from well traveled roads. They should not be deep in residential areas.

• Library use increases when facilities are located near retail stores, commercial activity, civic/cultural centers, recreation facilities, and schools.

• Locations near schools and active parks can be problematic for public library management. Additional staff is needed to handle the afternoon influx of unattended children.

5


• Joint use facilities offer many benefits, including saving taxpayer money and serving multiple constituencies from a single building. The library must maintain an identity and atmosphere that makes it attractive to the general public, however, not just to students.

• Potential sites must be carefully evaluated for adequacy of acreage for the size building planned and other issues. A site selection checklist is included in the plan for future use.

Future Space Needs The table below presents facility needs by the four defined library service areas and in the three quality level standards published in the Florida Library Association Public Library Standards 2004.

2005 Space Need in Square Feet


Area Currently Available

Essential.6 SF per

capita

Enhanced.7 SF per

capita

Exemplary1 SF per capita

Essential .6 SF per

capita

Enhanced .7 SF per

capita


North County

25,445 SF 19,389 22,620 32,315 32,397 37,797 53,995

Mid County*

50,799

SF 26,792 31,257 44,653 30,879 36,025 51,465

South County

0 20,618 24,054 34,363 26,870 31,349 44,784

West County

0 7,841 9,149 13,069 10,654 12,429 17,756

Countywide: Law Library

3,993 SF NA NA NA NA NA NA

Total

80,237 SF 74,640 87,080 124,400 100,800 117,600 168,000

Plan for Library Facilities Development A summary of recommendations for development of the library system is presented in the list below. Details regarding options considered as part of the recommendations development process are in Section Eight of the plan; these details may be essential reading for full understanding of the recommendations below. The recommendations list is followed by two tables, Expanded Recommendations and Proposed 2025 Space by Service Area.

Recommendations List 1. Main Library

6


Move support services staff (technical services and systems) to another location with at least 5,000 SF; conduct a full review of space utilization and reallocate space to maximize use for the location’s service roles.

2. Gifford Library

Option 2 – Expand the existing Gifford library service by adding space and increasing visibility at the youth activity center; continue as a special services branch.

3. North IRC Library

Options 1 and 2 – Open one or more popular level branches in the Sebastian/Wabasso/Roseland area and then replace the existing North IRC facility within 20 years with a larger full service branch on another location in Sebastian closer to U.S. 1. Close the popular branches when the new facility opens.

4. Fellsmere

Renovate some of the old Fellsmere school space into a special service branch library targeting the needs of families.

5. West County

Build a joint use public/community college branch library on the IRCC, Mueller Campus large enough to meet the needs of the West County area, with shared construction and operating costs.

6. South County

Best: Build a full service branch library on or close to Oslo Road between 27th Avenue SW and 43rd Avenue SW (west of South County Park).

Acceptable: Build a full service branch library at South County Park, Oslo Road and 20th Avenue SW.

7. Law Library

Continue the Law Library at the county courthouse location.

7


Expanded Recommendations

Priority Facilities & Service Area Location/Project Type

Suggested Opening Dates*

Service Level Existing/proposed Square Footage

1

West County/IRCC Branch

IRCC Mueller Campus/ New construction; costs shared

2008-09 Joint use branch Proposed 30,000 SF

2 South County Branch Best: on or near Oslo Rd, between 27th and 43rd Ave SW/ New construction OR Acceptable: On Oslo Rd. at S. County Park property/ New construction

2011-12 Full service branch Proposed 31,500 SF

3 Fellsmere Branch Old Fellsmere school/ Rehab and convert space

2013-14 Special service branch

Proposed 3,000 SF

4 Gifford Branch Same location/ Expansion of existing 1,513 SF


Proposed expansion to 4,000 SF

5 6

North Popular Branch(es): Popular branch 1 Popular branch 2

Storefront(s) in Sebastian, Wabasso, Roseland area/ Convert space for temporary use until new NIR branch is built

2014-15 2017-18

Popular branch Proposed 1: 2,000 SF Proposed 2: 2 ,000 SF (Temp. – not in total)

7 Main Library

1. Move support services to leased space/ Convert leased space as needed 2. Main Library/ Convert 3,110 SF on 1st floor and 1,440 SF on 2nd floor

2020-21 Main 1. See Other Facilities below sub-total 2.Existing 49,286 SF

8 North IRC Branch

Sebastian, closer to U.S. 1 than existing facility/ New construction to replace existing 25,445 SF facility


SUB -TOTAL – Four service areas 152,786 SF

Other facilities: Law Library 3,993 SF Support Services Office (proposed for 2020-21) 5,000 SF

TOTAL – System 161,779 SF * Firm dates cannot be established at this time since the county’s ability to open new facilities depends on many factors, including but not limited to actual population growth and availability of funding such as impact fees and other revenue. A library at the Old Fellsmere School depends on rehabilitation of that building.

8


Proposed 2025 Space by Service Area

* This space is part of the Main Library (Mid-County) square footage for this column. Financial Implications Estimates of costs to construct furnish, equip, and provide collections for proposed new facilities and to operate them for their first year are included in the report. Land is not included. The table below provides totals. Total Costs to Build and Equip Proposed Libraries and for a First Year of Operation

Proposed Facility Size in Square

Feet

Cost to Build and Equip* (2004-05 dollars)

Cost to Operate for First Year*

(2004 dollars) West County Branch Library (new) 30,000 $6,360,000 $1,361,000

South County Branch Library (new) 31,500 $7,822,000 $1,294,010

Fellsmere Library (Build out of rehabilitated space) 3,000 $599,000 $173,895

Gifford Library (expansion/renovation) 4,000 $827,178 $190,735

North Popular Libraries (2) (Build out of leased space)

2,000each

$311,000 each

$121,805

Main Library (renovation of existing space) 2,600 $274,00 NA

North Branch Library (new) 35,000 $6,580,000 $1,676,150

*Does not include cost of land (construction costs) or leased space (operating costs) where those apply.

Service Area 2025 Space Needs Range by

FLA Standards Quality Levels (.6, .7, 1 per capita)

Existing Space Proposed Space

North County Area 32,297 to 53,995 SF 25,445 SF 38,000 SF

Mid County Area 30,879 to 51,465 SF 50,799 SF 53,286 SF

South County Area 26,870 to 44,784 SF 0 31,500 SF

West County Area 10,654 to 17,756 SF 0 30,000 SF

Other: Law Library Support Services

NA 3,993 SF*3,110 SF

3,993 SF5,000 SF

Totals 100,800 to 168,000 SF 80,237 161, 779 SF

i

Indian River County Library Master Facilities Plan 2005-2025

Content

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... 1

Purpose of this Plan.....................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction to the Library Facilities ........................................................................................................................1

Library Governance and Funding .............................................................................................................................2

History ..........................................................................................................................................................................2

Other Planning Documents Used by the Library .....................................................................................................3

Research Methods........................................................................................................................................................3

SECTION 2 – EXISTING LIBRARY SERVICES............................................................. 6

Indian River County Library .....................................................................................................................................6

Education-Related Library Services........................................................................................................................33

Other Library Services .............................................................................................................................................35

Analysis of Research..................................................................................................................................................36

SECTION 3 – SYSTEM ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND SERVICE LEVELS 37

Organizational Structure and Service Levels Options ...........................................................................................37

IR County Library Service Levels and Organizational Structure ........................................................................38

SECTION 4 – PUBLIC AND KEY STAKEHOLDER OPINION..................................... 39

Public Opinion ...........................................................................................................................................................39

Elected and Appointed Officials’ Opinion...............................................................................................................41

Library Staff Opinion ...............................................................................................................................................42

SECTION 5 – DEMOGRAPHICS AND POPULATION GROWTH ............................... 43

Population Growth Projections ................................................................................................................................43

Other Demographics .................................................................................................................................................50

SECTION 6 – TRAVEL WITHIN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY .......................................... 58

Planned Public Transportation and Roadway Improvements ..............................................................................58

ii


Potential Travel Delays .............................................................................................................................................59

Travel Times and Distances......................................................................................................................................59

SECTION 7 – DEFINING SYSTEM WIDE SPACE NEEDS AND LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS...................................................................................................... 60

Methods of Determining Public Library Space Needs ...........................................................................................60

Indian River System Wide Space Needs and Service Areas ..................................................................................60

Space needs for Four Areas of Indian River County..............................................................................................61

Factors Used in Defining Individual Library Space Needs....................................................................................62

Locating Public Libraries .........................................................................................................................................62

SECTION 8 – OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................ 64

Mid County – Main Library.....................................................................................................................................64

Mid County – Gifford................................................................................................................................................66

North County – North Indian River County Library ............................................................................................67

North County – Fellsmere.........................................................................................................................................68

West County...............................................................................................................................................................71

South County .............................................................................................................................................................75

Island ..........................................................................................................................................................................78

Countywide – Law Library.......................................................................................................................................79

Recommendations List and Library Development Chart......................................................................................80

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ........................................................................................ 83

Estimated Facilities Development Costs ..................................................................................................................83

Estimated Operating Cost for Opening Year of New Facilities.............................................................................86

Facilities Development Funding Opportunities ......................................................................................................87

APPENDIX ONE: NATIONAL PEER GROUP.............................................................. 88

APPENDIX TWO: INDIAN RIVER COUNTY EDUCATION RELATED STATISTICS .. 89

APPENDIX THREE: TRAVEL TIMES AND DISTANCES CHART............................... 90

iii


APPENDIX FOUR: LIBRARY SITE SELECTION CHECKLIST................................... 91

List of Charts and Tables Figure 1: Indian River County Library System Facilities............................................................... 1 Figure 2: Florida Peer Group Used for Comparisons ..................................................................... 6 Figure 3: Public Library Services ................................................................................................... 7 Figure 4: IR County Library 2003-04 Operating Budget* ........................................................... 10 Figure 5: Florida Peer Comparison - Expenditures per Capita 2002-03 ...................................... 11 Figure 6: Florida Peer Comparison – Contributions by Friends Groups or Foundations 2002-0311 Figure 7: National Peer Comparison – Expenditures per Capita 2002-03.................................... 11 Figure 8: Materials Resources Standard ....................................................................................... 12 Figure 9: IRC Library Materials - 2003........................................................................................ 12 Figure 10: Florida Peer Comparison – Library Materials per Capita 2002-03............................. 13 Figure 11: National Peer Comparison – Library Materials per Capita 2002-03........................... 13 Figure 12: Standards for hours of service ..................................................................................... 14 Figure 13: Public Access Computers Standard............................................................................. 14 Figure 14: Florida Peer Comparison – Public Computer Workstations 2002-03......................... 15 Figure 15: National Peer Comparison – Public Computer Workstations with Internet Access

2002-03 ................................................................................................................................. 16 Figure 16: Staffing Standard......................................................................................................... 16 Figure 17: IRC Library Staffing – Current ................................................................................... 17 Figure 18: Florida Peer Comparison - Full Time Equivalent Staff 2003-04 ................................ 17 Figure 19: Florida Peer Comparison - Volunteer Hours 2002-03 ................................................ 18 Figure 20: Florida Peer Comparison – Square Footage per Capita 2002-03................................ 19 Figure 21: Comparison of Main and North IRC Library Use: 2002-03 ....................................... 19 Figure 22: Registered Borrowers Standard................................................................................... 20 Figure 23: Florida Peer Comparison – Registrations as Percent of Population 2002-03 ............. 20 Figure 24: Florida Peer Comparison – Library Visits per Capita 2002-03................................... 26 Figure 25: National Peer Comparison – Library Visits per Capita 2002-03 ................................ 26 Figure 26: Florida Peer Comparison – Electronic Visits to Library 2002-03............................... 27 Figure 27: National Peer Comparison – Electronic Visits to Library 2002-03 ............................ 27 Figure 28: Florida Peer Comparison - Circulation per Capita 2002-03........................................ 28 Figure 29: National Peer Group Comparison – Collection Turn-over 2002-03 ........................... 28 Figure 30: Florida Peer Comparison – In Library Use of Materials 2002-03 .............................. 30 Figure 31: National Peer Comparison – In Library Use of Materials 2002-03 ............................ 30 Figure 32: Florida Peer Comparison – Use of Electronic Materials 2002-03 .............................. 31 Figure 33 Florida Peer Comparison – Reference Questions Answered 2002-03 ......................... 32 Figure 34: National Peer Comparison – Reference Questions Answered per Capita 2002-03 .... 32 Figure 35: Florida Peer Comparison – Attendance at Library Programs 2002-03 ....................... 33 Figure 36: National Peer Comparison – Attendance at Library Programs 2002-03..................... 33 Figure 37: Proposed Service Levels for Indian River County Library......................................... 38 Figure 38: Indian River County Unincorporated Area Municipalities: Population Projections to

2030....................................................................................................................................... 43 Figure 39: Indian River County Census Designated Places (CDP) and Unallocated Population:

Population Projections to 2030 ............................................................................................. 44

iv


Figure 40: Combined Populations within Four Areas of Indian River County ............................ 49 Figure 41: Indian River County Schools by Type ........................................................................ 51 Figure 42: Public School Enrollment by Grade............................................................................ 51 Figure 43: Public Library Space Standard .................................................................................... 60 Figure 44: Library Space Needs System Wide According to Florida Standards.......................... 61 Figure 45: Public Library Space Needs by Library Service Area ................................................ 61 Figure 46: Expanded Recommendations ...................................................................................... 81 Figure 47: Proposed 2025 Space by Service Area........................................................................ 82 Figure 48: Indian River County Public School Population by Grade Level, 2003-04 ................. 89 Figure 49: Indian River County Public School Students by Race/Ethnicity and Language......... 89

List of Maps Map 1: Registered Borrower Density – Library System Registered Borrower Density............... 22 Map 2: Registered Borrower Density – Registered at Main Library............................................ 23 Map 3: Registered Borrower Density – Registered at North Indian River Library...................... 24 Map 4: Density of Juvenile Registered Borrowers – System Wide.............................................. 25 Map 5: Density of Items Borrowed System Wide ........................................................................ 29 Map 6: Persons per Square Mile, 2003 Population Estimate........................................................ 45 Map 7: Four Library Service Areas .............................................................................................. 48 Map 8: Persons Age 0 to 4 per Square Mile, 2003 Population Estimate...................................... 53 Map 9: Persons Age 65 and Over, 2003 Population Estimate...................................................... 54 Map 10: Percent of Persons below Poverty, 2000 Census............................................................ 55 Map 11: Percent of Persons Age 25 and Over with No High School Diploma, 2000 Census ..... 56 Map 12: Percent of Persons 18 and Over Who Speak Spanish Only, 2000 Census..................... 57

1


Section 1 – Introduction

Purpose of this Plan Indian River County, Florida, located on the southeast coast of the state between St. Lucie County to the south and Brevard County to the north, has had rapid population growth for several decades. The current population is beginning to strain the capacities of the county’s public library service, the Indian River County Library, and continuing growth is expected. In response to anticipated continuing population growth the Board of County Commissioners, Public Library Advisory Board, and county management initiated a public library facilities planning process in early 2004. They sought expert opinions to assist them in identifying future library space needs and best locations in a formal master plan document. This master plan is the result of a study conducted by Ruth O’Donnell, Library Consultant, and Ward Friszolowski, Harvard Jolly Architects; it provides their analysis of needs and recommended solutions.

Introduction to the Library Facilities The system currently has two full service libraries, an outreach library in a youth center, and a law library in the county courthouse. Each site has its own service emphasis. The table below introduces the library facilities and the service emphasis provided at each

Figure 1: Indian River County Library System Facilities

Library Site

Facility History


Main Library 1600 21st St. Vero Beach

Owned by IR County Opened February

1991 Expanded 2002

49,286 SF Full service public library with focus on: Reference Independent learning Preschoolers learning Community activities

and information North Indian River County Library (North IRC) 1001 Co. Rd. 512 Sebastian

Owned by IR County Opened November

1990 Expanded 2002

25,445 SF Full service with focus on: Popular materials Independent learning Preschoolers learning

Gifford Library Gifford Youth Activity Center 4875 43rd Ave. Vero Beach

IR County owns the building (opened in 1998, expanded in 2000)

Opened in early 2004 in dedicated space in the Youth Activity

1,513 SF(does not

include shared meeting room)

Public library outreach service (not a full service library). Focused on children attending the Center; adults can use but materials not appropriate. Computers available and

2


Library Site

Facility History


Center Partnership between

the library system, United Way Foundation of IR County, and the Gifford Youth Activity Center, a non-profit agency

are also used in Center GED classes. Shares a conference room with the Center that is located next to the library.

Law Library IR County Courthouse 2000 16th Ave Vero Beach

Located in IR County Courthouse, owned by County

Opened in current location in 1995

3,993 SF Special library; focus is reference service related to legal information

TOTAL ALL TOTAL PUBLIC

80,237

76,244

Library Governance and Funding The Indian River County Library system is a division of the General Services Department of county government. The library’s governing body is the Indian River Board of County Commissioners. They are assisted by the Public Library Advisory Board. Services are funded from the county’s general fund, the Florida State Aid to Libraries Program, grants, and donations. Local funding makes up the great majority of funding although the total amount in the various revenue categories varies from year to year.

History The Indian River County Library was established as a county wide system in October 1986 when two organizations operating public libraries turned their assets over to the county. At that time, the Board of County Commissioners accepted responsibility for providing public library services to Indian River County residents. Libraries in the area have a long history, however. Two public libraries, the Marian Fell Library in Fellsmere and the Woman’s Club Library in Vero Beach were founded in 1914 and 1915 respectively. The Woman’s Club Library eventually became the Main Library in Vero Beach and the Fellsmere library is still active as a privately operated children’s after school service. In the north end of the county, a public library was first formed in 1981 by the Sebastian River Library Association. This service eventually became the North Indian River County Library.

3


In 1985, the Board of County Commissioners accepted a library system and facilities development plan from Cecil Beach, Library Consultant. This plan recommended establishment of a county wide system and construction of three new buildings, one each in the northern, central, and southern parts of the county. This plan resulted in the construction of the Main and North IRC Library buildings. Reportedly, a library was not built in the southern part of the county due to lack of funds. A bond referendum that included funding for three libraries was changed to support two before it went to a vote in 1986. Because of concern that the referendum would not pass at amount needed for three libraries, the south county library and $2.3 million were dropped. A $5.9 million bond referendum passed, allowing construction of the two existing full service libraries. County Commission members at that time recognized that more space was needed.

Other Planning Documents Used by the Library Long Range Plan 2002-2005

The Indian River County Library System Long Range Plan 2002-2005 is a services plan that presents the system’s mission (see below), service roles (see table above), goals, objectives, and proposed activities for the years of the plan. This plan was developed with community participation and is used as a guide for development and improvement of services.

“The mission of the Indian River County Library System is to provide the means by which people of all ages, interests, and circumstances may avail themselves of the recorded wisdom, experiences, and ideas of others.”

Public library space needs relate directly to the type of services to be provided in a library building. The long range plan sets a precedent for the service focus of any new or enlarged libraries in the county. At this time, library management does not anticipate any significant changes in the service roles of its full service libraries so those roles are likely to be emphasized in new facilities as well.

Technology Plan

The Indian River County Library System Technology Plan 2003-2006 discusses development of the library’s technology infrastructure and equipment related to access to digital information. The addition of new space can impact this plan because of the likelihood that new technologies will be considered that were not discussed in the existing plan. The existing technology plan can, however, serve as a basis for discussions of technology related issues for any new or expanded facilities.

Research Methods The consultants used a number of approaches to collect information relative to library facility needs in Indian River County.

Interviews and Meetings

Interviews with elected and appointed county officials – County Commissioners, County Administrator, and the General Services Director were interviewed individually

4


Meeting with the Public Library Advisory Board Four invited focus group meetings; two were held in Sebastian and two in Vero

Beach. Representatives from various age, racial/ethnic, and special interest groups attended.

Meetings with two Friends of the Library groups Individual interviews with the Library Director and the manager of the North IRC

Library Three library staff focus groups Discussions in person and by phone/email with county planning staff and a

representative of the Indian River Metropolitan Planning Organization Telephone interviews with Indian River County School District staff, including the

Coordinator of Media Services Meeting with the Administrator of Development & Marketing and the Executive

Director of the Gifford Youth Activity Center and with a Gifford community representative

Interview with Board of the Marian Fell Library Telephone interview with a member of the Indian River Historical Society Telephone interview with a representative of the corporate offices of Operation Hope,

Palm Bay, Florida Meeting with the Campus Provost of the IRCC, Mueller Campus and a phone

interview with the Associate Vice President/Provost of IRCC Facility Reviews

Completed facility assessments of the Main, North IRC, and Gifford libraries Toured libraries and observed activity in facilities on several occasions

Population

Studied U.S. Census data and population projections to 2030 provided by the Indian River County Planning Division

Mapped population and demographic data (Harvard Jolly contracted with Civic Technologies, Inc. to develop maps)

Studied current and projected residential development in Indian River County, provided by the Planning Division

Review and Analysis of Library Resources

Analyzed library resources and use statistics and compared to population-peer libraries in Florida and the nation using: Florida Department of State public library statistics database, 2002-03 Public Library Data Service, peer comparison of 2002-03 statistics Mapped addresses of registered patrons and borrowers (provided by Civic

Technologies, Inc.)

5


County Geography and Roadways Observation

Toured the County on major roads and in major developments, testing travel times and distances between various starting and ending points

Document, Electronic Information, and Publications Review

Current library system long-range services and technology plans Informational publications of the Indian River and Sebastian Chambers of Commerce Indian River County Community Development Report, April 2004 Florida Department of Transportation, Transportation Analysis Zones data Library registration and use database files U.S. Census 2000 electronic files

6


Section 2 – Existing Library Services

Indian River County Library The need for public library space and facilities relates directly to the resources and services provided and the use of those resources. The methods used for considering the resources and use of the library system were:

1. Comparison to public library standards published by the Florida Library Association 2. Comparison to two groups of peer libraries, Florida and national 3. Mapping selected data

These methods are described below.

1. Library system resources and use were compared to the Florida Library Association Public Library Standards 2004. This tool uses a quality level for some of its quantitative standards to assist libraries and their governing bodies in setting library development goals. The three quality levels are: Essential: Essential level standards define the basics of library service. Every full

service library can and should offer them. Enhanced: This level starts where Essential leaves off and offers expanded services.

Exemplary: Achieving this standard provides the highest and best service to the community.

2. Peer library comparisons were used to evaluate the resources and use of the Indian River

County Library – a peer group of Florida library systems and a peer group of public libraries from across the United States. Florida peer group – four other library systems governed by a county commission and

with the closest population sizes were used as a peer group. The statistics used are from the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives, 2002-03 Florida public library statistics database. Graphs showing Florida peer group statistics show each library’s statistic separately.

Figure 2: Florida Peer Group Used for Comparisons

Population Number of Outlets Total Sq. Ft.

Hernando County 140,670 6 32,384 St. Johns County 139,849 5 54,800 Martin County 134,491 8 95,226 Citrus County 125,804 5 52,349 Indian River County 121,174 4 77,643 Monroe County* 80,537 5 48,849 *Monroe County has over 40,000 less population than IR County but is the closest smaller sized county.

7


National peer group – 35 other public libraries around the nation, governed in a

variety of ways, and serving populations between 123,000 and 110,000. The source for this data is the Public Library Data Service (PLDS), Library Research Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A list of the 35 libraries is in Appendix One.

Each of the PLDS graphs in this section shows statistics for:

IRC Library by itself The mean or average for the peer group without IRC Library The mean or average for the peer group including IRC Library The median of the group including the IRC Library

3. A third method used for studying library resources and use was mapping. Addresses of

library registrants were geocoded and mapped to show where people live who make up the data for various statistics. A total of 43,536 registrant records, or 75% of all registrants, were usable for mapping. The remaining 25% could not be used because of incomplete addresses, post office boxes, or other problems with the data.

This section includes other Information about the IRC Library as well as statistics and comparisons. Information about other libraries in the county – at schools and other locations – follows the public library section immediately below.

Public Library Services Available

The two full service libraries provide the standard services available in modern public libraries. The Gifford Library, an outreach service for an underserved population, offers very limited services for a target group, the youth of the Gifford area.

Figure 3: Public Library Services

Service Type Main North IRC Gifford Materials loan and in-house use: 1. Print

a. Books b. Magazines c. Newspapers

2. Video a. VCR b. DVD

3. Audio a. Cassette b. CD

4. Software 5. Online reserves 6. Online renewal 7. Access to registration

and circulation records

1. Print

a. 2 weeks b. In-house c. In-house

2. Video a. 1 week b. 1 week

3. Audio a. 1 week b. 1 week

4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes

1. Print

a. 2 weeks b. 2 weeks c. In-house

2. Video a. 1 week b. 1 week

3. Audio a. 1 week b. 1 week


1. Print

a. Yes b. Planned c. Planned

2. Video No

3. Audio No


8


Service Type Main North IRC Gifford 1. Interlibrary loans 2. Intralibrary loans

(between libraries in the system)

1. Yes 2. Yes – delivery 5

times per week

1. Yes 2. Yes – delivery 5

times per week

1. Yes 2. None

Audio-visual equipment loan

24 hours 24 hours None

Reference/information Service (phone, e-mail)

Yes Yes None

Local history/genealogy: 1. Florida collection 2. Local history collection 3. Genealogy research

materials and services

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes – very

extensive service

1. Yes 2. No 3. No

None

Public access computers: 1. Automated, online

catalog 2. Internet access 3. Information databases 4. PC applications 5. Email 6. Chat 7. Instant messaging 8. B & W printing 9. Color printing 10. Download

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. yes

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. No 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. Yes

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. Planned 5. Planned 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. Planned 9. Yes 10. Yes

Children/Teen services: 1. Class visits 2. Outreach to day care

and schools 3. Homework help 4. YA/Teen area

1. Yes 2. Yes

3. Informal 4. Collection only

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Informal 4. Collection only

1. No 2. No

3. Youth center

offers 4. No

Formal programs: 1. Adult 2. Children

a. Year round b. Summer

3. Teen 4. Computer related

classes

1. Yes 2.

a. Yes b. Yes

3. Yes 4. Yes

1. Yes 2.

a. Yes b. Yes

3. No 4. No

1. No 2.

a. Planned b. Yes

3. No 4. No

Use of meeting room space: 1. Meeting room(s) 2. Conference room(s)

1. 2 rooms 2. 2 rooms

1. 1 room 2. 1 room

1. No 2.1 room

9


Service Type Main North IRC Gifford 3. Study room(s)

3. 6 rooms 3. 3 rooms (shared) 3. No

Adult literacy services

Yes – through another agency housed at library

Yes – through another agency housed at library

Youth Center offers

Outreach services: 1. Elder related 2. Minority population

related 3. Economic level related 4. Disabilities related

1. No 2. Yes – Gifford 3. Yes – Gifford 4. No

1. No 2. No 3. No 4. No

Gifford is an outreach service of the Main Library

Friends of the Library group: 1. Fundraising 2. Services 3. Other activities

1. Used book store;

gift shop 2. Yes 3. Yes

1. Used book sale 2. Yes 3. Yes

NA

Law Library Services

The Indian River County Law Library, also known as the James Vocelle Law Library, is located in the County Courthouse and managed by the public library system. This service is open to the public although its services make it a special rather than a public library. Services include a collection of law books and journals, a photocopier, two public access computers with Internet and Lois Law (electronic database), carrel seating, an attorney work room supplied by the local Bar Association, and a small conference room. The library is staffed by one full-time Librarian II position and is open 8:30 AM to Noon and 1:00 to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Law Librarian estimates that use is 70% by the general public and 30% by attorneys. Statistics for 2002-03 (also included with Indian River statistics in peer comparisons) are:

Visits 5,558 (3.58% attorneys, 68.42% public) Calls 5.518 (43.33% attorneys, 56.67% public) Telephone reference 3,806 In-house reference 7,849 Computer uses 1,877 Circulation 184 In-house use of materials 19,957

The Law Library has been funded by the county general fund and court fees. A 2004 amendment to the Florida Constitution changes the funding source to a fee that can be collected by the courts under specific circumstances. This is a replacement for the formerly used court fees. Twenty-five percent of the amount collected from the new fee

10


is available for law library services. Whether it will produce adequate revenue to support existing services is not yet known.

Resources - Financial Public library standards

Standard 52, the funding standard does not provide specific monetary amounts but instead says, “Governing bodies establish local funding based on local revenues and well-considered budget requests.”

IRC Library budget The 2003-04 operating budget provides for spending of $3,841,806 or $31.70 per capita.

Figure 4: IR County Library 2003-04 Operating Budget* Budget

Category 2003-04

Main** Change

from 2002-03

North IRC Change

from 2002-03

Law Library Total

Personnel

Salaries $1,112,409 6.35% $557,381 4.58% $42,214 $1,712,004

Benefits $360,420 12.92% $178,789 9.56% $12,167 $551,376

Sub-total $1,472,829 $736,170 $54,382 $2,263,381

Operating $1,095,831 -0.59% $405,450 4.79% $72,883 $1,574,164

Total $2,568,660 3.74% $1,141,620 5.40% $127,264 $3,837,544

*Does not include capital outlay funds; they are discussed on page 12. **Includes all staff housed at the facility; some staff positions at Main have system-wide responsibilities. Also includes any funds used for Gifford services.

Peer comparisons Florida peer group comparisons show that Indian River County library expenditures in 2002-03 were the highest in the Florida peer group at around $30 per capita. Peer libraries ranged from $18 to $28. The comparison of contributions by support groups – Friends of the Library and Foundations – indicates Indian River was next to the highest at $91,152 (Martin County received $364,351 for capital investment). Nationally, the comparison shows Indian River County $1.30 below the peer group average of $33.00.

11


Figure 5: Florida Peer Comparison - Expenditures per Capita 2002-03

$0

$5

$10

$15

$20

$25

$30

$35

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Exp

endi

ture

s pe

r C

apita

Figure 6: Florida Peer Comparison – Contributions by Friends Groups or Foundations 2002-03

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

$350,000

$400,000

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Fund

s Con

tribu

ted

by F

riend

s/Fo

unda

tion

Figure 7: National Peer Comparison – Expenditures per Capita 2002-03

Median (N=36)Mean (N=36)

Peer Group (N=35)Indian River Library

Exp

end

per c

apita

($)

34

33

32

31

30

29

28

29

3333

32

12


New facilities budget

The Indian River County 2003-04 CIP budget (proposed capital projects) lists funding from the one cent sales tax for a proposed new 25,000 square foot branch library as follows:

Construction, furniture and equipment and contingency: o 2007/08 $3,340,000 o 2008/09 3,340,000 o Total $6,680,000

Operating costs (salaries, benefits and operating expenses): o 2008/9 = $1,367,657 (the justification indicates these funds will not occur

until FY 2009-10)

Resources – Library Materials Public library standards

Figure 8: Materials Resources Standard

Standard 77: “The number of items (volumes) in all formats in the library’s collection is:”

Quality Level

Number of items in all formats, per capita

Up to 25,000 population

25,001 to 100,000 population


750,001 and up population

Essential 10,000 minimum, 3 per capita preferred

2 2 2

Enhanced 4 3.5 3 2.5Exemplary 5 4.5 4 3

IRC Library materials resources

Comparison to Florida standard: IRC Library has 3.41 items per capita (all formats) and falls in the Enhanced level. Together, all outlets of the Indian River County Library (including the Law Library) have the following numbers of items in collections at the end of fiscal year 2003.

Figure 9: IRC Library Materials - 2003

1. Print materials 371,258 2. Electronic books (through Solinet) 28,812 3. Electronic databases 68

13


4. Audio materials 17,569 5. video materials 22,931 6. Current print serial subscriptions 1,775 7. Current electronic serial subscriptions 23

(through electronic database subscriptions) Total……………………………………………..442,436

Materials are at the Enhanced quality level of the Florida Standards. The Law Library is included; this is material that is not part of a standard public library collection.

Peer comparisons Peer comparison with the Florida group indicates that Indian River had by far the largest collection per capita. The others ranged from 1.36 to 2.39. Nationally, Indian River County was also the highest in the peer group. The average was well below IRC.

Figure 10: Florida Peer Comparison – Library Materials per Capita 2002-03

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

# of

Item

s

Figure 11: National Peer Comparison – Library Materials per Capita 2002-03



Hol

ding

s pe

r cap

ita

3.300

3.200

3.100

3.000

2.900

2.800

2.700

2.8262.8412.831

3.198

14


Resources – Hours of Service

Public library standards

Figure 12: Standards for hours of service

Standard 26: “The library is open to the public at fixed times and with a uniform schedule. The library provides minimum unduplicated service hours as follows:”

Quality Level Minimum Unduplicated Hours Essential 40 hours (from FL law) Enhanced 68 hours

20 of these must be evenings and weekends Exemplary 76 hours

7 days a week; 4 evenings Comparison to Florida standard: at 65.6 hours a week Indian River County Library meets the requirements of Florida law to receive state aid and falls within the Essential quality level.

Peer comparisons The Florida peer group has a high of 69 hours a week and a low of 56. Just one library, St. Johns County, meets the Enhanced quality level. Open hours were not compared for the national peer group.

Resources – Technology Public library standards

Figure 13: Public Access Computers Standard

Standard 101: “Availability of public access Internet-connected computer workstations.”

Essential Enhanced Exemplary Number of operating computer workstations

Minimum of 1 public workstation per 3,000 population

1 public workstation per 2,000 population

1 public workstation per 1,000 population

IRC Library technology resources Indian River public libraries offer extensive technology based services, including:

• Access to libraries by telephone and facsimile • Web site, both a system/Main Library site and a separate North IRC site • Integrated, web-based library database (catalog of materials, registrant

records, circulation records). Some public computer workstations are reserved for catalog access. The catalog stations at the Main Library are not all web based. Library staff report that these workstations are being phased out,

15


although slowly, as a service to older customers who do not like to use the web product.

• Computer workstations for public access to the Internet, informational databases, and personal computing. The system technology plan sets a goal of one workstation peer 1,000 residents by the end of fiscal year 2006.

• Connectivity via high speed phone lines (T-1) and a wired network managed from the Main Library. PC Reservation is used for computer use sign-up and control.

• Wireless access to the library network and Internet for the public. • Classes for the public on the Internet and computing • Over 100 CD ROM reference resources and over 100 genealogical CD ROM

reference resources • Information and referral database of local and regional social services

resources • Library database and Internet access on a computer workstation with screen

magnification for person with vision loss

Service fall in the Enhanced level with one public access computer per approximately 1.5 thousands of residents.

Peer group comparisons

The Florida peer group offers a range from 49 to Indian River’s 90 computers available to the public. The national comparison includes staff computers as well as public access and shows IRC well above the peer group average.

Figure 14: Florida Peer Comparison – Public Computer Workstations 2002-03

0102030405060708090

100

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Publ

ic C

ompu

ter W

orks

tatio

ns

16


Figure 15: National Peer Comparison – Public Computer Workstations with Internet Access 2002-03



Wor

ksta

tions

with

Inte

rnet

acc

ess

150

140

130

120

110

100

9096

106105

146

Future Technologies that allow access to digital information and recreation are developing rapidly. Public libraries offer new technologies and electronic formats as public demand, library budgets, and staff judgments make it appropriate to do so. Existing technology that is available now but not yet used by the IR County system includes: Self check-out stations Radio frequency identification (RFID) for materials control Computer kiosks with connection to the library web site and its resources at non-

library locations

Resources –Staffing Public library standards

Figure 16: Staffing Standard

Standard 56: “The library has the following number of FTEs per 1,000 of population:”

Quality Level FTEs per 1,000 population

Essential .3 Enhanced .5 Exemplary .6

IRC Library resources – paid staff

Staffing levels in the table below are expressed in full time equivalencies (FTEs). One FTE is equal to 37.5 hours of work, a full time schedule for the library.

17


Figure 17: IRC Library Staffing – Current

Departments System FTEs

FTEs Located at Main

FTEs Located at North County

1. Administration 2. Circulation 3. Children’s 4. YA/Media 5. Reference 6. Computer lab/Elec. resources 7. FL History/Genealogy 8. Technical Services/Systems 9. Law Library Total

6.66 17.08 4.26 3.77 8.33 2.00 2.00

12.23 1.00

***57.33

*4.66 11.95

**1.66 3.77 5.33

2.00

*9.23

38.60

2.00 5.13 2.60

3.00 2.00

3.00

17.73

* Many of these positions have system-wide responsibilities and provide services for North IRC and Gifford as well as Main. ** Does not include a Born to Read staff member from another agency. ***Total does not include a part-time person at Gifford employed by the Youth Activities Center to staff the library outlet there.

Comparison to Florida standard: .47 per capita fall into the Enhanced quality level.

Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison shows a range from 42.2 to 70.5 FTEs with Indian River third highest and in the middle of the five libraries compared. A national comparison was not made.

Figure 18: Florida Peer Comparison - Full Time Equivalent Staff 2003-04

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

FTE

s

18


IRC Library resources – volunteers Indian River County is fortunate to have many residents and visitors who volunteer at the library. In 2002-03, volunteer hours amounted to the equivalent of 16.58 full time employees (32,340 hours). This level of volunteer use provides almost 30% more staff time than is available from paid staff, a significant percentage. It should be noted that similar levels of public library volunteerism are usual in Florida counties with large numbers of retirees. The total volunteer hours for the state were over one million in 2002-03; nine library systems had more hours than Indian River. The current level of volunteer service in Indian River can be considered among the highest in the state. Florida peer comparison shows Indian River at 32,340, slightly higher in volunteer hours than St. Johns County with the other three libraries having even less down to a low of 3,961 at Hernando County.

Figure 19: Florida Peer Comparison - Volunteer Hours 2002-03

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Vol

unte

er H

ours

Resources – Facilities Florida standards – see Section 7, Figure 43 for a comparison Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison shows the Indian River Library’s .64 square foot per capita to be the second highest of the group. Square footage for group members ranges from .23 to.71. It should be noted that the Indian River County square footage includes 3,993 square feet at the Law Library, a special library service. National comparisons were not made.

19


Figure 20: Florida Peer Comparison – Square Footage per Capita 2002-03

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Squa

re F

eet p

er C

apita

Library Use – Comparison within the System

Public libraries also compare use between outlets within a system. Use at the Main and North IRC libraries is charted below for the most recent fiscal year available, 2002-03. Annual statistics for Gifford are not available for that year.

Figure 21: Comparison of Main and North IRC Library Use: 2002-03

188,452

27,204 5,691

185,684

307,216

402,488

707,447

2,976

28,82327,961

305,405

282,118

050,000

100,000150,000200,000250,000300,000350,000400,000450,000500,000550,000600,000650,000700,000750,000

Materia

ls ch

ecked

out

Library

visit

s

Referen

ce qu

estion

s

Program

atten

danc

e

Compu

ter us

e

New re

gistra

tions

MainNorth IRC

20


Library Use – Borrower Registrations Borrower density maps – four maps on the following pages provide graphical

representation of where library users live.

Public library standards

Figure 22: Registered Borrowers Standard

Standard 29: “The percent of the service area population that is registered for a library card in the library’s database (purged annually of registrants who have not used their card in the last three years) is:”

Quality Level Percent of Population Essential 30%Enhanced 50%Exemplary 75%

Florida standards comparison: Indian River registration total fall within the Enhanced quality level with 61.08% of residents registered for library service in 2002-03.

Peer comparison Florida peer comparison shows IRC in the middle of its Florida peer group at 61.08%. In the national peer group comparison, IRC is higher than the peer group and the national average.

Figure 23: Florida Peer Comparison – Registrations as Percent of Population 2002-03

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

21


National comparison



Reg

istra

tions

as

perc

ent o

f pop

(%)

70

60

50

40

545251

66

NOTE: THE NEXT FOUR PAGES ARE MAPS OF DENSITY IN THE COUNTY FOR VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF REGISTERED BORROWERS.

22


Map 1: Registered Borrower Density – Library System Registered Borrower Density

23


Map 2: Registered Borrower Density – Registered at Main Library

24


Map 3: Registered Borrower Density – Registered at North Indian River Library

25


Map 4: Density of Juvenile Registered Borrowers – System Wide

26


Library Use – Visits to the Library

Florida standard – not available Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison shows Indian River at 4.92 visits per capita in the middle of the group that ranges from 7.02 to 2.9 visits. In the national group, the library is above average.

Figure 24: Florida Peer Comparison – Library Visits per Capita 2002-03

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

Indian RiverCounty

MonroeCounty

Libr

ary

Vis

its

Figure 25: National Peer Comparison – Library Visits per Capita 2002-03



Vis

its p

er c

apita

5.400

5.200

5.000

4.800

4.600

4.400

4.2004.304

4.3864.363

5.187

27


Library Use – Electronic Visits Florida standard – not available

Peer comparisons

In the Florida peer comparison IRC is in the middle of its peer group with 204,223 visits to its web sites. The peer group ranged from 11,000 to 600,000 web visits. Nationally, it is above average.

Figure 26: Florida Peer Comparison – Electronic Visits to Library 2002-03

Figure 27: National Peer Comparison – Electronic Visits to Library 2002-03



Ele

ctro

nic

visi

ts

220000

200000

180000

160000

140000

120000

100000

80000

60000

80182

187871186507

204233

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Web

Site

Vis

its

28


Library Use – Check-out of Materials Florida standard – not available

Map

A density map showing where people live who checked out materials on May 25, 2004 follows this page.

Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison shows Indian River County highest of the group at 8.54 check-outs per capita. The lowest is 4.22 per capita. The national comparison regarding check-out of materials is different than the Florida comparison. Collection turnover, the average number of times items check out in a year, was compared. Indian River was less than the peer group average.

Figure 28: Florida Peer Comparison - Circulation per Capita 2002-03

0.001.00

2.003.004.00

5.006.007.00

8.009.00

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Circ

ulat

ions

National comparison

Figure 29: National Peer Group Comparison – Collection Turn-over 2002-03



Col

lect

ion

turn

over

(circ

/hol

ding

s)

2.940

2.920

2.900

2.880

2.860

2.840

2.820

2.800

2.780

2.800

2.9182.921

2.814

29


Map 5: Density of Items Borrowed System Wide

30


Library Use – In Library Use of Materials (Non-electronic) Florida standard – not available

Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison includes only four of the five libraries. Indian River County is the highest at 3.72 per capita. National comparison shows IRC higher than average by far.

Figure 30: Florida Peer Comparison – In Library Use of Materials 2002-03

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

Hernando County St. Johns County Citrus County Indian RiverCounty

In L

ibra

ry U

ses o

f Mat

eria

ls

Figure 31: National Peer Comparison – In Library Use of Materials 2002-03



In li

brar

y us

e pe

r cap

ita

4.500

4.000

3.500

3.000

2.500

2.000

2.3602.441

2.317

3.924

31


Library Use – Use of Electronic Materials Florida standard – not available

Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison shows Indian River highest in use of electronic materials at 224,296 uses. The other libraries range from a low of 3,998 to 157,029 uses. A national comparison was not made.

Figure 32: Florida Peer Comparison – Use of Electronic Materials 2002-03

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Elec

troni

c M

ater

ials

Use

s

Library Use – Reference/Information Florida standard – not available

Peer comparisons

Florida per comparison for reference and information questions answered indicates Indian River the highest of the peer group at 3.48 questions per capita. The other libraries range from l72 to 2.96 per capita. Nationally, IRC is significantly above average. Law Library statistics have some impact on these data as that is the major service offered there.

32


Figure 33 Florida Peer Comparison – Reference Questions Answered 2002-03

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Ref

eren

ce Q

uest

ions

Figure 34: National Peer Comparison – Reference Questions Answered per Capita 2002-03



Ref

eren

ce tr

ans

per c

apita

4.000

3.500

3.000

2.500

2.000

1.500

1.000

.500.849

1.066.988

3.664

Library Use – Participation in Library Programs

Florida standard – not available Peer comparisons

Florida peer comparison for attendance at library sponsored program places Indian River second highest with 49,123 attendees. The range across all five libraries is from 122,434 to 57,261. Nationally, IRC had twice as many attendees as the average.

33


Figure 35: Florida Peer Comparison – Attendance at Library Programs 2002-03

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

HernandoCounty

St. JohnsCounty

MartinCounty

CitrusCounty

IndianRiver

County

MonroeCounty

Prog

ram

Atte

ndee

s

Figure 36: National Peer Comparison – Attendance at Library Programs 2002-03



Pro

gram

atte

ndan

ce (t

otal

atte

ndee

s)

60000

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

212162340622649

49123

Education-Related Library Services Public Schools

There are twenty libraries at the twenty-two locations operated by the Indian River County School District. The locations without libraries are Wabasso School and the Alternative Center for Education. The available libraries are:

14 elementary media centers 3 middle school media centers

34


2 high school media centers 1 district professional collection

Staffing – Each of the elementary and middle schools is staffed by a certified media

specialist and one assistant. Vero Beach High School has three media specialists and two assistants; Sebastian River High School has two media specialists and one assistant.

Use – The school system’s Media Services Coordinator reports a total circulation of

over 300,000 items in 2003-04. The media centers have automated catalogs that can be accessed online for home use. Students can also use numerous other informational databases at home and school. Each center has computers available for student use; the number available ranges from seven to 35, depending on the grade levels served by the school.

Service hours – Public school media centers are open during the school day, 15 to 40

minutes before school, and 15 minutes to an hour after school. They are not open on weekends. In the past an extended access grant allowed longer hours after school but funds are no longer available for this service. Family Night once a week at a couple of the elementary schools was also previously available.

Relationship with public library

Cooperation between the public libraries and school media centers is good according to management at both, but it could be expanded. Currently, the Main Library picks up public library materials returned to Vero Beach High School once a week.

Charter Schools Indian River Charter High School has a formal and staffed media center/library program. Service hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM on schools days although classes are held both earlier and later than this schedule. The media specialist is a former county library employee and well acquainted with public library services and staff.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling of school aged children occurs in Indian River County

Private Schools There are a number of private schools in Indian River County. St. Edward’s School, located on the island, is by far the largest of these and has three divisions: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The School has two media centers available for students. St. Helen’s Catholic School also has a staffed media center open during school hours. At least one other private school has a collection of library materials that is not staffed.

Higher Education

Indian River Community College Mueller Campus has a “Campus Link Electronic Library.” Located in a room in one of the two campus academic buildings, the electronic library offers information services through computers. County residents

35


can use this resource on site; access from off site is not available. No other library or information services are provided at this campus; a full service academic library is available at the St. Lucie County campus.

Other Library Services Marian Fell Library, Fellsmere

The Marian Fell Library located across from the public elementary school in Fellsmere is operated by the Fellsmere Library Association and is run by volunteers. The service consists of an after-school homework help program for elementary school aged children. It is a limited service housed in a very small building. Twelve to fifteen children are served three afternoons a week from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Computers with Internet connection and a small collection of print items are available. This service was managed by the North IRC Library in the past; one county staff member kept it open twenty hours a week. The county turned management back over to the Association because use was so limited and the new North IRC library facility opened. The association Board has gifted the building and grounds to the Indian River Historic Society. That organization will continue its use as deemed appropriate.

Operation Hope, Fellsmere

Operation Hope, a Palm Bay, Florida based non-profit community charity, is opening a library in the fall of 2004 at their expanded location in Fellsmere. The library will have a computer lab with Internet access (up to sixteen computers) and a circulating collection that will be primarily children’s books. The library will be available to all community members for free. Operation Hope focuses on migrant workers and their families and provides educational services at six sites in Florida.

Vero Beach Museum of Art

The Stone Library in the Vero Beach Museum of Art has over 5,250 items in print and audio visual formats on art related topics, including a Film Studies Collection. It is a circulating collection available to museum members, art school faculty, docents, and museum staff.

Environmental Learning Center

The Learning Center, a non-profit organization located in Wabasso, is a private non-profit education center. It has a library of approximately 1,800 items, mainly on natural science topics, including some video and audio tapes. The Center has a small children’s library. Materials there are also focused on natural science. Local residents can check out materials for two-week loans at no cost.

Faith-based Libraries

Many churches and other faith-based organizations in the county have small libraries focused on religion.

36


Indian River Correctional Institution The correctional institution has a library available for use by inmates and staff.

Analysis of Research Comparison to Florida standards indicates Indian River County is providing Essential quality service in four categories (hours, staffing, square footage) and Enhanced quality service in two categories (materials available, registered borrowers). None fall into the Exemplary quality level. The library system can improve by bringing the Essential level services up to Enhanced level and working towards bringing at least some to Exemplary. Indian River County compares favorably with its service population size peers in Florida and the nation. Comparison to the Florida peer group of five other county operated public libraries indicates

IRC is:

In the bottom half of the group for two types of use (library visits and electronic visits)

In the top half for three resources (hours open, staffing, square footage) and two types of use (registered borrowers and program participation)

The highest in the group for four resources (expenditure of funds, materials available, public access computers, volunteer hours) and four uses (check out of materials, in library use of materials, use of electronic materials, and reference questions answered)

Comparison to the national peer group of 35 public libraries indicates IRC is:

Below average in check out of materials

Above average in all other categories compared: two resources (materials, computers for staff and public use) and six types of use (borrower registration, library visits, electronic visits, in-library use of materials, program participation, reference questions answered)

The peer comparisons indicate the library system has above average resources. Use by the service population is also, in general, above average, indicating a population of public library users who find their libraries to have the materials and services they want. The three types of use that compared below average are visits to the library in person and electronically and check out of materials. Low in person visits and materials check out are usage factors that can indicate a lack of conveniently located facilities. The mapping of user addresses done as part of this study shows that most current library users live within an easy trip to a library facility. Those who are further away are not using their library. Research regarding other libraries in Indian River County reveals that, while there are several others serving various constituencies and purposes, none meet needs for public library service in their area of the county.

37


Section 3 – System Organizational Structure and Service Levels

Organizational Structure and Service Levels Options Public libraries with multiple service outlets organize to provide services in a variety of ways. Organizational structure can be decided independent of decisions about service levels to be provided at libraries but these two concepts are usually related.

Organizational Structure Options

Single library – The library’s governing body operates one library facility. Main or central library with branches – This is the model currently used in Indian River

County. The Main Library houses administration and most of the support services and is larger than other locations. It is considered the major resource in the system. The two other sites, North IRC Library and the Gifford Youth Activities Center site, are considered branches. In some situations, branches are identified as falling within defined levels such as full-service, neighborhood, community, kiosk, special and so forth. Each of these terms refers to the type and scope of services available at the branch.

Regional libraries with or without branches – In this model, multiple comprehensive or central type libraries provide services to major areas of a system service area. There may also be branch libraries in the system and they may report to the regional library in their area. In instances of service to very large populations, there may also be a central or main library as well as a number of regional libraries.

Branch libraries only – There is no main/central or regional library in this model; all branches report directly to administration and none of them is considered in a leadership role, regardless of size or services.

While the second model above best describes the current situation in Indian River County, it does not fully reflect how the library system operates. The North IRC Library is more independently managed than is common in a main-with-branches structure. This stems from the pre-1986 situation when it was a separately governed library. The level of independence includes providing its own technical services and some of its technology systems services. The North IRC Library director participates in system-wide decision making as would any branch manager in a system but also has more independence regarding services planning and delivery than would be expected. This situation will not exist for any new library outlets established.

Service Levels

Every public library cannot and should not provide the same range of services. For example, the New York Public Library includes both a premier research institution that is used by scholars from around the world and a system of branch libraries that provide local residents with public library service. In most parts of the country, scholarly research facilities are the purview of academic libraries and not undertaken by public libraries. Even in a public library such as Indian River County’s the services available vary from location to location. Differences can be the result of many variables but most often are due to customer needs and resources available. Establishing a service levels scheme for a library

38


system can be helpful in planning and evaluating facilities and services because it predetermines the type of service that will be offered in specified types of locations.

IR County Library Service Levels and Organizational Structure The current organizational structure of the IR County Library – main library with branches – will continue. Any new branches or service outlets will be managed and organized within the service levels scheme below.

Figure 37: Proposed Service Levels for Indian River County Library

Service Level Services Facility

type Hours

Special service branch

Service limited to a topic such as legal reference, or to a target group, such as youth or migrants. Services and collections limited to specific needs can include: Delivery from other libraries Computers and other digital technology Materials in a variety of formats focused on the

topic or target population Programs and services of interest to the target

population but not all general users

Building serving other purposes as well as library service

Determined by location; minimum of 40 hours a week

Popular branch

Offers limited service to meet neighborhood or small community needs, including: Computers Small collection of popular materials in a variety of

formats Delivery from other libraries Comfortable seating Informal gathering spaces

Building serving other purposes as well as library service

20 – 30 hours a week with emphasis on nights and weekends

Full service branch

Services as identified in long-range services plans and focused on the community served

Formal gathering spaces Meets at least Essential quality level in Florida

standards, Enhanced preferred

Library building

40 to 76 hours per week; some night and weekend hours

Joint use branch

Public library full-service (see above) Academic or school services as needed by partner

institution

Co-location with partner agency

Full service level or more

Main Services as identified in long-range services plans and focused on the community served and the needs of the entire county

Collection is a major resource for the system Genealogy services and other system-wide services

too expensive to duplicate at branches Meets Enhanced or Exemplary quality level in

Florida standards

Library building

68 to 76 hours per week; 4 nights a week and Sat./Sun.

39


Section 4 – Public and Key Stakeholder Opinion

Public Opinion Meetings to discuss the need for additional library facilities and the adequacy of existing buildings were held in May 2004. The consultants met with 54 Indian River residents in four focus groups, two each in Sebastian and Vero Beach. They also met with representatives of both Friends of the Library groups, and with the Public Library Advisory Board. The opinions collected are summarized below.

Existing Buildings

Main Library Participants like the atmosphere in and around the library; they want this library

to remain as the central library of the system. All participants agree that the Main Library building is inadequate in size to meet

future needs, especially as the southern part of the county grows; some think it is inadequate now. Participants recognize that new facilities will pull some business away from this library and help with current crowding.

Some residents are interested in expansion possibilities and one person has a specific proposal to offer. There is concern about parking shortages if there is expansion of the library; some people think current parking is inadequate.

Discussions of interior space needs included: more shelving area; a food/beverage area; more space for public access computers including a separate computer room in the children’s area; another, smaller meeting room; more social gathering areas.

Addition of a drive-up book drop is an exterior amenity many desire. Several participants think the library would benefit from a full analysis of how

space is currently used and reallocation of spaces to meet current needs. This library should continue to provide genealogy and local history services for

the entire county. North IRC Library Users of this library are very concerned about overcrowding and that the building

is inadequate to the current need; even some individuals who do not use this library expressed concern.

Participants believe the library cannot be expanded at its present location, unless a second story is possible.

Participants believe population growth in the northern part of the county will be extensive and this library will be become even less able to meet needs. They are also concerned about Fellsmere residents’ needs.

Interior changes discussed were: a separate computer lab; a separate gaming computer area; more informal seating; more space for shelving; a food/beverage area; and a teen area.

Gifford Youth Activity Center Library Participants aware of this library outlet emphasized their belief that it is

inadequate to the need of the area and should be expanded. They note that the space available, and consequently the services offered, are very limited. Also,

40


because it does not have its own identity as a library facility use is presently restricted to children who attend the Youth Activity Center.

Some participants believe the current space could be expanded to offer a wider array of services and increase visibility to the general public.

Law Library Members of the Public Library Advisory Board are aware that changes to funding

sources for county law libraries may impact the future of this library but they think it must be maintained.

It is clear that focus group participants are pleased with the Main and North IRC Libraries. They do, however, have great concerns about the future given the level of development going on and proposed in the county. They also want to see some improvements to existing space; some are interested in expansion of the buildings.

New Library Facilities

Participants agreed that the County needs more library facilities and that the need will grow over the next twenty years. A number of locations were mentioned: South County – many believe this to be the most pressing concern because of the

new development going in there. There is disagreement, however, about where in this area a library should be located. Some think the South County Park area appropriate, others do not and want a library either further east or west on Oslo Road. Some others think a library should be further south than Oslo Road. Location of a south county library will be affected, it is felt, by decisions about a west county library (see below). There is agreement, though, that this area needs a library and its construction is a high priority.

West County – most participants think the county is planning a joint use library with the Mueller Campus of the Indian River Community College. There is disagreement about whether that is the best use of county funds, given more pressing population growth in the south. Some are also concerned about how people will get to the library – it is perceived to be too far away. On the other hand, some participants are very enthusiastic about this location because of proximity to retail shopping (the mall) and a major highway (S.R. 60). They also believe a good library on that campus will help bring Florida Atlantic University services to the county. There did not seem to be a great deal of concern about incompatibilities between community college and general public service populations although this was raised a time or two. There was concern, however, that the facility is large enough to provide the needed public library services and that additional space is built for academic needs. Some participants believe that children’s services would not need to be as extensive at a west library as at a south because of the population demographics.

Fellsmere – residents of Fellsmere and others in the area want a County operated library in the town. The existing privately operated and very small Marian Fell Library is limited to offering after-school activities to elementary students and all agree that this building is not adequate as a library. Participants strongly expressed that a new library should be in Fellsmere’s original town limits. There is an interest in putting a library in the old school there as it is rehabilitated; this is

41


viewed as an excellent location. Any new facility should have spaces for special services focused on the needs of the heavily Hispanic and migrant worker population. Another justification for a Fellsmere library was development of the recently annexed part of the town.

Gifford – residents of this area and of other parts of the county think Gifford needs its own library. This is a strongly held opinion by many. Lack of private and public transportation is cited as a reason, along with the economic conditions of many Gifford residents. Most people think the existing library outlet at the Youth Activity Center is a temporary measure and a start, but a larger library is badly needed. Several possibilities were mentioned: a storefront on 45th, the old Macedonian Church where a Black history museum is going in, or near the middle school.

Sebastian – some residents of that city and the north county area believe the existing library will have to be replaced with a larger one within 20 years.

Wabasso and Winter Beach – some participants think a library will be needed to serve existing residents and new development in this area. Others disagree, citing proximity to the North IRC Library.

Beaches – most participants, even those who live on the beach, do not think a public library will be used by beach residents. Those few who do think a library should be located at the Riverside Park. A library on the beaches seems to be a very low priority.

Other comments Population growth – participants are aware of plans for residential development in

the county but some feel it may not occur on the time frame proposed by developers; it may take much longer than is thought to increase the population as much as is projected.

Outlet service – specialty library outlets such as kiosks for return and pick-up of materials and small storefront libraries were mentioned at some meetings. Outlets with electronic resources would be inexpensive but would have to be staffed, some note. Also mentioned – partnering with other agencies for space.

Elected and Appointed Officials’ Opinion Status of existing libraries – Commissioners expressed pride in the library system and

that it is a significant asset to Indian River County. Uses of current space – Commissioners are aware of the high level of use evident in

library statistics reports. Several indicated they observe crowded libraries during their own use of the service. Two Commissioners commented on the high demand for public access computers at the libraries.

Need for additional library space – all recognize that expected population growth and consequent increased service needs indicate that additional library space is required. There are, however, differences between Commissioners regarding the number of additional facilities needed and where they might be located. All express interest in seeing the master plan and its discussion of needs and reviewing the recommended solutions to those needs.

42


Possible future locations – Between them Commissioners mentioned possible new libraries in the southern, western, northern, and island parts of the county. Most appear to favor a configuration of two to four additional library locations over the life of the master plan.

Joint use libraries – Commissioners appeared divided about whether the County should join the Indian River Community College to establish a joint use public/community college library at the IRCC - Mueller Campus. Two strongly support a joint use library and indicate it should be built soon. One is concerned about a number of issues related to this possible joint venture and another indicated a non-favorable opinion.

Gifford Library – two Commissioners discussed the small library outlet located in the Gifford Youth Activity Center. Both strongly support this service and expressed a desire to see both the space available and the level of service expanded.

Library Staff Opinion Existing Libraries

Main Library Many of the comments about needed space in the building that were made by the

public were also made by staff. Separate space for teens, more shelving space so the audio-visual collection can be expanded, and food/beverage service were particularly noted.

The Local History/Genealogy room needs archival space with temperature and humidity control, away from windows. Security may also be needed, depending on the location of this space.

Location of the elevator is perceived as a problem. Some staff thinks moving Technical Services, Systems, and perhaps even

Administration to another location (leased space, perhaps) would free up adequate space to make desired changes. Some of the people who would be moved have concern about not working in a library in proximity to the materials they support.

North County Library Spaces needed at this library include a separate teen area, a computer training

classroom, food/beverage area, and a welcome desk. The new addition has caused blind areas that cause control problems One suggestion for using interior space was to use process organization, that is,

organizing service not by what is available but by the way customers use the products.

The Information Commons model used by some academic libraries was mentioned as a possibility for organizing space.

New Libraries Library staff members echoed the opinions of the public regarding the need for

additional libraries and, like them, were divided about priorities.

43


Section 5 – Demographics and Population Growth

Population Growth Projections Population Mapping

This section includes maps that graphically depict density of the 2003 population of Indian River County related to demographics discussed.

Estimates and Projections Source: Indian River County Community Development Report July 2004, Issue #23

Figure 38: Indian River County Unincorporated Area Municipalities: Population Projections to 2030

Year Unincorp-

orated County

Municipalities Total

Fellsmere I. R. Shores Orchid Sebastian Vero

Beach Total

Municipalities

2003 Estimate

76,908 4,173 3,574 299 18,275 17,945 44,266 121,174*

2005 77,796 4,578 3,926 310 19,732 18,058 46,604 124,4002010 84,206 5,640 4,700 340 22,675 18,239 51,594 135,8002020 94,326 6,923 5,470 387 31,972 18,422 63,174 157,5002025 100,139 7,687 5,600 400 35,568 18,606 67,861 168,0002030 108,563 7,800 5,600 410 36,335 18,792 68,937 177,500 2003- 30: Growth & percentage of change

31,655

41.16%

3,627

86.92%

2,026

56.69%

111

37.12%

18,060

98.82%

847

4.72%

24,671

55.73%

56,326

46.50%

* Indian River County hosts visitors during the winter months. This seasonal population is estimated in the county’s current comprehensive plan to be 24,784 in 2005 and grow to 33,023 by 2020. ON page 23 of the comprehensive plan, this group is defined as “… tourists, migrant workers, and other short term and long term visitors (usually defined as less than six months.” Winter visitors who stay for several months as well as tourists looking for email access use the library and have an impact that is not accounted for in the above population figures.

44


Figure 39: Indian River County Census Designated Places (CDP) and Unallocated Population: Population Projections to 2030

Year Florida Ridge Gifford North

Beach Roseland South Beach

Vero Beach South

Wabasso Wabasso Beach

West Vero Corridor (S.R. 60)

Winter Beach Total CDPs Unallocated

Population.

2005

17,540 7,949 261 1,838 3,985 21,170 918 1,291 8,327 968 64,247 13,549

2010

19,875 8,029 265 1,848 4,236 23,053 918 1,503 9,262 970 69,959 14,247

2020

22,889 8,376 269 1,858 5,013 24,852 924 1,988 10,501 977 77,647 16,679

2025

23,702 8,618 270 1,887 5,039 25,484 945 2,100 10,564 980 79,589 20,550

2030

27,209 9,208 400 2,005 5,136 29,220 960 2,300 11,125 986 88,549 20,014

2005- 2030: Growth and % of change

9,669

55.13%

1,259

15.84%

131

50.19%

167

9.09%

1,151

28.88%

8,050

38.03%

42

4.57%

1,009

78.16%

2,798

33.60%

18

1.86%

24,302

39.04%

6,465

47.71%

45


Map 6: Persons per Square Mile, 2003 Population Estimate

46


Impact of Proposed and in-Process Residential Development Indian River County Community Development Report July 2004, Issue # 23 reports new commercial and residential projects. This information, along with census and state generated statistics, is used by county planners to anticipate population growth in specific areas of the county. According to this development information and conversations with county planning staff, areas of Indian River County that will be most impacted by residential growth over the next few years are:

South County – The greatest number of new residential developments are planned in this area. If everything that is planned is actually built, this area will be densely populated. Residential development is planned not only in the western portion of the area which now has no or little development, but also in and around the existing development in the eastern part of South County.

North County – There will be growth in Sebastian as it annexes unincorporated areas and as building occurs on the many empty properties within the city limits. Fellsmere will also be affected by development because of the land recently annexed along I-95 which is expected to be developed. Another growth factor in this area is renewed interest in Vero Lake Estates, located between Sebastian and I-95. Lots here are most of the remaining inexpensive land in the county.

Mid County – Development is occurring north of Vero Beach and Gifford. There are one large and several smaller developments planned or in construction.

West County – The State Road 60 corridor will see some development, particularly south of 60. There is a possibility of a large residential development west of I-95 and south of 60 in the South 98th Avenue area. Development is also projected for the area between 8th and 9th Streets SW.

Looking at the county development possibilities, one can easily see how Indian River County could grow to the projected populations. Planned development, however, even when in the permitting process, does not necessarily equate to future homes with people living in them. Factors such as developers’ financial status and number of projects in process, national and state economic conditions, and interest rates make counting on residential development plans now on the table an uncertain business. Proposed developments cannot be ignored for purposes of this plan but planners should consider that some of this development may never occur.

Library Service Areas and Population Projections for Each Area

The municipalities and census designated places in Figures 38 and 39 are often discussed by county residents as being within one of the four areas of the county listed above. These geographic areas were modified to define library service areas: North County, Mid County, South County, and West County. Service areas allow planners to identify more local needs than the county as a whole. The mostly unpopulated agricultural and ranch area in the western part of the county is not assigned to an area. The 2000 Census indicates 613 people live there. One facility, the Law Library, is a countywide service and is not assigned to one of the four areas.

47


Map 7 (next page) depicts the geographic divisions of the service area scheme used in this plan. The four areas defined in the list below include the five municipalities and all of the unincorporated area. Some parts of the unincorporated area are listed by their CDP (census designated place) name. The remainder of the county’s geography is referred to on the list as “unallocated population.” This term is used to account for areas within the service area that are not part of a municipality or CDP. This list is primarily geographic (estimated population figures are in Figure 40) but it also makes an effort to account for the total population of the county.

Service Area Includes

North County 1. Fellsmere 2. North Beach (CDP) 3. Orchid 4. Roseland (CDP) 5. Sebastian 6. Wabasso (CDP) 7. Wabaso Beach (CDP) 8. 25% of unallocated population of county

Mid County 1. Gifford (CDP) 2. Indian River Shores 3. South Beach (CDP) 4. Vero Beach 5. Winter Beach (CDP) 6. 33% of Vero Beach South* (CDP) 7. 10% of unallocated population of county Note: Does not include population south of 45th St. between 58th Ave. and I-95

South County 1. Florida Ridge (CDP) 2. 67% of Vero Beach South (CDP) 3. 35% of unallocated population of county Note: Does not include population North of 9th St. between 58th Ave. and I-95

West County 1. West Vero Corridor (S.R. 60) (CDP) 2. 30% of unallocated population of county Note: Includes population south of 45th St. between 58th Ave and I-95 and population north of 9th St. between 58th Ave. and I-95

*The Vero Beach South CDP includes most of the mainland area between the St. Lucie County line and the southern city limits and part of the western limits of the City of Vero Beach. Part of the Vero Beach South area has been included in Mid County because of proximity to the Main Library. The map on the next page shows the four areas. Figure 40 shows population projections for each area.

48


Map 7: Four Library Service Areas

49


The projected populations of each area are charted in Figure 40, following, and make clear which areas will have the larger populations. It should be noted that these charts include the population that is not allocated to a municipality or a census designated place and which is estimated to range from 13,549 in 2005 to 20,015 in 2030. It has an impact on library planning and consequently has been split evenly between the four service areas. It is likely that more growth will occur in the West and South County service areas but the number of residents cannot be determined at this point even with the information available about pending development. A small amount of the unallocated population lives in the agricultural part of the county which is not expected to gain population. That area of county geography is not being considered for purposes of this plan. According to the IR County Planning Division, the North and South County areas will experience the most growth and be the most highly populated areas. The Mid and West County service areas will also grow, but in Mid-County, Vero Beach and Indian River Shores are almost built-out. Planned development is not nearly as extensive in Mid-County as elsewhere.

Figure 40: Combined Populations within Four Areas of Indian River County

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

North County 32,315 36,751 48,491 53,995 55,214

Mid County 44,653 46,710 49,878 51,465 53,485

South County 34,363 38,092 42,793 44,784 50,672

West County 13,069 14,247 16,338 17,756 18,129

2005 2010 2020 2025 2030

50


Other Demographics Race and Ethnicity

Race/Ethnicity Percent of Population One race o White 87.4% o Black or African American 8.2% o Other 0.9%

Two or more races 1.2% Hispanice or Latino

of any race 6.5% Age (also see maps 7 and 8)

Median age 47.0 years Age Group Percent of Population Youth 21.3% o Under 5 years 4.7 % o 5 to 19 16.6%

Working age adults 49.5% o 20 to 24 3.9% o 25 to 59 39.9% o 60 to 64 5.7%

Seniors 29.2% o 65 to 74 14.6 % o 75 to 84 11.5% o 85+ 3.1%

Employment and Income (also see Map10)

Population in civilian labor force – 50.8% of population over 16 Median household income – $39,635 Median family income

Income Percentage of Population Less than $10,000 4.1% $10,000 to $24,999 15.0% $25,000 to $49,999 34.0% $50,000 to $99,000 30.6% $100,000 to $199,999 10.0% $200,000 or more 5.5%

Other Social Characteristics (also see Map 11)

Educational attainment Education Level Percentage of Population 25 Years and Over No diploma 18.5% High school graduate/equivalency only 29.1% Some college, no degree 23.2% Associate/4 year degree 21.4%

51


Graduate/professional degree 7.9%

Language spoken at home (also see map 12) 6.4% speak Spanish at home, 3.3% less than “very well.”

Students

Students are an important service group for public libraries. The Main Library has Formal Education Support Center as one of its secondary roles and the libraries offer materials to support pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade education. Higher education students also use the public library’s information services, collections, computers, and interlibrary loan program to support their studies. The Indian River County education environment is described in more detail in Appendix Two. Public PreK-12 Schools

The Indian River County School District operates 21 public schools. Figure 41: Indian River County Schools by Type

School Type Number of Facilities

Alternative 1Exceptional Student Education 1Elementary 14 Middle 3High School 2

Student demographics o Enrollment by grade level

Figure 42: Public School Enrollment by Grade

Grade Enrollment – Fall 2003

Pre Kindergarten 362Elementary (K – 5) 7,219Middle School (6-8) 3,929High School (9-12) 5,109Total 16,619

o Language – 647 students’ primary language is not English o 6,618 students receive free or reduced cost lunch Source: IR County School District demographic statistics: DOE Student Database, Survey 2 data, October 13-17, 2003, as of November 24, 2003 Available at www.firn.edu/doe/eias/flmove/indian.htm.

52


Private and Charter Schools Private schools – 7 schools. Most have enrollments ranging from around 100 to

close to 200. St. Helen’s Catholic School has a student population of around 300; St. Edward’s School enrolls about 850 students in its three schools.

Charter schools – 4 schools. Together they had enrollments for 2003-04 of 722 students.

Higher Education Community college – Indian River Community College, Mueller Campus is a

branch of a larger community college program based in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County). At present the Mueller campus has two, single story classroom buildings and the Richardson Center – a conference/meeting center – on its site. Local students can also attend classes at IRCC sites in Fort Pierce, Okeechobee, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie. IRCC reports that there were 7,000 registrations of Indian River County residents during 2003-04 (includes duplicate registrations by the same individuals). According to the Campus Provost, an estimated two-thirds of those used the Mueller Campus.

University o University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory – current planning

anticipates around seven graduate students doing research at the laboratory at any one time

o Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County) – FAU is the closest university that offers a wide array of programs of study at all levels of matriculation. FAU has a closer program in Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County), the Treasure Coast Campus. That FAU campus is a partnership with IRCC.

53


Map 8: Persons Age 0 to 4 per Square Mile, 2003 Population Estimate

54


Map 9: Persons Age 65 and Over, 2003 Population Estimate

55


Map 10: Percent of Persons below Poverty, 2000 Census

56


Map 11: Percent of Persons Age 25 and Over with No High School Diploma, 2000 Census

57


Map 12: Percent of Persons 18 and Over Who Speak Spanish Only, 2000 Census

58


Section 6 – Travel within Indian River County The methods, time, and distances of travel around Indian River County impact the need for public library facilities, both the number of service points available and their locations. Factors that are at issue are:

Need for local service – Focus group participants expressed a desire for public library service that is more local than is currently available. They are concerned that increasing population growth will make trips to existing libraries too lengthy or time consuming.

Transportation resources – Public transportation and roadways impact people’s ability to get to their library.

Potential travel delays such as construction and bridges – Long-term or numerous construction projects cause drivers to alter and lengthen their routes. Bridges can cause traffic delays depending on their type and the number of lanes available.

Travel times/distances and public library standards – The distance a person has to travel to get to a library and the time it takes to make the trip have significant impact on library use.

Planned Public Transportation and Roadway Improvements The Indian River County Long Range Transportation Plan 2025 Update, Executive Summary, April 2001 published by the Indian River County Metropolitan Planning Organization summarizes county plans for a “multi-modal transportation system including roadways, public transportation, bicycle facilities, sidewalks…that meets projected 2025 transportation demand…” The list of improvements is lengthy and reflects a concern about population growth in the county as well as an effort to provide improved travel options for residents.

Roadway development

Roadway development will occur in five phases (five year increments) Plans call for construction of: Ten two lane roads expanded to four lane Highway 60 two lane section to four lanes and its four lane section from I-95 to

66th Avenue to six lanes Six four lane roads to six lane Four new roads

County plans are impacted by public opinion, however. At a 2004 Board of County Commissioners meeting a hearing concerning one of the expansions in the plan resulted in possible changes because of negative public opinion. Whether or not the plan is implemented as designed, there will definitely be a lot of road improvements in the county over the life of this master plan. Those improvements will make it easier to get to libraries by automobile and, since many will include bike paths and sidewalks, by bicycle and on foot.

59


Public transit system development

Planned development includes additional routes, more frequent service, and expanded hours. Future service will connect downtown Vero Beach to Sebastian along US 1, Vero Beach to I-95 along Highway 60, and Vero Beach to the South and West County areas. Despite these improvements, much of the county will continue to be without service, including the low-income areas where residents are less likely to have their own transportation or be available to transport children to the library after school.

Bicycle and sidewalk development

New bicycle paths are planned with road improvements and as stand-alone improvements. Most of the county will continue to be without these amenities, however.

Potential Travel Delays Bridges – There are three bridges from the mainland to the barrier island in Indian

River County: the Wabasso Bridge, and the Merrill Barber and 17th Street Bridges in Vero Beach. None are draw bridges. Focus group participants indicate they are satisfactory to the need. Bridge development discussed in the Long Range Transportation Plan includes the addition of bike paths and sidewalks where they do not now exist.

Construction – Planned roadway improvements should prove more than mildly disruptive if all are implemented over the next twenty years. Disruption may be so severe as to limit residents’ ability to get to existing libraries in a reasonable amount of time.

Travel Times and Distances Public Library Standards

Florida Library Association Standards for Public Libraries 2004 addresses the need for convenient locations.

Standard 86: “Library facilities are located:

• in urban and suburban areas, no more than 20 minutes driving time from residents.

• in rural areas, no more than 30 minutes driving time from residents. • where possible on a fixed transportation route.

Note: Driving time standards are not applicable during peak traffic seasons.” Comparison to standard

Appendix Three is a chart reporting travel times and distances between selected locations in Indian River County. The chart makes clear that the current libraries meet the Florida standard for the eastern part of the county. Much of the western, agricultural county is far from a library but there are very few people living in that area.

60


Section 7 – Defining System Wide Space Needs and Location Considerations

Methods of Determining Public Library Space Needs Space needs for a public library system serving a geographic area, such as Indian River County, and space needs for individual libraries within a system are calculated, in part, using published state standards – national standards are not available. County wide need for the whole population is determined through a square footage per capita calculation. Needs estimates for the size of individual service units within a system can also use the square footage per capita approach when a population size can be defined. When that is not possible, or when a different approach is desired, needs determinations are based on services to be provided and the extent of the resources, staff, and technology to be housed. This plan uses both approaches: it provides square footage per capita for the system as a whole and a combination of the two techniques to estimate size need for recommended new/expanded individual libraries.

Indian River System Wide Space Needs and Service Areas Standards

Figure 43: Public Library Space Standard

Standard 90: “Standards in the chart below are for use in assessing library space needs when planning new construction and expansion of existing library facilities. The facility will meet the following square-footage standards, depending on quality level.”

Quality Level Total gross square feet per capita

Up to 25,000 population



750,001 and up population

Essential .6 SF with .8 SF desired (.6 SF is state construction grant standard)

.6 SF .6 SF .6 SF

Enhanced .9 SF .8 SF .7 SF .65 SF

Exemplary 1.0 SF 1.0 SF 1.0 SF .85 SF

Indian River Current and Future Square Footage Needs According to Standards

According to the Florida standards, gross square footage for public libraries in Indian River County should be:

61


Figure 44: Library Space Needs System Wide According to Florida Standards

Quality Level 2005 Need in Square

Feet

New SF Needed to

Meet Standard*

in 2005

2025 Need in Square

Feet

New SF Needed to

Meet Standard*

in 2025 Essential (.6 per capita)

74,640 0 100,800 20,563

Enhanced (.7 per capita)

87,080 6,843 117,600 37,363

Exemplary (1.0 per capita)

124,400 44,163 168,000 87,763

*The library system has 80,237 square feet of space, including the Law Library and 76,244 square feet without it.

Space needs for Four Areas of Indian River County Figure 45 lists current and projected square footage needs for each of the four areas of Indian River County. The space needed was determined based on Florida standards and population projections for 2005 and 2025.

Figure 45: Public Library Space Needs by Library Service Area



Area Currently Available

Essential.6 SF per

capita

Enhanced.7 SF per

capita


Essential .6 SF per

capita

Enhanced .7 SF per

capita


North County

25,445 SF 19,389 22,620 32,315 32,397 37,797 53,995

Mid County*

50,799

SF 26,792 31,257 44,653 30,879 36,025 51,465

South County

0 20,618 24,054 34,363 26,870 31,349 44,784

West County

0 7,841 9,149 13,069 10,654 12,429 17,756

Countywide: Law Library

3,993 SF NA NA NA NA NA NA

Total

80,237 SF 74,640 87,080 124,400 100,800 117,600 168,000

*Mid County includes the Main and Gifford libraries. The Main Library includes 4,550 SF used for system wide activities (administration and support services)

62


Factors Used in Defining Individual Library Space Needs Square footage needs for an individual facility that is part of a library system are based on multiple factors:

1. Assigned service level of the library/outlet 2. Size and other demographics of the population that will be served 3. Roles as identified by long-range services planning 4. Organizational structure of the system 5. Special services to be provided

Each of these factors can increase or decrease proposed facility size. In a long-term plan such as this, the first two are most important and were considered in the recommendations. When service and building program planning is conducted closer to the time of anticipated development of a library/outlet, numbers three, four and five are more heavily considered.

Locating Public Libraries A number of factors must be considered as potential locations for public libraries are identified and reviewed. Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations, by William W. Sannwald, provides an in-depth list of questions to help in the decision process (Appendix Four). The list asks questions in five areas:

General conditions – questions focus on convenience for the service population,

affordability, visibility from the street, zoning, likely enhancement of and architectural fit with the area. Of these, the most important for assuring future use are visibility and convenience. Public libraries must be visible from a major roadway if they are to be fully utilized. They must also be conveniently located for the service population. Cost is, of course, a major factor in construction planning.

Attractors/detractors – questions focus on acceptance by the service population of the

location, proximity to people attractors such as commercial and other activities, impact on use, safety, and appropriateness for a library.

The importance of proximity to other services and activity cannot be stressed enough. Going to the public library is often not a single-destination trip but rather a stop on the way to or from somewhere else. Common attractors near which a library can be located and that are known to contribute to interest in using a library are: Retail/commercial businesses Civic, community, or cultural centers Health care centers such as clinics Recreation facilities Other government services Schools

63


Several of these can also be problematic for a library and have the potential to detract from good service: Close proximity to schools and recreation facilities brings large numbers of

children and teens, requiring additional staffing and special programs during week-day afternoon hours. • Recreation facilities increase the number of unattended children coming to the

library which also increases the need for staffing and can be a safety concern as they are often unattended by adults.

• Where there is a pool and very active sports, conflicts over wet bathing suits and sweaty clothes also arise.

• Older residents become resentful and stop using the library because of a perception that kids are “taking over” the facility.

• Parks are often located some distance from main streets and are shielded from public view, not a good location for a public library.

• Purposes for using a park or recreation facility are quite different from those for using a library so location near such a facility may not draw library customers.

Co-location of public libraries and other agencies in civic, community or cultural centers can be advantageous but problems are also possible. • Service hours conflict if the library is open longer than the center • The library may not be given a prominent enough location in relation to the

other agencies at the center.

The concern is not that these problems cannot be overcome. Rather, it is that operational costs increase and delivery of needed services may be impacted because other services required by the location are emphasized.

Accessibility – questions focus on ease of access for the greatest number of

customers, travel times, traffic patterns, access to public transportation, and bicycle/walking/private vehicle access. Public library sites must be accessible to as many potential customers as possible but not so close together as to be redundant. Transportation resources play an important role in public library use so they must also be considered. Section 6 of this document provides information on transportation system plans for Indian River County and distances/travel times between various areas of the county.

Size – site size relates directly to the size of a proposed library. This section of the

checklist focuses on adequacy of the property, parking, easements, green space, etc. Recommendations for specific new/expanded facilities in this plan include needed property size.

Environmental issues – questions focus on tests regarding soil and environmental

issues, flood plain concerns, etc. These are concerns that can only be addressed when specific sites are identified.

64


Section 8 – Options and Recommendations

Mid County – Main Library Although this facility was recently expanded, it still has some areas where crowding is a concern. Administration and support services staff housed at the Main Library are in crowded offices. The young adult (teen) area provides no space for seating. Additional computers, even a computer lab, will be needed in future and there is no space to add new workstations. Genealogy/local history materials and equipment are housed outside the area where trained staff is available and future growth in that service is anticipated. As all library collections grow, more shelving will be needed. A member of the Public Library Advisory Board and residents at focus groups offered suggestions for enlarging the building and expanding parking. Staff members suggested that moving non-public services out of the Main Library could relieve some crowding concerns. However, Figure 45 indicates the Main Library has adequate space to serve the Mid County population now and until late in this plan. The difficulty is that it is currently serving not only that area but also all of the South and West County areas. When new libraries are available in other parts of the county the Main Library will be adequately sized for its service population.

Option 1 – Move administrative and support services staff out of the Main Library.

Administration – The library system is administered from offices located on the second floor of the Main Library that occupy 1,440 square feet on the second floor. This space also houses a position from another department. The space appears to be inadequate to the need. Administration staff consists of the system director who also manages operations of the Main Library and four other full-time positions. A position functioning as assistant director is assigned to and housed in the circulation department at the Main Library.

Support Services – 3,110 square feet on the first floor of the Main Library is used for support services, which include materials related technical services functions – ordering, cataloging, and processing materials for all but North IRC – and technology systems and equipment management. Support services space needs will continue to increase as the library system grows.

These functions could be housed elsewhere, such as in leased space or at a new library, in order to provide more space at the Main Library for other needs.

Issues

Vacated space can be used for public services, although renovation will be required to make the space useable for this purpose.

Moving the library director out of the Main Library would require establishing a new management position to direct day-to-day functions at the Main Library or using the current position functioning as Assistant Director for that purpose.

65


Some technical services staff members express concern about their ability to carry out their duties in a location that is not a library; others do not have this concern. It is not uncommon for public library systems to house administrative and technical services/systems staff in other than a library.

Option 2 – Move support services staff to another location.

Technical services and computing systems staff could move to a new library building or to other, non-library space.

Issues

Support services space needs will continue to increase as the library system grows. They currently have 3,110 square feet.

Administration could move into the support services space on the first floor, giving them an additional 1,670 square feet of space, an increase of 116% over their current location. The offices administration vacates could be renovated into public use space.

The system director could continue to manage day-to-day activities of the Main Library with the assistance of the existing assistant director.

An opportunity to co-locate all technical services staff would be created, bringing the personnel at North IRC Library who do this work together with the larger group at the Main Library.

The last bulleted statement under Option 1 applies to this option, as well.

Option 3 – Continue to house administrative and support services at the Main Library.

Issues

Increasing size of the library system will require additional support services staff, storage and work space. Public areas at the Main Library will have to be committed to this purpose.

Option 4 – Conduct a full review of space utilization at the Main Library and reallocate space to maximize use for the location’s service roles.

Issues

This effort could be made in concert with any of the other options or even if none of them are selected.

Recommendation: Main Library

Options two and four – Move support services staff (technical services and systems) to another location with at least 5,000 SF; conduct a full review of space utilization and reallocate space to maximize use for the location’s service roles.

66


Mid County – Gifford The library outlet at the Gifford Youth Activity Center is a very limited service, functioning as a special services branch and serving a targeted population – the children who come to the activity center where it is housed. The service is currently staffed by an employee of the youth center but the library director hopes to provide staff in future. The building is owned by Indian River County and leased to its occupants. Everyone interviewed or who participated in focus group meetings expressed support for library service for the Gifford area. Residents perceive that the economic conditions and lack of transportation prevent use of the Main Library 4.8 miles away, especially for children. Route 8 of the Indian River Transit system goes into the Gifford area but does not pass near Main. Other barriers relate to economic conditions, which prevent people from having their own transportation and time to come to the library, and psychological barriers. Gifford is an African American community, some of whose members reportedly do not feel comfortable going to the Main Library, even if they could get there. The general consensus is that Gifford needs local public library service, especially for its youth.

Option 1 – Continue to develop the existing Gifford Library as a special services branch within the existing square footage of the Youth Activities Center building.

Issues

If this option is selected, the county library system should fully support and manage the service, including establishing a budget for and staffing it.

The service roles of the outlet should be clearly established and used to determine the type of services provided. If the option is pursued, this will not be a space that attracts adults so adult service should not be attempted, given the scarcity of space.

The Center may have additional space it can allocate to the service to allow an expanded library within its walls.

The option does not meet the needs of Gifford residents, as they have been identified by interviews and focus groups.


Issues

A Sheriff’s Deputy will be living at the park soon, providing a measure of security for expanded library hours.

Any expansion should provide a separate library entrance with easy access from the parking lot and exterior identification for the library.

Gifford Youth Activity Center staff and supporters are very interested in keeping the service at this location, and expanding as much as the site allows. They believe this is the most appropriate location for a public library in Gifford.

67


Option 3 – Expand the Gifford Library to full service level by moving to another, larger location in Gifford, leased or constructed for the purpose.

Issues

This option would give the library its own identity and would attract and serve more customers and customers of varying ages.

Gifford does not offer much in existing buildings for this option. A vacant storefront could be sought, although this type of property is not readily available.

A new library building could be located more centrally within the Gifford area.

Construction of a new library building will require purchase of land.

Although Gifford’s population is not predicted to grow more than about 15% by 2025, the activity center will soon have as its back (north) door neighbor a large residential development with up-scale homes. There are already similar homes to the west of the center. These developments mean that a branch library in the Gifford area could serve not only Gifford but all of the northern part of Mid County. This thinking, however, runs up against the fact that Mid County already has more space at the Main Library than standards suggest is needed by the Mid County population.

Recommendation: Gifford Library


North County – North Indian River County Library The North County area is now served by the North IRC Library. Like the Main Library, this facility was recently expanded and now has 25,445 square feet. According to Florida standards, it is adequately sized now (at the Essential and Enhanced quality levels) but in 2025 it should have between 32,397 and 53,995 square feet to serve all of the northern part of the county. Consultant observation and staff/user reports indicate the library is crowded and sometimes inadequate to handle the flow of customers. Computer use is high and additional computers for public use will be needed as the area grows in population. The meeting room is in constant use and a second meeting space would be well used. Additional collection space will be needed. When the library was built there was some concern about its location; some thought it was too far away from the downtown area of Sebastian and from the island residents it serves. Commercial and residential development appears to be growing near the library, however. On the other hand, there are library users on the island for whom the existing location is not convenient.

68


If public library service is established elsewhere in North County, that will help meet the North County need. A possible library in Fellsmere is discussed below. It is not likely, however, that people who live east of I-95 will travel to Fellsmere to use the library.

Option 1 – Open one or more temporary popular level branches in the Sebastian, Roseland, Wabasso area.

Issues

Popular branches are best located in retail/commercial centers and in space such as leased storefronts with plenty of available parking.

Popular branches in leased space will relieve the strain on the existing North IRC Library until a replacement, larger North IRC Library is available. When a new library is available these branches can close.

Option 2 – Replace the existing North IRC facility within 20 years with a larger full service branch on another location in Sebastian and closer to U.S. 1.

Issues

North IRC Library will continue to be the major public library service outlet in this area because of its size and full service branch level of service.

More library space will definitely be needed in future for North County. The need is not immediate but must be met within the next fifteen to twenty years.

The county has park property in the area that could be used, but it is not appropriately located for a public library. It will be necessary to secure an approximately five acre site for a new and larger library building.

Popular branches can be closed when a new and larger library is available or can remain open to meet community and neighborhood need if that can be afforded.

Recommendation: North IRC Library


North County – Fellsmere Focus group participants and most interviewees agree that the residents of Fellsmere and the surrounding area have needs that can be addressed by the availability of public library services in the town. The population of Fellsmere is expected to increase from the 2003 estimate of 4,173 to 7,687 by 2025. Library registrant mapping shows that there are public library users in Fellsmere and its immediate surrounding area.

69


Many Fellsmere residents have needs that indicate library service should be tailored to assist their economic and cultural development. Much of the population is Hispanic; the main employment is agricultural work. There is a high density of people who are living below the poverty level, do not have a high school diploma, and/or only speak Spanish. The density of children aged 0 to 5 years is also high. A library can address the needs of families with these economic and cultural conditions through focusing on a targeted population. Two privately operated library services are available now in Fellsmere – Marian Fell Library serving a few elementary school children after school and Operation Hope’s one-room library on their campus. They may be appropriate partners for the county as it plans its own service in the area.

Option 1 – Partner with Operation Hope to operate a special service branch library at their facility and targeting the needs of families.

Operation Hope is dedicating some of their extensive space in Fellsmere to library service for their constituency.

Issues

The amount of space Operation Hope has made available for library service is one small room. A total of 30,000 square feet of space is available at the location.

Since the main focus of Operation Hope is to provide education services to migrant workers it would be considerably outside their scope to offer a public library service on their campus. They are, however, planning to let anyone who is interested use their library.

Discussions with the administration of Operation Hope indicate they have not thought of this possibility but are willing to discuss it.

This option is the fastest approach to getting public library service to Fellsmere as it can be done without construction or renovation of space.

Option 2 – Renovate some of the Old Fellsmere School space into a special service branch library targeting the needs of families.

The old Fellsmere School on South Orange Street in the center of Fellsmere was built in 1916 and is a highly visible landmark. This three story building of historical significance is undergoing rehabilitation by the Indian River County Historical Society with granted and donated funds totaling $550,000. The money is being used for stabilization of the physical plant and remediation of environmental problems in the building. In late summer, the work that could be afforded with these funds was nearing completion. Hurricanes damaged the building, however, and work is currently at a standstill (as of December, 2004). The building will not be useable until a great deal of additional interior work is completed and the hurricane damage is repaired. The building and approximately two acres of property belong to the City of Fellsmere and are leased to Indian River County.

70


Issues

The school was damaged by September 2004 hurricanes and it is not clear at this writing when repairs can be made. According to county staff, the damage will significantly delay any efforts to continue rehabbing the building.

The Historical Society is interested in having a library at the old school as that use is seen as a positive compliment to other planned cultural and recreational activities.

Space on the second (main) or third floors – the first floor is a basement – could be renovated into a small public library facility. The space is not now appropriately organized for library service as it is too divided into separate rooms. Architectural and engineering evaluation is needed to determine if walls can be removed to make larger spaces.

The amount of space that would be available is not known but it appears that approximately 3,000 square feet will be available on either the second or third floors (first floor is the basement). Decisions by the Historical Society and the cost of renovations will be deciding factors regarding how much space can be committed to a library in the building.

The North IRC is close to Fellsmere and can provide the broader array of services needed by people who find a special services branch too limited for their needs.

Option 3 – Build a full service branch library in Fellsmere.

Building a new library is an option that delays bringing service to Fellsmere but allows the opportunity to develop a full service library that includes the special services spaces needed by residents. The 2025 population of the town should have from 5,000 to 7,687 square feet of library space, according to FLA standards. A new facility can be designed to serve the special needs of the population as well as general service needs. Possible locations are discussed below. The Marian Fell Library, located across from the elementary school and used for after

school activities, is being given to the IRC Historical Society. This organization has indicated willingness to gift or lease the almost two acres of land to the county for public library purposes. The existing building is not appropriate for that use as it is much too small.

Issues

The available acreage is on the minimum end of the range of space needed for a new building. It may not be possible to build on the property and still keep the existing building which the Historical Society has committed to do.

This property is convenient to the elementary school and a block or two off a main thoroughfare, so it is appropriately located for public library service.

71


Other property in Fellsmere or outside city limits

Issues

A new facility could be built on a location in the city limits of Fellsmere or in the unincorporated area closer to the newly annexed but as yet undeveloped area of the city.

This option allows the county to secure an adequately sized site

Recommendation: Fellsmere

Option 2 – Renovate some of the old Fellsmere school space into a special service branch library targeting the needs of families.

West County Figure 45 shows West County as having the lowest population of the four library service areas but it is difficult at this time to accurately determine what the eventual population will be. Development is planned and should bring in even more people than indicated in the chart. County staff has been working towards establishing local service there through a joint use public/academic library. Indian River Community College, Mueller Campus is located in West County. The Board of County Commissioners gave permission to staff on December 2, 2002, based on a November 2, 2002 recommendation from the Public Library Advisory Board, to pursue discussions about a joint use public/academic library on this campus. It is located in the S. R. 60 corridor between 58th and 66th Streets; access is from 58th St. via College Lane. Discussions about such a library have been taking place off and on for a number of years and as long ago as mid 1998 when the Public Library Advisory Board recommended a west county library to the County Commission. Joint community college-public libraries have been successful in Broward, Pinellas, Martin, and St. Lucie counties in Florida. The Martin and St. Lucie libraries are partnerships of those counties and the Indian River Community College. In addition to serving local residents with public library needs and academic services at the community college level, some residents and officials believe a similar library in Indian River County will help support efforts to bring a branch of Florida Atlantic University to the county. Joint use libraries are attractive to government agencies and taxpayers because they offer a way to meet two needs within one building. Sharing construction and operational costs between two entities serves two main purposes: first, it allows each entity to have more space than it could afford on its own, and second, it allows lower construction ongoing costs than if two separate buildings were used. These benefits are achieved only if sharing of costs occurs. If one agency contributes significantly more than the other, the benefit is one sided and may not be the best approach to service delivery for that agency.

72


Issues

Is this the right location to meet county public library needs?

Projected population for West County in Figure 39 ranges from 13,069 in 2005 up to 17,756 in 2025. This is probably an underestimate but as it is, the population is enough to warrant local public library service.

Is the campus going to develop into an attractor for public library users?

IRCC’s development philosophy is that branch campuses will develop into full service locations. There is a long range plan for Mueller Campus development that includes additional buildings, extension of College Lane, and a new entrance on 66th Avenue. The new entrance requires paving of 66th Street and construction of a bridge entrance to campus from 66th Street. This and the College Lane road work will be done by Indian River County, not IRCC, as College Lane is a public road.

Two new two-story classroom buildings of 25,000 and 35,000 - 40,000 square feet are in the planning stages. Construction on the smaller building will begin in approximately eight months. Part of this space will probably be used by Florida Atlantic University classes. A request for funding for the larger building goes before the Florida legislature in early 2005. Both will be accessed from the existing College Lane.

Growth in enrollments at Mueller since 2000-01 has been 9.5%. Full time equivalent enrollments in 2003-04 were 1,984 (6,321 unduplicated students enrolled; many were part time). College officials expect continuing increases in enrollment because of the growth of the Indian River population. Enrollment, level of growth, and timely addition of new buildings should make the campus a place where local residents will be going for classes, continuing education, and special events.

Will the library be visible to the public? Where will it be located on campus? Will it be easily accessed by the general public?

The college anticipates that the library building will be located near the existing Richardson Center which places it near but not on College Lane, the street currently traveled to enter campus from 58th Street. If the planned new entrance off 66th is created, the library location will be far away from it and the public will have to drive well into campus from that entrance to get to the library. Some campus land fronts S.R. 60 and the college is considering purchasing more, but it may not be enough space for the size library needed. College officials do not consider that land appropriate for a library that meets their students’ needs.

Locating the library in the interior of the campus does not provide good service to the general public. It will be inconvenient and lose its identity as a service for the general public.

Will there be dedicated or at least adequate parking for the public?

Parking will be shared with other campus buildings. Adequate parking is a concern to members of the public who attended focus group meetings. Dedicated public library parking is a component of success for a joint use library, although not essential.

73


How large should the library be?

College and county staff appear to differ in their understanding of the size under discussion. The county library director and PLAB report that 32,000 SF is the size most recently discussed. The campus provost said he understood the size under discussion to be 20,000 to 25,000 SF. College officials have, in the past, indicated they will need 17,000 square feet; most of that space is for services that the general public will also be using, however. These space needs projections apparently assume this library will also serve South County.

Estimated public library space needs for the West County area based on population range from around 8,000 to 13,000 square feet in 2005 and 10,600 to 17,800 square feet in 2025. If no South County library is built, some of that population will use a West County library, creating need for the 32,000 square feet being discussed. If South County has its own library, a smaller facility will be adequate in the West.

Will the College contribute to the cost of construction, furnishings and equipment, and related activities?

The college will lease land for a library building to the county for a long term. They will also seek legislative approval for construction funds from the state’s Community College Facility Enhancement Challenge Grant fund. The sales tax funds that the county plans to use for construction can be the required 100% match needed for a Challenge Grant, thereby doubling the amount of construction money available, according to the Vice Chancellor for Financial Policy at the Community College Division of the Florida Department of Education. In summary, availability of construction funds from IRCC depends on state grant decisions. If the state funds are received, that allows the county to use some of its available funds for other purposes.

Can the funds anticipated for construction be used for this purpose?

The county plans to use infrastructure sales surtax money for its share of construction costs. It will probably also apply for a state grant for public library construction. Both of these funding types require that the county own or have a long-term lease on the building. The Facility Enhancement Challenge Grants mentioned above require that the college own the building. It appears that if a Challenge Grant is used, IRCC will have to own the building and lease it long-term to the county.

How will ongoing operating costs be supported?

If the college owns the building and leases it to the county, both entities can participate in funding operations. The college will provide grounds and parking lot maintenance and will getfunding each year to pay for utilities and interior maintenance supplies on a preset formula. They will also provide one, half-time position for their Link Electronic Library which will move to the new library. The college will also provide the library materials and computers for the Link Electronic Library and perhaps some print materials, as well. The county will be responsible for all other ongoing operating costs as of this writing, although that may change.

74


Which agency will manage the library and staff? Or will some staff work for each agency?

The county library system will manage the joint use library. It is not clear who will supervise the half-time employee for the Link Center service.

What resources will be used to support materials purchases and processing in preparation for opening and ongoing operations?

It appears that the county will pay this cost and county staff will do the associated work.

Distances/travel time and public transportation

A car trip from the Main Library to a west turn onto 66th Ave. is just 3.6 miles and takes seven minutes, minimum. Generally, public libraries should not be closer than two miles, but this is still a short distance. Distances from the southern part of the county should also be considered as that will be part of the service area if no other facility is available in the south. Currently, travel time is quite reasonable but that will change if the projected residential development in South County becomes a reality. The distance is up to 15 miles depending on where the driver starts. The bus line that travel west on S.R. 60 is projected to extend to I-95 in future, so bus transportation will eventually be available near this location.

Option 1 – Build a joint use public/community college branch library on the IRCC, Mueller Campus of a size appropriate to serve both West and South County, if construction and operating costs are shared.

Issues The needs of South County will not be successfully met by a library on the IRCC

campus. The location is inconvenient for people in the eastern portion of that area because of travel distances and times and anticipated road work over the next 20 years. Many will continue to use, and crowd, the Main Library. The people of South County have long been anticipating local library services. Density maps indicate they are library users and that this is a pocket of residents with young children, an important service group for public libraries.

Option 2 – Build a joint use public/community college branch library on the IRCC, Mueller Campus large enough to meet the needs of the West County area, if construction and operating costs are shared.

Issues The West County population is large enough to warrant a full service public library,

although not a large one.

The issues in Option 1 above also apply to this option. Those that are not yet resolved to the satisfaction of both parties must be pursued by the ongoing working committee and consensus achieved.

75


Option 3 – Build a full service branch library in West County.

Issues

As mentioned above, the West County population is large enough to warrant a full service public library branch, although not a large one.

Commercial/retail business and other attractors are numerous here. A library can be built in a location near public attractors and with high visibility if appropriate property is available for sale.

Option 4 – Open a popular branch library in West County.

The availability of retail and commercial establishments along S.R. 60, including an enclosed shopping mall, provides an opportunity to meet local needs at a lower level of service and less expensively than a full service library.

Issues

The Main Library is less than four miles from the mall and even closer to the commercial areas along S.R. 60. West County residents can access Main quite easily by car. Public transit improvements will allow limited access by bus in future.

Popular branch service is appropriate for a heavily over 65 population because of their interest in best seller, genre fiction, informal gathering and reading spaces.

The lack of formal gathering space (meeting and conference rooms) in a popular service branch will be a detriment to this part of the county where free meeting space is not readily available for the community.

Recommendation: West County

Option 2 – Build a joint use public/community college branch library on the IRCC, Mueller Campus large enough to meet the needs of the West County area, with construction and operating costs shared.

South County Library and county management recognize the need for local public library service in the southern part of the county. Local service has been close to a reality in the past but then did not happen. South County residents rely on the Main Library for their service now but they need a local library for the reasons below.

Population – The projected 2005 population of the South County area is estimated as 34,363 people. By 2025 that is projected to grow to about 50,000. The Main Library will not be adequate to continue as the nearest public library in the face of this much population growth. Map 1 shows that parts of this area have a heavy density of registered library users. The incidence of persons living below poverty is from 10 to 17.65% per census block, indicating a need for library service. There are also pockets of population whose residents have a high incidence of no high school diploma. This area appears to have children who use the library – juvenile registered borrower density is high.

76


Distances/travel time and public transportation – Although the distance from the St.

Lucie County line to the Main Library is just 8.7 miles, many trips to the Main Library or a West County library will take more than the 20 minutes maximum travel time in the Florida standards. Seasonal congestion extends trip time and anticipated development will further congest roads.

Various locations for a library were suggested by residents and county staff. The options below discuss the most likely of those.

Option 1: Build a full service branch library at South County Park, Oslo Road and 20th Avenue SW.

The county owns 80 acres at the South County Park. The property has frontage on Oslo Road, a main thoroughfare in the area. The entrance is on 20th Avenue SW, a short distance from Oslo Road. When a library for the southern part of the county was considered in the past, this was to be its location. A new multi-purpose facility on the property to be built to the right of the park entrance driveway is in the planning stages. Further park development – aquatic and more playing fields – is hoped for in future. A water treatment plant and fire station are also at this location.

Issues Opportunity for high visibility and an entrance from Oslo Road is available.

Parking may need to be shared with recreation facilities which could cause problems at times of high use and when library programs are going on.

A middle school and elementary school are within short walks/bike rides. The school system owns around 80 acres nearby; that property is under consideration as the location for a new south county high school (no decision as of this writing). The number and close proximity of schools can have a significant impact on the services and staffing needed, particularly in afternoon and evening hours. Students from nearby schools will flood into the library after school, many of them there to wait until parents pick them up after work. Programs and staff to keep them occupied and to assist them with homework will be needed. Older customers will not want to share space with so many children during this time period. In general, when public libraries are built near schools, additional staffing for after school hours is needed.

The active recreation services at the park will also bring children to the location and this may cause difficulties with supervision and control. On the other hand, serving children is something that libraries do and do well. This location will certainly be highly available to a lot of kids.

Preliminary evaluation of this location raises concerns about whether it is centrally located for what will be the South County population. New development is occurring and planned for west of the park. Some of the population will eventually be in the western portion of South County, if all residential development occurs as planned which it may not.

77


Option 2: Build a full service branch library on or close to Oslo Road between 27th Avenue SW and 43rd Avenue SW (west of South County Park).

Locating a South County library further west than the park on Oslo Road places it centrally between the eastern and western portions of the area.

Issues

Retail/commercial development is in place at these two intersection, providing attractors for a library. This section of Oslo Road is still close to schools and the park. Building a library here will require purchase of land.

A location further west on Oslo Road could also serve West County, if no local service is available there. The distance from Oslo Road to S.R. 60 is about nine miles. Several roads that connect the two are planned to be four lane within the next five to ten years.

Option 3: Build a full service branch library east of the South County Park.

Locating a South County library east of the South County Park will bring library service closer to the already developed part of the area. The county owns extensive acreage at the Hallstrom Homestead off Old Dixie

Highway but county staff does not believe it can be used for a library because of state government restrictions.

The county owns extensive acreage at the Hallstrom Homestead off Old Dixie Highway. The Historical Society is rehabbing the building there; the land may be an appropriate site for a library if an entrance off and visibility from a major thoroughfare is possible.

A library in the eastern part would meet long standing needs of the people who now live there.

Option 4: Build a joint use high school/public branch library.

The Indian River County school system reportedly plans a new high school in South County. It may be possible to develop a joint use school-public library on their site.

Issues

The location for a new high school has not been decided as of this writing and location is an important factor in whether or not a joint use library would be appropriate.

The questions listed in the discussion of a joint use community college-public library also apply to a school/public library.

Security is a concern for school/public joint use libraries. Public schools are closed campuses these days. Public libraries are open to all without question.

Public libraries have concerns about this type of joint use library. Older people often object to the numbers of students in the library during the school day, normally a quiet and peaceful time for seniors to use the service. Service emphasis is also a

78


concern – blending the teaching role of a school library with the education support role of a public library is difficult.

There are few successful school/public joint use models to examine. Those that do exist have had mixed results.

The major reasons for doing this type of partnership are: Reduce construction cost for one or both partners by sharing the cost Maximize use of a school space by having it open when the school is not Share operational costs for the partnering entities (depending on agreements

regarding provision of resources) Recommendation: South County

Best Option 2 – Build a full service branch library on or close to Oslo Road between 27th Avenue SW and 43rd Avenue SW (west of South County Park).

Acceptable

Option 1 – Build a full service branch library at South County Park, Oslo Road and 20th Avenue SW.

Island Almost all interviewees and focus group participants believe that a public library facility is not needed on the island. The three bridges are thought to provide ready access to the libraries on the mainland. The island population is primarily retirees who can afford a year-round or seasonal home on expensive beach property. There are some families with children, however, and grandchildren come to visit. The 850 students of the St. Edwards schools use their school libraries during the school day. The density of registered library cardholders is at the medium to high level in the Vero Beach, South Beach, and Wabasso sections of the island. Density is much less in Indian River Shores, Orchid, and North Beach. Travel times from the island to the two existing full service libraries are within the Florida standard of 20 minutes except for those very close to the St. Lucie County line. Bus service is available but very limited. Residents travel to the mainland for almost all retail purchases, including groceries. The need for an on-island library service is not strongly supported when residents’ adequate personal transportation, availability of free time, and proximity to mainland libraries is considered. Local service there, even as minimal as a popular services branch, would be a popular amenity for island residents, however and should be considered when more pressing needs are met after the life of this plan.

79


Countywide – Law Library The Law Library may be affected in future by this year’s change in funding source. At present there is no reason to think the county will not continue to support this service nor that there is an interest in relocating the service. If, however, continuation and location become concerns in future, these are options to consider.

Option 1 – Continue the Law Library at the county courthouse location.

This is the most appropriate location for this special services branch because it is located where people frequently come in contact their need for legal information – the courts. It is also convenient for the legal and judicial community.

Option 2 – Move the Law Library to the Main Library.

Issues

Space is not available. Other services will have to be scaled back to accommodate this option and the Law Library service collection will have to be reduced in size.

Legal information should be available in close proximity to the courts and judicial offices. It should also be maintained at an adequate level to meet local needs.

Public libraries rarely provide law library service within a public library facility because the service is very consumptive of space and not a public library service.

Option 3 – Reduce Law Library service to electronic only and make it available at the Main Library

Issues

The Law Library does not now subscribe to legal databases, which are quite expensive and paid for on a per hour of use basis. This would be a new cost; print materials would not be purchased, however.

Space for enough computers to meet public needs would have to be found at the Main Library where space is already a problem.

Electronic only service might require additional staff to assist users who are not able to search the complex law databases on their own.

Recommendation: Law Library

Option 1 – Continue the law library at the county courthouse location.

80


Recommendations List and Library Development Chart 8. Main Library

Move support services staff (technical services and systems) to another location with at least 5,000 SF; conduct a full review of space utilization and reallocate space to maximize use for the location’s service roles.

9. Gifford Library


10. North IRC Library


11. Fellsmere

Renovate some of the old Fellsmere school space into a special service branch library targeting the needs of families.

12. West County

Build a joint use public/community college branch library on the IRCC, Mueller Campus large enough to meet the needs of the West County area, with shared construction and operating costs.

13. South County

Best: Build a full service branch library on or close to Oslo Road between 27th Avenue SW and 43rd Avenue SW (west of South County Park).

Acceptable: Build a full service branch library at South County Park, Oslo Road and 20th Avenue SW.

14. Law Library

Continue the Law Library at the county courthouse location.

Figures 46 and 47 list specifics for implementing the above recommendations.

81


Figure 46: Expanded Recommendations

Priority Facilities & Service Area Location/Project Type

Suggested Opening Dates*

Service Level Existing/proposed Square Footage

1

West County/IRCC Branch

IRCC Mueller Campus/ New construction; costs shared

2008-09 Joint use branch Proposed 30,000 SF

2 South County Branch Best: on or near Oslo Rd, between 27th and 43rd Ave SW/ New construction OR Acceptable: On Oslo Rd. at S. County Park property/ New construction


3 Fellsmere Branch Old Fellsmere school/ Rehab and convert space


Proposed 3,000 SF

4 Gifford Branch Same location/ Expansion of existing 1,513 SF


Proposed expansion to 4,000 SF

5 6

North Popular Branch(es): Popular branch 1 Popular branch 2

Storefront(s) in Sebastian, Wabasso, Roseland area/ Convert space for temporary use until new NIR branch is built

2014-15 2017-18

Popular branch Proposed 1: 2,000 SF Proposed 2: 2 ,000 SF (Temp. – not in total)

7 Main Library

1. Move support services to leased space/ Convert leased space as needed 2. Main Library/ Convert 3,110 SF on 1st floor and 1,440 SF on 2nd floor

2020-21 Main 1. See Other Facilities below sub-total 2.Existing 49,286 SF

8 North IRC Branch

Sebastian, closer to U.S. 1 than existing facility/ New construction to replace existing 25,445 SF facility


SUB -TOTAL – Four service areas 152,786 SF

Other facilities: Law Library 3,993 SF Support Services Office (proposed for 2020-21) 5,000 SF

TOTAL – System 161,779 SF * Firm dates cannot be established at this time since the county’s ability to open new facilities depends on many factors, including but not limited to actual population growth and availability of funding such as impact fees and other revenue. A library at the Old Fellsmere School depends on rehabilitation of that building.

82


Figure 47: Proposed 2025 Space by Service Area

This space is included in the Main Library for this column.

Service Area 2025 Space Needs Range by

FLA Standards Quality Levels (.6, .7, 1 per capita)

Existing Space Proposed Space

North County Area 32,297 to 53,995 SF 25,445 SF 38,000 SF

Mid County Area 30,879 to 51,465 SF 50,799 SF 53,286 SF

South County Area 26,870 to 44,784 SF 0 31,500 SF

West County Area 10,654 to 17,756 SF 0 30,000 SF

Other: Law Library Support Services

NA 3,993 SF*3,110 SF

3,993 SF5,000 SF

Totals 100,800 to 168,000 SF 80,237 161, 779 SF

83


Financial Implications

Estimated Facilities Development Costs All costs are based on year 2004/2005 numbers and should be inflated by 5% per year until the year of implementation. Collection costs are for opening day collections, materials fully cataloged, processed, and stored until needed; estimates are based on estimates from Baker & Taylor, a library materials jobber used by the library. Land costs are not included in these estimates. West County/IRCC Branch*

• Building / site construction costs 30,000 SF x $150.00/SF = $ 4,500,000

• Soft costs 10% of construction cost = $ 450,000 • Furniture 30,000 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 540,000 • Technology 30,000 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 150,000 • Collection (36,000 @ $20 each) = $ 720,000

(Does not include IRCC need; 2.5 items per capita, 2010 population of 14,247**)

____________________________________________________ TOTAL = $ 6,360,000

* Half of construction related, furniture & equipment costs to be paid by IRCC. ** Collection projection is conservative; more will be needed if south library is not built.

South County Branch

• Building / site construction cost 31,500 SF x $150.00/SF = $ 4,725,000

• Soft costs: survey, A/E fees, testing 10% of construction cost = $ 472,500

• Furniture 31,500 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 567,000

• Technology 31,500 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 157,500

• Collection (95,000 items @ $20 each) = $ 1,900,000 (2.5 items per capita, 2010 population of 38,092) ___________________________________________________ TOTAL = $ 7,822,000

84


Gifford Branch • Building / site renovation and new construction costs 1,513 SF x $75.00/SF = $ 113,475 2,487 SF x $150.00/SF = $ 373,050 • Soft costs 10% of construction cost = $ 48,653 • Furniture 4,000 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 72,000 • Technology 4,000 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 20,000 • Collection (10,000 items at $20 each) = $ 200,000

_____________________________________________________

TOTAL = $ 827,178 Fellsmere Branch

• Building renovation cost - interior finish out only*

3,000 SF x $100.00/SF = $ 300,000 • Soft costs

10% of construction cost = $ 30,000 • Furniture 3,000 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 54,000 • Technology 3,000 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 15,000 • Collection (10,000 items @ $20 each) = $ 200,000

____________________________________________________ TOTAL = $ 599,000

*This cost assumes that other funds will be available to renovate the existing building shell and repair hurricane damage.

North Popular Branches (each)

Cost does not include monthly lease space costs • Renovation, interior finish-out cost 2,000 SF x $75.00/SF = $ 150,000 • Soft costs 10% of construction cost = $ 15,000 • Furniture 2,000 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 36,000 • Technology 2,000 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 10,000 • Collection (5,000 items @ $20 each) = $ 100,000 ____________________________________________________ TOTAL = $ 311,000

85


Main Library Support services located separately from a library:

Cost does not include monthly lease space cost. • Renovate, interior finish-out – new lease space

2,600 SF x $75.00/SF = $ 195,000 • Soft costs

10% of construction cost = $ 19,500 • Furniture 2,600 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 46,800 • Technology 2,600 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 13,000

_____________________________________________________ TOTAL = $ 274,300 Renovate Main Library after support services move:

• Renovate, interior finish-out cost – existing library 2,600 SF x $75.00/SF = $ 195,000 • Soft costs 10% of construction cost = $ 19,500 • Furniture 2,600 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 46,800 • Technology 2,600 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 13,000 ____________________________________________________

TOTAL = $ 274,300 North IRC Branch

Cost does not include new land cost or allow for sale of existing facility. • Building / site construction cost 35,000 SF x $150.00/SF = $5,250,000 • Soft costs 10% of construction cost = $ 525,000 • Furniture 35,000 SF x $18.00/SF = $ 630,000 • Technology 35,000 SF x $5.00/SF = $ 175,000 • Collection (Use existing plus popular libraries to open*)

_____________________________________________________ TOTAL = $6,580,000 * If popular libraries are not used, new materials will be needed for this sized library.

86


Estimated Operating Cost for Opening Year of New Facilities

West County Branch*

South County Branch

Gifford Branch

Fellsmere Branch

North Popular Branches

North IRC Branch (new)

Rate

30,000 SF 31,500 SF 4,000 SF 3,000 SF2,000 SF

each 35,000 SF Staffing & Benefits (for year service begins)

See notes on next page $ 855,000 $ 760,000

$ 122,500 $ 122,500 $ 87,500 $ 1,080,000

Operating Expenditures (at 2004 levels)

Library materials (all formats) $8.50 per SF $ 255,000 $ 267,750 $ 34,000 $ 25,500 $ 17,000 $ 297,500

Supplies, printing, postage ,misc. $1.30 per SF $ 39,000 $ 40,950 $ 5,200 $ 3,900 $ 2,600 $ 45,500

Travel, training, dues & memberships $250 per FTE $ 4,750 $ 4,750 $ 875 $ 875 $ 625 $ 6,750

Contractual/professional services $1.20 per SF $ 36,000 $ 36,600 $ 4,800 $ 3,600 $ 2,400 $ 42,000

Equipment maintenance & upgrades; Telephone $0.80 per SF $ 20,000 $ 25,200 $ 3,200 $ 2,400 $ 1,600 $ 28,000

Utilities $2.15 per SF $ 64,500 $ 67,725 $ 8,600 $ 6,450 $ 4,300 $ 75,250

Interdepartment charges $2.89 per SF $ 86,750 $ 91,035 $ 11,560 $ 8,670 $ 5,780 $ 101,150 Subtotal $ 506,000 $ 534,010 $ 68,235 $ 51,395 $ 34,305 $ 596,150

Totals * $1,361,000 $ 1,294,010 $ 190,735 ** $173,895 ** $ 121,805 $ 1,676,150 * Some operational costs will be paid by IRCC so actual total will be less than is listed here. ** Does not include cost of leased space.

87


Staffing notes (includes benefits) West County Branch – 19 FTE for 2010 population and IRCC student needs(Enhanced

quality level, additional staff for IRCC student needs) at an average of $45,000 each (requires more professionally trained employees)

South Branch – 19 FTE for 38,092 (2010) population (based on Enhanced quality level)

at an average of $40,000 each Gifford – 3.5 FTE (based on two people working at all times, 55 hours of service a week

plus pre and post opening time) at $35,000 each Fellsmere – same as Gifford

North Popular Branches – 2.5 FTE (based on 30 hours of service a week, two people

working at all times, plus pre-opening/post-closing time) an at average of $35,000 each North IRC Branch (new) – 27 FTE for 2025 population (Enhanced quality level) at an

average of $40,000 each

Facilities Development Funding Opportunities General funds – the ad valorem taxes and other revenue sources the county uses to

provide services to the public.

Optional sales tax – a one cent sales tax county government can use for infrastructure development when approved by a vote of residents.

Bonds – governments can seek bonds that must be repaid

State construction grants – up to $500,000 for construction or renovation of public libraries; legislatively appropriated, by project, each year; requires a 50% match.

Funds from other agencies such as IRCC and the school system – schools and community colleges can access several funding opportunities for capital construction.

Impact fees – Indian River County is currently studying its impact fee structure. The need for public library service and the possibility of using impact fees to help support it is being considered as part of the study.

Library taxing district – with the approval of residents, counties can establish taxing districts for the purpose of providing public library service. Examples in Florida are Orange County, Alachua County, Manatee County and others. Revenue from taxes can be saved from year to year for eventual capital improvements.

Fund raising – public libraries routinely initiate fund raising programs for capital projects.

88


Appendix One: National Peer Group

Population Library Name City State Square Miles Served 122,287 Rochester Public Library Rochester MN 658.4121,987 Hunterdon County Library Flemington NJ 121,975 Napa City-County Library Napa CA 787121,500 Sara Hightower Regional Library Rome GA 830121,123 Ector County Library Odessa TX 901.1121,000 Cedar Rapids Public Library Cedar Rapids IA 65.3

121,000 Thousand Oaks Library System Thousand Oaks CA 56

120,925 Scranton Public Library Scranton PA 25.2120,563 Monroe County Public Library Bloomington IN 394120,130 Allentown Public Library Allentown PA 28.7119,821 Tippecanoe County Public Library Lafayette IN 500119,708 Southwest Public Libraries Grove City OH 128

119,281 Mesa County Public Library District Grand Junction CO 3309

118,762 Gail Borden Public Library District Elgin IL 51118,458 Bethlehem Area Public Library Bethlehem PA 66.3117,083 Ferguson Library, The Stamford CT 39.2117,000 Inglewood Public Library Inglewood CA 8.9

116,800 Mansfield-Richland County Public Library Mansfield OH 497

116,510 Amherst Public Library Amherst NY 53.3115,930 Abilene Public Library Abilene TX 102115,774 Santa Fe Public Library Santa Fe NM 70115,715 Smithtown Library, The Smithtown NY 53.9115,603 Muskegon County Library Muskegon MI 115,000 Indian River County Library System Vero Beach FL 503114,581 Kalamazoo Public Library Kalamazoo MI 113,750 Carrollton Public Library Carrollton TX 36113,087 Beaumont Public Library System Beaumont TX 73112,937 Peoria Public Library Peoria IL 46.5

112,249 Anniston-Calhoun County, Public Library of Anniston AL 608

111,700 Downey City Library Downey CA 12.8111,454 Lincoln Library Springfield IL 62111,379 Longview Public Library Longview TX 274110,757 Pickens County Library System Easley SC 496110,157 Bay County Library System Bay City MI 444110,149 Forsyth County Public Library Cumming GA 225.8110,000 Clearwater Public Library System Clearwater FL 25.4

89


Appendix Two: Indian River County Education Related Statistics Source: IR County School District demographic statistics: DOE Student Database, Survey 2 data, October 13-17, 2003, as of November 24, 2003 Available at www.firn.edu/doe/eias/flmove/indian.htm.

Figure 48: Indian River County Public School Population by Grade Level, 2003-04

Grade White Non-

Hispanic

Black Non-

Hispanic Hispanic

Asian/ Pacific

Islander

American Indian/Alaskan Native

Multi-racial

Total Female

Total Male

Total Students

PK 189 56 95 3 0 19 146 216 362KG 745 184 198 17 2 48 583 611 1,194

1 760 186 177 11 1 47 560 622 1,1822 731 175 157 19 1 42 545 580 1,1253 853 227 207 16 4 33 615 725 1,3404 771 170 113 10 4 32 564 536 1,1005 877 177 170 16 1 37 620 658 1,2786 884 236 156 16 3 29 640 684 1,3247 897 213 148 15 8 21 625 677 1,3028 947 189 133 14 4 16 629 674 1,3039 1,044 251 180 27 5 14 721 800 1,521

10 965 186 127 15 4 9 631 675 1,30611 928 210 117 9 4 4 630 642 1,27212 752 141 101 10 1 5 498 512 1,010

Totals 11,343 2,601 2,079 198 42 356 8,007 8,612 16,619

Figure 49: Indian River County Public School Students by Race/Ethnicity and Language

Racial/Ethnic Category

# Primary Language Not

English

# Receive Reduced/Free

Lunch White, Non-Hispanic 21 2,888Black, Non-Hispanic 35 1,855Hispanic 559 1,618Asian/Pacific Islander 23 58American Indian/ Alaskan Native 2 13Multiracial 7 186Total 647 6,618

90


Appendix Three: Travel Times and Distances Chart

Locations Travel Time Travel Distance U.S. 1 from county line to county line* 34 to 26.5 minutes 22 miles State Road 60 Corridor I-95 to Main Library on State Road 60 15 minutes 7 miles I-95 to 66th Ave/Indian River Mall on S.R. 60

4 minutes 3.2 miles

I-95 to IRCC Mueller Campus entrance 7 minutes 4.9 miles I-95 to S.R. AIA on State Road 60* 22 to 22.5 minutes 10.8 miles From Main Library to: Atlantic Ocean 10 minutes 3.5 miles Indian River Mall/66th Ave. on S.R. 60 7 minutes 3.6 miles Gifford Youth Activity Center 12 minutes 4.8 miles St. Lucie County line on A1A 15 minutes 8.7 miles South County St. Lucie County line to Oslo Rd. on U.S. 1

3 minutes 2.0 miles

I-95 to U.S. 1 on Oslo Rd. 14 minutes 7.5 miles I-95 to 58th on Oslo Rd. 6 minutes 3.4 miles I-95 to 27th on Oslo Rd. 9 minutes 5.3 miles I-95 to S. Regional Park on Oslo Rd. 12 minutes 6.1 miles Oslo Rd. south to county line on 27th Ave.

4 minutes 1.9 miles

Oslo Rd. north to 8th on 27th Ave. 3 minutes 3.5 miles 8th north to S.R. 60 on 27th Ave. 5 minutes 5.4 miles North County N. County Library to I-95 6 minutes 3.5 miles N. County Library to Fellsmere welcome sign

9 minutes 6.4 miles

I-95 to Fellsmere welcome sign 3 minutes 2.5 miles N. County Library to U.S. 1 5 minutes 2.9 miles N. County Library to Wabasso 9 minutes 6.2 miles N. County Library to U.S. 1/Wabasso Ave. via Barber St.

12 minutes 5.8 miles

N. County Library to A1A over Wabasso Bridge

15 minutes 9.7 miles

I-95 to U.S. 1 on County Road 512 (Sebastian)*

11 minutes

6 miles

*Source: “Light of Speed,” Press Journal, March 2, 2003. Measurements made in January 2003. All other times/distances measured April – June, 2004 by consultants.

91


Appendix Four: Library Site Selection Checklist From Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations, 4th ed., William W. Sannwald, American Library Association, 2001 A. General

1. Is the site conveniently located to the population served? 2. Does the site provide high visibility and Identification? 3. Is the site affordable? 4. Will the site provide visibility of the building from the street? 5. Will a library be an appropriate use of the land in question? 6. Will the site retain or enhance the natural contours of the land? 7. Is the site zoned for a library? If not, is a library zoning possible? 8. Are there existing structures to be demolished? 9. If so, do those structures present any environmental problems? 10. If the library is a branch, are there overlapping service areas? 11. Will the use of the site add aesthetic value or amenities to the neighborhood? 12. Are there liabilities or nuisance factors to adjacent properties? 13. Will the use of the site for a library have any negative impact? 14. Will the library fit in with the area’s architectural style? 15. Will the building work with the traffic flow?

B. Location 1. Is the location considered acceptable by the population served? 2. Is the site accessible to all segments of the community served? 3. Is the site close to the part of the community understood to be most active and that will

generate the most use? 4. Is the site appropriate for a library? 5. Would library usage increase if another site was selected? Decrease if another site was

selected? Stay the same? 6. Will this location best meet the objective of providing materials and services to the

greatest number at the lowest cost? 7. Is the location in an area frequently visited by the community for daily activities like

shopping, working and other services? 8. Is the site near commercial, retail, cultural and other activities? 9. Does the site present a safety issue for patrons or staff?

C. Accessibility 1. Is the site easily accessible to those living in the area served? 2. Is the site easily reached by the greatest number of potential customers? 3. Are travel times from target population areas acceptable? 4. Have traffic patterns near the library been considered? 5. Is the site located on a busy highway that will require a separate entrance? 6. Is the site accessible to public transportation? 7. Is bicycle access encouraged?

92


8. Are there sidewalks? 9. Is the site convenient for private vehicle access? 10. Does the entrance provide adequate space and ease of accessibility for all arriving groups

and individuals?

D. Size 1. Does the site provide adequate room for current and future needs 2. Does the site provide space for green space? 3. Is the site large enough for adequate parking? 4. Does the property contain possible easements? 5. Does the property accommodate adequate setbacks? 6. Is there enough space for staging during construction?

E. Environmental Issues 1. Has an environmental impact report been made? 2. Is the site oriented to take advantage of natural light? 3. Does the site have adequate drainage? 4. Where is the site in the flood plain? 5. Has a subsurface probe been done? 6. Has the site been improved (curbs, water, sewer, etc.)? 7. Are there any natural or artificial barriers? 8. Are there any hidden problem so geology, topography, etc.? 9. Do neighboring facilities pose possible environmental problems? 10. Has the condition of the soil been tested? 11. Are their advantages or disadvantages to the slope?