ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Library Service Priorities Emphasized As IMCPL Addresses Budget Challenges
October 18, 2006
IMCPL's new service priorities are being defined as the Library faces serious future funding challenges. Additional operating costs will be necessary when the transformed Central Library opens in late 2007.
Developing childhood literacy skills, providing lifelong learning opportunities, and maintaining a sizeable collection of in-demand materials are part of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library's commitment to meet the 21st century information needs of patrons.
These and other future service priorities have been defined as a means for the Library to remain a relevant and essential part of patrons' lives while it works to streamline operations and hold the line on spending of tax dollars.
As IMCPL enacts various austerity measures as part of a reduced 2007 operating budget of $36.3 million, or 1.5% less than 2006, local branch libraries will be involved in a number of activities that ensure a continued high level of services.
A large collection of new and popular materials will be available at each branch so that patrons can browse and find materials they want for reading, viewing or listening. Such a collection will allow ample copies to be available for access as well by patrons visiting the Library's website. For every two hold requests of a particular book title, the Library will guarantee that at least one copy of the book is in the collection. For every five requests of audio or visual materials, such as CD's or DVD's, there will be at least one copy available.
The Library also will maintain an in-depth collection of materials, with many older items, reference or limited copy materials available at Central Library.
Another of IMCPL's new initiatives promotes a love of reading among children and the literacy skills they need to succeed in school. In addition to such established reading initiatives as the Summer Reading Program and the November Read-Aloud, each branch location is providing regularly-scheduled storytime programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and families as a way to introduce young children to language concepts and the world of books. Programs also are planned to assist parents and day care leaders in working with children to prepare them to learn.
For adults, the Library will continue to offer a wide range of free cultural and educational programming, including book discussions, author appearances, musical performances, craft programs and special event programming held in partnership with other community organizations.
In addition, IMCPL will emphasize activities that enhance information and workforce literacy skills. Branch libraries will provide resources and assistance in job search training and resume preparation. Free computer classes are offered at the Interim Central Library and other locations to learn computer skills, as well library and online resources for employment help.
While one-on-one assistance at branch locations will continue to be provided to help patrons locate and use relevant information, reference help also is being made easier with a new free online service offered 24 hours a day through the Library's website. "Ask a Librarian Express" provides for a live exchange of information between a patron and librarians nationwide who have worked in public, academic, government and corporate settings.
Students in grades 4 - 12 can also go online from 2 - 10 p.m. to access "Live Homework Help," a free service that allows them to ask homework questions about math, science, English and social studies and get real answers from trained and certified tutors nationwide.
IMCPL's forward-thinking service approach comes at a time when the Library faces serious challenges in its ability to maintain current levels of service. Increased expenses for utilities, supplies and other fixed costs, along with necessary additional operating costs associated with the opening of the transformed Central Library in late 2007, have caused the Library to identify other cost savings in order to hold the rate steady on property taxes, which comprise 84% of the Library's revenue sources. Such measures include an 8% reduction in personnel costs, elimination of in-house printing, and cuts in public relations, programming and telephone expenses.
Further examination of IMCPL operations and finding ways "to do more with less" will be necessary, as the Library is projecting a revenue shortfall of up to $2 million in 2008.
Even as challenges exist, library usage is unprecedented. So far in 2006, 3.7 million patrons have visited IMCPL facilities, up 1.7% over the same period in 2005. For all of 2005, IMCPL experienced a record 5.1 million patron visits. Circulation also has increased 14.8% over the same period in 2005, which saw a total of 12.2 million items circulated.
