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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2002-2003

The Mendocino County Public Library System

7 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 16 findings

F1 Page 44
The Mendocino County Library Director is held in the highest regard for her leadership abilities from all that were interviewed.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 44
As of March 1, 2002 there are 41,134 current registered library cardholders comprising about 50% of the total County population of 82,685. (Cards not used for three years are discarded.)
No recommendations for this finding
F3 Page 44
There are 18.25 employees, total, staffing the five branch libraries and the bookmobile. This lean staffing means there is no paid backup in the event of illness or for vacations. While volunteers do some of the backup, there seems to be a decreasing number of volunteer hours to do all of the backup necessary. The impact of a 19.2% increase in library patronage along with a County hiring freeze has highlighted the insufficient staffing problems.
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 44
According to the California Library Statistics, (2002), published by the California State Library Development Services Bureau, Mendocino has 4,850 residents for each full time paid staff compared to a statewide average of 2,976.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 44
According to the California Library Statistics, (2002), published by the California State Library Development Services Bureau, Mendocino County 44 spends only $15.03 per capita per year against a statewide average of $23.05 for library services.
No recommendations for this finding
F6 Page 44
According to the California Library Statistics, (2002), published by the California State Library Development Services Bureau, for public libraries serving populations of 60,000 to 100,000, Mendocino County salaries for Library Director and all staff positions fall at the very bottom of the scale.
Related Recommendations (1)
R15
Page 44
F. The Board of Supervisors should bring the County Library salary structure into line with other library systems of similar size and provide for this in the budget. (Finding 6) Comments The Grand Jury acknowledges and especially commends the County Library Director for her skills, energy and leadership in moving the Library and Library services to levels not supported by the County budget. The Grand Jury also applauds the staff, the Friends of the Library and all volunteers for their extraordinary roll in providing such a diverse, high quality library system in spite of severe monetary constraints. Over the last few years, many major accomplishments have been achieved through strong leadership, dedicated and competent staff, and momentous community support. Response Required Mendocino Board of Supervisors Mendocino County Administrator Response Requested Mendocino County Library Director Mendocino County Library Advisory Board 49
F7 Page 45
None of the County Library facilities comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). None of the facilities electrical systems adequately accommodate computer services and other electronics necessary to run the library system. Structural improvements and capital expenditures are needed at many of the library facilities.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 45
Friends of the Library and Volunteers have played a significant role in support of individual county libraries. Friends of the Library raise funds in various ways to supplement the needs of their particular branch. Volunteers help relieve the pressures of staff shortages and also assist in fundraising activities. “Friends” and volunteers are truly making every effort to help.
No recommendations for this finding
F9 Page 45
The 2002-2003 County Library budget has been reduced a total of $85,767 from both State and County sources.
No recommendations for this finding
F10 Page 45
Library services from the Bookmobile were initiated in 1965 and have been a popular way of accessing the library books for residents in outlying areas. The current Bookmobile, custom built in 1995, has logged 178,000 miles and because of it’s age, is increasingly undergoing expensive repairs. There are no funds allocated for replacement at this time. The Bookmobile stops within all supervisorial districts, and additionally serves the Parlin Fork and Chamberland Creek Conservation Camps.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 45
The Ukiah Library average usage is over 500 patrons a day. A great deal of support is given by the Friends of Ukiah Branch. The facility has had no 45 major maintenance or upgrading in 30 years and the space is insufficient for current usage levels. Moisture is present on some of the walls during rainy conditions. Parking meters in the area make relaxed parking difficult.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 46
The Fort Bragg Library services approximately 10,000 patrons per month. The “Friends” have raised $175,000 toward remodeling the facility. The Managing Librarian has initiated many special programs and is working toward making the library a focal point in the community.
No recommendations for this finding
F13 Page 46
The Point Arena Library facility is extremely inadequate in most regards. The Coast Community Friends of the Library are to be commended for raising over $200,000 for the construction of a new facility. This amount however may be insufficient. Additionally, while the Grand Jury understands the Point Arena residents natural desire to have a library facility in their own community, especially given their success in raising funds and establishing a location, there remains an unanswered question as to whether the demographics support a fixed facility in Point Arena. The County should be a partner in answering this question.
No recommendations for this finding
F14 Page 46
The Willits Library facility is in great condition and the local “Friends” very supportive.
No recommendations for this finding
F15 Page 46
The Round Valley Library, a rented facility, has had negligent maintenance, the electrical system is in poor condition and tiles have been known to hang from the ceiling. For these and other reasons this library is being given special attention by the County. Friends of the Library have been paying the monthly rent but the $3,600 needed yearly for this has now been included in the revised budget for 2002-2003.
No recommendations for this finding
F16 Page 46
As related in the 2002-2003 Budget Report, the Mendocino County Library website, http://www.mendolibrary.org, allows patrons to access an online catalog from which they can order books and 46 have them delivered via bookmobile. The site now includes a database to search for and print magazine and newspaper articles. “Q&A Café” on the website is available for patrons to ask reference questions online from 2-9 pm daily. The website also provides current information on upcoming events at the libraries.
No recommendations for this finding