public library structure in nys & library service options for the town of schodack prepared by...
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PUBLIC LIBRARY STRUCTURE IN NYSPUBLIC LIBRARY STRUCTURE IN NYS
& &
LIBRARY SERVICE OPTIONS LIBRARY SERVICE OPTIONS FOR THE TOWN OF SCHODACKFOR THE TOWN OF SCHODACK
Prepared byPrepared by Panz Library ConsultingPanz Library Consulting
Webster, NYWebster, NY
Presentation funded by NY State Division of Library DevelopmentPresentation funded by NY State Division of Library Development
CONSULTANT’S BACKGROUNDCONSULTANT’S BACKGROUND
37 year career in public libraries, 26 in administration
Positions:
Independent Library Consultant (2003-present)
Director, Rochester & Monroe County (1989-2003)
Director, Finger Lakes Library System (1979-1989)
Assistant Director, Battle Creek (1977-1979)
Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County PL (1971-1977)
Page, Buffalo & Erie County PL (1968-1970)
CLIENT LIST 2003 - 2006CLIENT LIST 2003 - 2006
New York State Library Chemung County Libraries James Prendergast Library
(Jamestown) Gloversville Free Library Southeast Steuben Public Library City of Rye Buffalo & Erie County PL Southern Tier Library System Onondaga County Public Library Patchogue-Medford Library Geneva Free Library Jordan Bramley Library
Four County Library System Pioneer Library System Monroe County Library System Dewitt Community Library Albion Public Library Onondaga Free Library Irondequoit Public Library Mendon Public Library Penn Yan Public Library Rochester Regional Library Council Utica Public Library Guilderland Public Library
PRESENTATION OBJECTIVESPRESENTATION OBJECTIVES
Review types of libraries in NYS – characteristics & steps for creation
Review potential library service options available to Schodack residents
Review advantages & disadvantages of each option
TYPES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIESTYPES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Association Libraries (363)
Municipal Libraries (212)
School District Public Libraries (139)
Special Legislative District Public Libraries (40)
OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL PUBLIC OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES RE: TAX SUPPORTLIBRARIES RE: TAX SUPPORT
Direct appropriation from a municipality or school Direct appropriation from a municipality or school districtdistrict
Placement of funding proposition on a municipal ballotPlacement of funding proposition on a municipal ballot
Placement of funding proposition on a school district Placement of funding proposition on a school district ballotballot
ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION
LIBRARYLIBRARY
ASSOCIATION LIBRARYASSOCIATION LIBRARYPrimary characteristics
A private corporation established by the members of the association
Budget is normally based on a contract with a unit of local government to provide library services to the residents of that jurisdiction - but library may place funding propositions on municipal or school district ballot
Association libraries are private not-for-profit corporations and are not subject to some of the laws and regulations governing public entities – i.e. procurement, civil service, investing funds, etc.
Rarely chartered in recent years by Regents
MUNICIPAL MUNICIPAL
PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY
MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARY Primary characteristics Primary characteristics
Formed by vote of the governing body of a municipality Formed by vote of the governing body of a municipality (village, town, city or county)(village, town, city or county)
Trustees are appointed by the municipalityTrustees are appointed by the municipality
Budget is usually Budget is usually appropriatedappropriated by municipality - by municipality - but library may place funding propositions on municipal or school district
Library is subject to all laws applicable to public institutions Library is subject to all laws applicable to public institutions in NYS i.e. procurement, civil service, investmentsin NYS i.e. procurement, civil service, investments
Library Board operates independently from municipality – Library Board operates independently from municipality – not as departmentnot as department
MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARYSteps for creatingSteps for creating
1. Town notifies the State Library of its intention to create new library
2. Municipality passes resolution to create new library, appropriates funds and appoints trustees
3. Trustees apply to Board of Regents for a charter and if granted, govern library
MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARYAdvantagesAdvantages
Municipality assumes responsibility for survival of library – ownership
Municipality can bond for capital projects
Close relationship between library and municipality
Opportunity for library to receive in-kind services from the municipality
MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARYConsiderationsConsiderations
Potential for conflict between library board and town re: who is in charge of library
Library must continue to compete with other municipal services for funding
Annual funding may fluctuate based on Town budget challenges
SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY
SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYPrimary characteristicsPrimary characteristics
Created by residents of a school district by approving propositions to create & fund a library and to elect trustees
Service area of the library mirrors the boundaries of the school district
Budget is approved annually by voters
Trustees are elected annually by voters
Library operates independently from school district
SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSteps for CreatingSteps for Creating
1. Petitions to create library (25 signatures) and nominate trustees (25 signatures or 2% of voters in last election)
2. Board of education schedules election
3. Public education campaign conducted
4. If resolution passes, elected trustees take office and file for charter
5. Existing library dissolved - assets transferred to new entity
6. School District collects taxes – turns funds over to Library
7. Annual funding remains unchanged until library requests increase
SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYAdvantagesAdvantages
Library operates independentlyLibrary operates independently
Elected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayersElected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayers
Opportunity to bond for capital projectsOpportunity to bond for capital projects
Once established, library sets time & place for electionOnce established, library sets time & place for election
Consistent funding streamConsistent funding stream
Straightforward process for seeking increase in fundingStraightforward process for seeking increase in funding
SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYConsiderationsConsiderations
Library must comply with civil service & municipal purchasing laws
Trustees subject to election
Requires strong advocacy and education campaigns
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVESPECIAL LEGISLATIVE
DISTRICT DISTRICT
PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY
Primary characteristicsPrimary characteristics
State legislation authorizes local election to establish and fund a new library and elect trustees
Legislation specifies service area and election process
Boundaries freely drawn to reflect library user base
Library has consistent funding stream – funding level continues until voters approve new amount
Separate from any municipality and school district
Library has ability to bond for capital projects
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY - - Steps for CreatingSteps for Creating
1. Features of proposed district defined – service area etc.
2. Local elected and appointed officials briefed
3. State Legislator introduces bill authorizing local election
4. If required, “home rule” message requested
5. If bill passes, election scheduled, candidates file petitions
6. Public education campaign conducted
7. If proposition passes, trustees take office and file for charter
8. Existing library dissolved - assets transferred to new entity
9. Municipality collects taxes - turns funds over to Library
10. Funding remains unchanged until library requests increase
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY PUBLIC LIBRARY
AdvantagesAdvantages Service areas can be freely drawnService areas can be freely drawn to mirror usage patternsto mirror usage patterns
Opportunity to eliminate unserved areas & equalize supportOpportunity to eliminate unserved areas & equalize support
District can bond for capital projectsDistrict can bond for capital projects
Library can set time & place for initial and succeeding votesLibrary can set time & place for initial and succeeding votes
Stable funding – once budget approved by voters - cannot Stable funding – once budget approved by voters - cannot be reducedbe reduced
Library is independent from municipalities & school districtLibrary is independent from municipalities & school district
Elected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayersElected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayers
Straightforward process for seeking increaseStraightforward process for seeking increase
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICTPUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
ConsiderationsConsiderations
Library responsible for running local electionLibrary responsible for running local election
Trustees are subject to electionTrustees are subject to election
Requires strong education & advocacy effortRequires strong education & advocacy effort
Once created, library must comply with Civil Once created, library must comply with Civil Service & Municipal Purchasing lawsService & Municipal Purchasing laws
CURRENT SITUATIONCURRENT SITUATION
TOWN OF SCHODACKTOWN OF SCHODACK
Town of Schodack is funding three libraries – East Town of Schodack is funding three libraries – East Greenbush, Castleton Public Library, Nassau Free Greenbush, Castleton Public Library, Nassau Free LibraryLibrary
Castleton is a municipal library chartered to serve the Castleton is a municipal library chartered to serve the Village of CastletonVillage of Castleton
East Greenbush is a special legislative district public East Greenbush is a special legislative district public library chartered to serve the Town of East Greenbushlibrary chartered to serve the Town of East Greenbush
Nassau Free is an association library chartered to Nassau Free is an association library chartered to serve the Town of Nassauserve the Town of Nassau
No library is chartered to serve the Town of SchodackNo library is chartered to serve the Town of Schodack
SOME POTENTIAL OPTIONSSOME POTENTIAL OPTIONS
1. Maintain status quo and continue to appropriate funds for three libraries
2. East Greenbush, Castleton and Nassau libraries could place funding propositions on the municipal or school district ballots if town of Schodack eliminates its appropriation
3. Create a new municipal public library serving the Town of Schodack except for village of Castleton
4. Castleton Public Library could re-charter as a town library and open up a second branch in the center of Town
5. Create new special legislative district public library serving the Town
6. The East Greenbush Library District could be expanded to incorporate the Town of Schodack
7. East Greenbush and Castleton could re-charter as school district public libraries serving their respective School Districts
MAINTAIN STATUS QUOMAINTAIN STATUS QUO
MAINTAIN STATUS QUOMAINTAIN STATUS QUOAdvantagesAdvantages
Path of least resistance if no consensus can be foundPath of least resistance if no consensus can be found
Requires no effort to change thingsRequires no effort to change things
Enables Schodack residents to access all three librariesEnables Schodack residents to access all three libraries
MAINTAIN STATUS QUOMAINTAIN STATUS QUOConsiderationsConsiderations
No representation for Town residents on library boardsNo representation for Town residents on library boards
Town & its residents have no control over costs of Town & its residents have no control over costs of library serviceslibrary services
Potential for continued disagreement within Town on Potential for continued disagreement within Town on best option for library servicebest option for library service
No library officially chartered to serve town residentsNo library officially chartered to serve town residents
Town residents have limited sense of “ownership” of Town residents have limited sense of “ownership” of librarieslibraries
LIBRARIES COULD PLACE LIBRARIES COULD PLACE
FUNDING PROPOSITIONS ON FUNDING PROPOSITIONS ON
MUNICIPAL OR SCHOOL MUNICIPAL OR SCHOOL
BALLOTSBALLOTS
MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTMUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTFUNDINGFUNDING
AdvantagesAdvantages
Libraries can appeal directly to Town residents for tax support If propositions pass on municipal ballot, the appropriation
cannot be decreased unless approved by voters
School ballot process requires limited number of signatures on petition
Process does not require any changes in governance of the three libraries
Short timeline for implementation
MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTMUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTFUNDINGFUNDING
ConsiderationsConsiderations
Requires considerable advocacy & education effortRequires considerable advocacy & education effort
Town residents will have no representation on library boardsTown residents will have no representation on library boards
Number of signatures required on petition for municipal ballot Number of signatures required on petition for municipal ballot may be difficult to obtain and petition process must be repeated may be difficult to obtain and petition process must be repeated each time an increase is soughteach time an increase is sought
If school ballot used, process is subject to counter-propositions If school ballot used, process is subject to counter-propositions that could reduce the amounts earmarked for librariesthat could reduce the amounts earmarked for libraries
Voters may be confused if all three libraries place separate Voters may be confused if all three libraries place separate propositions on ballotpropositions on ballot
CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL
LIBRARY SERVING TOWN OF LIBRARY SERVING TOWN OF
SCHODACK EXCEPT FOR SCHODACK EXCEPT FOR
VILLAGE OF CASTLETONVILLAGE OF CASTLETON
CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYCREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYAdvantagesAdvantages
Town assumes responsibility for funding library at Town assumes responsibility for funding library at level that meets state minimum standardslevel that meets state minimum standards
Town residents appointed to library board providing Town residents appointed to library board providing residents with representationresidents with representation
Town could bond for capital projects and facilitiesTown could bond for capital projects and facilities
Town could also elect to fund existing libraries until Town could also elect to fund existing libraries until new library is able to offer services on par with othersnew library is able to offer services on par with others
CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYCREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYConsiderationsConsiderations
Library must compete with other municipal services for Library must compete with other municipal services for fundingfunding
May take several years for new library to offer services May take several years for new library to offer services on par with existing librarieson par with existing libraries
Access to existing libraries may continue to be Access to existing libraries may continue to be curtailed if Town decides to eliminate fundingcurtailed if Town decides to eliminate funding
Potential for future disagreements between new library Potential for future disagreements between new library board and Town officials re: control of libraryboard and Town officials re: control of library
Castleton Library tax base is diminishedCastleton Library tax base is diminished
RE-CHARTER CASTLETON RE-CHARTER CASTLETON
AS TOWN LIBRARY WITH AS TOWN LIBRARY WITH
TWO BRANCHESTWO BRANCHES
RE-CHARTER CASTLETONRE-CHARTER CASTLETONAdvantagesAdvantages
Relatively easy process to complete
Town would appoint library board Town could bond for capital projects and facilitiesTown could bond for capital projects and facilities
Library Board & Town would determine need for additional branches within town
RE-CHARTER CASTLETONRE-CHARTER CASTLETONConsiderationsConsiderations
Not much different from current situation – Town funds library through appropriation
Library must compete with other municipal services for funding
Access to existing libraries may continue to be curtailed if Town decides to eliminate funding
If library opens second branch within town, operating costs will increase
CREATE NEW SPECIAL CREATE NEW SPECIAL
LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY
DISTRICT SERVING TOWN DISTRICT SERVING TOWN
OF SCHODACKOF SCHODACK
CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN
AdvantagesAdvantages Elected library board would be directly accountable to Town
residents
New library board could determine need for additional branches within town
New library board could determine need for continued funding to E. Greenbush & Nassau
Public would have opportunity to vote annually on library budget & special bonding propositions
Town could remove library funding from its budget
Governance & funding structure would mirror E. Greenbush & N. Greenbush
CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN
ConsiderationsConsiderations Requires substantial advocacy & education effort Operating two branches within Town will increase
operating costs Requires dissolution of existing Castleton library and
merger into new library district Town government has no control over library services May take several years for new library to offer services
on par with existing libraries Access to existing libraries may continue to be
curtailed if Town decides to eliminate funding
EXPAND GREENBUSH PL EXPAND GREENBUSH PL
DISTRICT TO INCLUDE DISTRICT TO INCLUDE
TOWN OF SCHODACKTOWN OF SCHODACK
EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO INCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACKINCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACK
AdvantagesAdvantages
Relatively straightforward process Would provide Town residents with representation on
library board and opportunity to vote on library budget Determination of number of library outlets to operate
within new district would rest with the library board Potential for Castleton Library to merge into new
district Town would not have to fund library service
EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO INCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACKINCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACK
ConsiderationsConsiderations
Requires E. Greenbush residents approval to expand the library district
Requires significant advocacy and education effort
Territory covered by district is relatively large – need for additional library outlets will increase budget
Town would have no control over library services
RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH
& CASTLETON AS SCHOOL & CASTLETON AS SCHOOL
DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARIES DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARIES
RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & CASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’SCASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’S
AdvantagesAdvantages
Library services consistent with School District boundaries – some natural connection
New service areas would cover most of the Town of Castleton
Town would not have to fund library services
Elected boards and publicly approved budgets would provide residents with direct control over library services within each School District
Relatively easy process for forming School District Public Libraries
Once budgets approved by public, libraries would have consistent funding stream
RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & CASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’SCASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’S
ConsiderationsConsiderations
Small portion of Town of Schodack lies outside of both School Districts and will remain “un-served”
Would encroach on service area of Nassau Free Library may require merger into new district leaving rest of Town of Nassau unserved
Requires strong advocacy and education effort
Divides the Town re: library services
Requires dissolution of existing E. Greenbush and Castleton libraries – creation of new school district libraries
Town has no control over library services
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOVING AHEADMOVING AHEAD
Identify process for making decision (appoint blue ribbon panel to recommend best option)
Identify additional options, analyze each, select best for long-term success
Do not underestimate the cost of quality library service (E. Greenbush $50/cap; similar size communities - $44/cap; must meet minimum standards – facilities, hours open, personnel)
Develop timeline for implementation
Determine need for legal and/or consultant support
WHY THE NYS BOARD OF REGENTS WHY THE NYS BOARD OF REGENTS RECOMMENDS LIBRARY DISTRICTSRECOMMENDS LIBRARY DISTRICTS
Funding is more predictable and steady – once approved by voters, level cannot be decreased
Increased autonomy and control by library board
Library is more “accountable” to public
More ownership by community – elected board
Simplified funding stream Potential for offering enhanced services
Success rate for ongoing funding propositions exceeds 90%
Ability to “bond” for capital projects – improved facilities Libraries funded by public vote have per-capita support that is
twice that of libraries that depend on appropriation
INFORMATION SOURCESINFORMATION SOURCES
NY State Library WebsiteNY State Library Websitehttp://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/ (Click on Public (Click on Public Library District “How to Guide” in pull down Library District “How to Guide” in pull down menu)menu)
Upper Hudson Library SystemUpper Hudson Library System
Other librariesOther libraries