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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1988/89 1989/90 Change Salaries & Employee Benefits $27,848,186 $31,398,000 $3,549,814 SOURCE OF LIBRARY FUNDS 1989/90 Services and Supplies 22,095,133 25,047,000 2,951,867 Fixed Assets: . Equipment 873,573 898,000 24,427 Special District • Structures 200,000 1,600,000 1,400,000 Reserves 15% Augmentation Fund Reserves: Revenue 10% 40% Appropriation for Contingency 3,230,504 3,621 ,000 390,496 Estimated Delinquency 908,686 1,131,000 222,314 Total Requirements $55, 156,082 $63,695,000 $8,538,918 Property Tax Fund Balance $7,588,021 $9,468,000 $1,879,979 35% Revenue 4,960,757 6,329,000 1,368,243 Augmentation Funds 22,696,711 25,290,000 2,593,289 Tax Levy 19,910,593 22,608,000 2,697,407 Available Funds $55,156,082 $63,695,000 $8,538,918 Budgeted Full Time Positions 837.7 871.5 33.8 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Peter F. Schabarum Chairman First Distnct Kenne-th Hahn Second District Edmund D. Edelman Third D1stnc1 Deane Dana Fourth District Michael D. Antonovich Fifth District I 1 I • .I,, I i I ! A LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY This was a year marked by achievement: enhancing our business to serve our customer better; establishing higher standards of quality; being more responsive to the customer's information needs; utilizing the latest technology to strengthen our services; and laying the groundwork for further enriching our collection. Collectively, these directions characterized the activities of the County of Los Angeles Public Library this fiscal year. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library groups, Regional Library Council members, community supporters, and the Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation, we achieved our challenging strategic goals. For ten years, the Library prepared to implement one of the country's largest Automated Circulation Systems. Using an extremely ambitious timetable, staff successfully brought 90 community libraries on line in only 16 months! Over 400,000 customers were issued new library cards! All of this was accomplished without any major system problems! Marketing played a major role in the development and promotion of our collection. With the Automated Circulation System, we now have the ultimate marketing tool. For the first time, we have consistent and reliable information which will allow us to predict more precisely our customer's needs. The bottom line in all of our activity this year sought the answer to the question: What do our Customers want and need? Library staff was quick to recognize that new and i nnovative programs and services needed to be created. We improved and expanded many of our information services. Plans were made to dep loy library materials rapidly and five community library marketing pilot projects were established. All three Library divisions mobilized behind our number one priority, the Automated Circulation System, and became skilled in new areas of instruction. Hundreds of hours were spent training staff in utilizing their new circulation system and more training will be offered in the coming year. Thanks to this multi-divisional cooperation, our staff is now better equipped to take full advantage of the system's benefits, providing our customers with better service. This year's highlight was the visit by First Lady, Barbara Bush, and California State Librarian, Gary Strong, who came to view our Community Access Library Line CALL, the Southern California Literacy Hotline, which matches up tutors and adult learners. The impact of the information age came full circle as we all watched in astonishment at the dramatic unfolding of world events. As information providers, the County of Los Angeles Public Library entered the new decade with a revitalized and energetic service orientation. We are fortunate to have the resources and strategies that keep us on the competitive edge of the emerging information age. Sandra F. Reuben County Librarian ■ LIBRARY AT A GLANCE The County of Los Angeles Public Library is a special fund department under the jurisdiction of the County Board of Supervisors. It is currently financed by the property tax, including an allocation from the Special District Augmentation Fund and the State's Public Ubrary Fund. Current per capita expenditure is $18.57. The County Library serves most of the unincorporated territory in Los Angeles County and 50 of the 86 cities. The Library belongs to the South State Cooperative Ubrary System. Perspectives Size: 3,089 Square Miles • Total Budget : $63,695,000 • Population SeNed: 3,081,815 . Service Facilities: 90 Regional and Community Libraries, 2 Institutional Libraries, 4 Bookmobiles, • Number of Staff:1,806 Full and Part Time . Volunteers: 1. 762 (62,95g Hours Worked) • Friends of the Library: 56 Groups {4,585 Members) Highlights • 90 locations were successfulty brought on line in 16 months . • 73,890 titles were cataloged, a 68.g% increase over last year . • 370,169 items were processed. a 9% increase over last year . • 4 million items were barcoded, 10% above the original goal. • 468,899 customers were re-registered for new library cards, accomplishing 42% of a three-year goal. This averaged to almost 46,900 a month over a ten-month period . • 14,986,96g reference questions were answered, representing a record high, 4.7%, or 643,352 more than the previous year, despite closures for automation . • 3,774,900 items were used by customers in the libraries . • 11,177,006 items were in circulation. Although this is 8% lower than last year, the business volume is significant considering the fact that all libraries were closed a minimum of six weeks to barcode the collections, receive training, and to prepare for going on line . • Telefax usage reached an all time high with 13,718 messages sent. an increase of 78%. i STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS Fiscal Year Dollars in Millions Total Budget Material Expenditures Dollars In Thousands Capital Projects In Millions Material Circulation Reference Questions In Thousands Registered Borrowers 80/81 81 /82 25.6 30.6 3.1 3.3 0 1575 9.7 10.1 5.5 6.6 824 831 82/83 83/84 84/85 32.9 36.7 39.5 4.1 4.4 4.8 1583 1683 100 10.5 11.1 11.7 7.8 9.1 10.5 868 893 918 85/86 86/87. 87/88 88/89 89/90 45.0 45.0 53 54.2 62.5 5.4 5.7 6.0 6.3 7.7 1150 475 578 200 1600 11.8 12.2 12.0 12.1 11.0 11.2 12.3 13.5 14.2 13.3 935 957 988 1018 470 I ACS MILESTONES Automated Circulation System Careful planning, training, and a superlative organization facilitated our completion of the automation project in 90 libraries in only 16 months-an unprecedented achievement. This task could not have been realized without the commitment and efforts of Library staff and volunteers. Everyone mobilized and got behind this project in order to support the Library's number one priority for the year. On June 26, 1990, County Public Library history was made as the West Covina Library became the last library to begin circulating on line, linking all 90 community libraries by our Automated Circulation System. Public Services, Technical Services, and Administrative Services worked very closely during this time, ensuring its success. The installation of our Automated Circulation System will benefit our customers in countless ways. The obvious advantage of the system is that it makes for a quicker and smoother circulation process and facilitates our ability to track materials. However, the bottom line benefit is that we now have the capability of knowing exactly what our customers want. need, and use. In essence, the Library will be able to create tailor-made local collections to meet the demands of our customers. Highlights • The customer file grew from 15,660 to 468,899 borrowers by the end of the fiscal year. • At one point, staff at the libraries were labelling items at the rate of over 300,000 per month .• Automated Circulation System trainers, Bibliographic Access staff, Automated Circulation System staff, and contracted librarians trained over 800 full and parttime staff in on line circulation procedures. Staff organized, developed and scheduled the ONTRAC classes as well as a separate course on registration. In essence, an academy of skilled staff was put together to instruct and familiarize staff with new procedures ... the first of its kind in the Library! • Bibliographic Access Assistance Teams made 4 72 visits to libraries and solved 28,251 problems in labelling materials . • In a unique communication breakthrough, additional lines were installed at Library Headquarters so that staff with personal computers could dial in. Staff used this capability extensively for electronic mail. • Regional Automated Circulation System celebrations were attended by members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, city officials, Regional Library Council members, and Library supporters. ENHANCED SERVICES Marketing The Library's Marketing Unit, together with front line staff, developed community programs serving specific target segments of the population. The demand for information, competition in the Library environment with the rise of information brokers, new technologies and shifting demographic trends were carefully evaluated in order to position and enhance the Library in the communities we serve. The results included: • A comprehensive County-wide marketing plan. • The Library logo was redesigned to focus on the County Library's service identity. • The name of the Library was changed to County of Los Angeles Public Library to emphasize the word "County". • A professionally administered Customer Satisfaction Survey was completed. • A Membership Task Force designed an ambitious registration campaign to attract at least 250,000 current non-users. • Marketing plans were developed for five pilot libraries that would reflect the many different geographic locations the Library serves, and target specific communities where those libraries are located. Reference Service Increasingly, service is defined by our customer. Whether it involves solving complex reference and information queries, strengthening reference service, or providing information on demand, the Library has responded with innovative service solutions. FYI , the Library's new fee-based service, was created as a solution to the demand for customized business research by professionals who rely on accurate up-to-date information, but lack the time and resources necessary to get it. FYI established 1 90 new customer accounts in its formative year, which was more than double the original goal of 75. Staff was able to generate sufficient revenue to cover all direct costs. FYI developed the first of a series of product lines. The FISCAL Directory of Fee-Based Information Services in Libraries will be published at the end of 1990. The Directory is a valuable resource for all libraries that have fee-based services and especially for people who need to locate these types of services. The Busrness Subject Specialty Center was established at the Norwalk Library to deepen and complement the free business reference service in all libraries. The Center has particular strengths in marketing, industry, company information, and trade periodicals and directories. •'' tJi' ~' ~,~_"- • -· ' ~V::-.;,- . - ~--·. i'/-1,,, ·..,. .·. ..._..· ,/ ~~ - ": ~'.••a .. ~ The Library's second fee-based reference service, Municipal Reference, evolved as an outgrowth of our research within County departments to ascertain their needs. This service targets governmental officials and workers. Collection Development The Collection Development staff moved forward in developing a broad and relevant collection. Some of their accomplishments this year included: • Development of a method to allocate the materials budget to reflect the collection activities in each library. • Development of a model to establish two experimental, popular reading libraries. • Expansion of the audio compact disc service to every library and expansion of other collections, including Books-on-Tape, to meet popular demands. HIV Information Center The HIV Information Center at the West Hollywood Library completed its first full year of operation. The Center was awarded a NACo (National Association of Counties) Award for its innovative service, and a Public Relations Award by the American Library Association for the Center's brochure. ,. .. :l8;. ._![.;", '>, · .,. ,'-.' ~11t J.-. '!'?;:, ·.~\ . f: ';':-,:: .·Y .: ,; ' .. ;~•· GLOBAL TURNING POINTS 1989 / 1990 · County of Los Angeles Public Ubrary brings all 90 libraries on line. Nelson Mandela freed on February 11. 1990 after 27 years. FBI conduct probe of librarians and others who criticize its program to monitor U.S. libraries to detect Soviet spies. Berlin Wall comes down. President Bush signs legislation bailing out Savings and Loan Industry, launching largest Federal rescue ever. Major quake rocks San Francisco: buildings, highways collapse Damage costs estimated at $4 billion. • YOUTH SERVICES Library seNices to youth continue to remain strong. Despite the tremendous focus on implementing the Automated Circulation System, 324,839 children were reached through school and class visits, a 31 % increase over last year. School relations remain an important element in our outreach services. Thanks to our partnerships with the many school districts, programming for children continues to grow. Library seNices to youth will continue to play a major role in the empowerment of children and in raising their perceptions of how the Library can benefit them. Staff made extraordinary efforts to revitalize outreach programs and to gear up for the 1990 Summer Reading Program, "Library Kids Flip Over Books." Over 14,CX)Q children attended the reading program this summer. Thanks to an energetic Youth SeNices staff, 91,460 children and adults participated in and enjoyed many popular and high quality programs, funded by grants from the Ahmanson Foundation, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Target Stores. Preschool storyhours were attended by 86,375 children. LITERACY NEW DIRECTIONS Although California Library Services Act CLSA funding for literacy programs beyond five years ended this year, the Library was able to continue offering literacy programs, and maintaining the Southern California Literacy Hotline and other literacy services, thanks to the generous funding of the Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation. The Foundation raised over $28,000 to enhance support services. This year the programs were positioned strongly to reflect the philosophy of "building partnerships with the communities." Literacy programs received a big boost this year from the visit by First Lady Barbara Bush to the Community Access Library Line CALL, which serves as the Southern California Literacy Hotline, located at the Montebello Library. Mrs. Bush met with tutors and adult learners and was deeply moved by their stories of how much the Library's programs have helped them. Mrs. Bush applauded Library staff for their efforts and programs, encouraging them to continue the excellent work Following Mrs. Bush's visit, the use of the Southern California Literacy Hotline at the Montebello Library increased 26.8%. Staff answered 88,694 literacy calls. Access to CALL's database was expanded to seven other community libraries. ■ STAFF DEVELOPMENT/ REVENUE MATERIALS EXPENDITURES 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (Dollars in Millions) Staff Development The Library builds on its most valuable asset-the quality of its staff. People continue to be the driving force in our ability to provide excellent customer service. The main emphasis on training this year was to teach staff to operate the Automated Circulation System. Staff also received training in time management, book talk techniques, emergency preparedness, earthquake safety, auditing policies and procedures, computer comfort, on line searching, public contact skills, and marketing techniques. In order to recruit and retain highly skilled and qualified staff, special committees for Recruitment and Retention were convened to attract candidates from outside of Los Angeles County. The Committees also participated in the County Student Outreach Programs and with five high schools in each of the Supervisorial Districts. A planning group was farmed with managers from each of the Library's three divisions to create an Employee Recognition and Rewards Task Force. Revenue The Library strives to broaden its revenue base through a cooperative relationship with the cities we serve, an extensive network of 56 Friends of the Library groups, supportive Regional Library Council members, concerned community organizations, and a committed group of volunteers. Thanks to these groups and individuals, $259,743 in materials, equipment, and cash were donated to the Library. The number of volunteer hours of service increased, although the number of volunteers dropped slightly compared to the previous year. A total of 1 , 702 volunteers donated 62,959 hours to our libraries. The financial value of these hours is over $405,456, if they were paid at the current Library Aide rate of $6.44 per hour. The cities we serve donated $30,150. The City of West Hollywood continued to fund the cost of Sunday service at that library. The Norwalk and Baldwin Park Libraries were enhanced with special purchases of business and ethnic materials with funding from the South State Cooperative Library System. The Library continues to enjoy the savings resulting from the use of its lease/purchase borrowing authority to finance the $5 million Automated Circulation System. Because of our ability to obtain a $390,000 advantage from this arrangement, the Library was recognized by the County as an outstanding example of productivity and was awarded a Productivity Award by the Board of Supervisors. As an outgrowth of strategic planning, the Library developed a design for financing all capital projects. There was a great deal of activity in moving forward with our plans for new libraries in Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. FORTIFYING OUR SERVICES AND BUILDINGS DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL BUDGET 1989/90 Salaries 50 % Services and Supplies 28% Appropriation for Major Equipment / Contingencies 6% Structures 4% This year, more than ever before, the divisions pulled together as a team to work on a multitude of projects. The team of specialists from Fiscal, Personnel, Staff Services, and Facilities Management sections deserve special praise for their enthusiasm and hard labor in providing vital support services. Highlights of this year include: • A more rapid transport of books and materials between libraries was created by adding trucks and personnel to the Library's delivery service, and by revising the shipping system. This new service provides for pickup/drop-off at all 90 locations four days per week. The advantage: customers can now order books and have them the very next day! • Telephone systems in six of the largest County libraries were replaced. New telephone numbers were established for reference and c irculation services at high activity sites. The advantage: improved public service at less cost. • Architectural and design specifications for the Lancaster Library were completed. • The Hawaiian Gardens Library was expanded for improved service. • The Holly Park Library was closed due to a decline in activity which resulted directly from the Century Freeway construction. The Library worked closely with the Board of Supervisors and the City of Hawthorne to facilitate a smooth closure. • The East County Bookmobile was moved to the more rural North County Region. • In March, a fire caused the Charter Oak Library to be closed. Thanks to the efforts of staff, thousands of books and materials were salvaged and moved to storage in a West Covina Library garage. Working closely with the high spirited community of Charter Oak and a supportive Board of Supervisors, a new location has been found and the Library will reopen in early 1991. The Library is grateful to the Friends of the Charter Oak Library, Regional Library Council member, and residents of the community who rallied with their support and commitment to reopen their library. • Improved cash management procedures were implemented and 35 on-site audits were conducted by Fiscal Services . • A Job Requisition Tracking System was implemented which allows staff to respond more efficiently to inquiries regarding building maintenance needs. • Staff continues to be trained in the County-wide Emergency Preparedness Program. • The Library received awards from the County Productivity Commission for the Speed Dial/Toll Restriction Project designed by Staff Services; the Construction of Book Trucks made by the Facilities Staff, which saved the Library $31,287; and for the Video Order Consolidation by Technical Services, which drastically trimmed the turnaround time for ordering videocassettes. • AWARDS AND SPECIAL EVENTS In February, the Library celebrated its 11th Annual Black History Tribute at the A C Bilbrew Library and honored television actress, Marla Gibbs. Each year during National Library Week, the Library honors those individuals who have made outstanding contributions. This year, authors Harlan Ellison and Ross Thomas celebrated National Library Week with us. This year's Librarian of the Year was Linda Elliot of the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in Bellfower for her extensive community outreach in acquainting residents with Library services and preparing them for the new Automated Circulation System. The Charlotte Award for excellence in Youth Services was given to Merrick Hamer of the Manhattan Beach Library for his unique dramatization of stories. The Support Services Award for excellence in a non-librarian position was given to Frances Beals of the West Covina Library for her strong organizational skills. The Productivity Award was earned by the Brakensiek Automation Team for being the pioneering group that set the model for the rest of the Library in getting ready for the Automated Circulation System. The Citizen's Award recognized the contribution of outstanding Library supporters, Diane and Eric Haupt of the Las Virgenes Library, who put in many hours raising money for the library and worked on a number of projects to enhance library service. ■ MISSION STATEMENT ■ THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY IS A NETWORK OF COMMUNITYFOCUSED LIBRARIES THAT MEET THE INFORMATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF A HIGHLY DIVERSE PUBLIC ■ WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE THROUGH SELF-EDUCATION. ■ OUR HELPFUL AND EXPERT STAFF PROVIDES INFORMATION AND QUALITY SERVICE AND PROGRAMS IN A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT ■ WE OFFER A BROAD AND RELEVANT COLLECTION, AND OUR EXPANDING INFORMATION NETWORKS USE CURRENT TECHNOLOGY. ■ THE LIBRARY IS IN THE BUSINESS OF SATISFYING THE CUSTOMER'S NEED TO KNOW. ART DIRECTOR: MARY LEWIS DESIGNER: MARY LEWIS GRAPHIC ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR: CONSTANCE ALLEN TYPESETTER: MARILYN REYES PROOFREADER: JENNY ABBOTT PHOTOGRAPHERS: JAMES JEFFERY; COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER; IMAGE BANK; WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER: SUE COWEN MARKETING DIRECTOR: PHIL FLEMING f :hr~r ~; C~\IY--=- t·OS t.-Jr.:IU·S P..·flUC ·US:t.l Jl'Iw'
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Title | County of Los Angeles Public Library Annual Report 1989 - 1990 |
Creator | Cowen, Sue |
Contributors | Lewis, Mary; Allen, Constance; Reyes, Marilyn; Abbott, Jenny; Jeffery, James; Fleming, Phil |
Date | 1990 |
Description | Report published to describe activities of the County of Los Angeles Public Library in 1989 and 1990. |
Subject | County of Los Angeles Public Library |
Publisher | LA County Library |
County | Los Angeles (California, United States : county) |
State | California (United States, North and Central America : state) |
Collection | Library Headquarters Documents Collection |
Source | Cabinet 6, Drawer B |
Physical Format | administrative reports |
Extent | 18 pages |
Type | text |
Language | eng |
Digital Collection | LA County Library History Collection |
Resource Identifier | AnnualReport1990.pdf |
File Format | application/pdf |
Date Digital | October 01 2018 |
Rights Statement | In Copyright. Copyright is held by the County of Los Angeles Public Library. For more information, see http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
Transcription | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1988/89 1989/90 Change Salaries & Employee Benefits $27,848,186 $31,398,000 $3,549,814 SOURCE OF LIBRARY FUNDS 1989/90 Services and Supplies 22,095,133 25,047,000 2,951,867 Fixed Assets: . Equipment 873,573 898,000 24,427 Special District • Structures 200,000 1,600,000 1,400,000 Reserves 15% Augmentation Fund Reserves: Revenue 10% 40% Appropriation for Contingency 3,230,504 3,621 ,000 390,496 Estimated Delinquency 908,686 1,131,000 222,314 Total Requirements $55, 156,082 $63,695,000 $8,538,918 Property Tax Fund Balance $7,588,021 $9,468,000 $1,879,979 35% Revenue 4,960,757 6,329,000 1,368,243 Augmentation Funds 22,696,711 25,290,000 2,593,289 Tax Levy 19,910,593 22,608,000 2,697,407 Available Funds $55,156,082 $63,695,000 $8,538,918 Budgeted Full Time Positions 837.7 871.5 33.8 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Peter F. Schabarum Chairman First Distnct Kenne-th Hahn Second District Edmund D. Edelman Third D1stnc1 Deane Dana Fourth District Michael D. Antonovich Fifth District I 1 I • .I,, I i I ! A LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY This was a year marked by achievement: enhancing our business to serve our customer better; establishing higher standards of quality; being more responsive to the customer's information needs; utilizing the latest technology to strengthen our services; and laying the groundwork for further enriching our collection. Collectively, these directions characterized the activities of the County of Los Angeles Public Library this fiscal year. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library groups, Regional Library Council members, community supporters, and the Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation, we achieved our challenging strategic goals. For ten years, the Library prepared to implement one of the country's largest Automated Circulation Systems. Using an extremely ambitious timetable, staff successfully brought 90 community libraries on line in only 16 months! Over 400,000 customers were issued new library cards! All of this was accomplished without any major system problems! Marketing played a major role in the development and promotion of our collection. With the Automated Circulation System, we now have the ultimate marketing tool. For the first time, we have consistent and reliable information which will allow us to predict more precisely our customer's needs. The bottom line in all of our activity this year sought the answer to the question: What do our Customers want and need? Library staff was quick to recognize that new and i nnovative programs and services needed to be created. We improved and expanded many of our information services. Plans were made to dep loy library materials rapidly and five community library marketing pilot projects were established. All three Library divisions mobilized behind our number one priority, the Automated Circulation System, and became skilled in new areas of instruction. Hundreds of hours were spent training staff in utilizing their new circulation system and more training will be offered in the coming year. Thanks to this multi-divisional cooperation, our staff is now better equipped to take full advantage of the system's benefits, providing our customers with better service. This year's highlight was the visit by First Lady, Barbara Bush, and California State Librarian, Gary Strong, who came to view our Community Access Library Line CALL, the Southern California Literacy Hotline, which matches up tutors and adult learners. The impact of the information age came full circle as we all watched in astonishment at the dramatic unfolding of world events. As information providers, the County of Los Angeles Public Library entered the new decade with a revitalized and energetic service orientation. We are fortunate to have the resources and strategies that keep us on the competitive edge of the emerging information age. Sandra F. Reuben County Librarian ■ LIBRARY AT A GLANCE The County of Los Angeles Public Library is a special fund department under the jurisdiction of the County Board of Supervisors. It is currently financed by the property tax, including an allocation from the Special District Augmentation Fund and the State's Public Ubrary Fund. Current per capita expenditure is $18.57. The County Library serves most of the unincorporated territory in Los Angeles County and 50 of the 86 cities. The Library belongs to the South State Cooperative Ubrary System. Perspectives Size: 3,089 Square Miles • Total Budget : $63,695,000 • Population SeNed: 3,081,815 . Service Facilities: 90 Regional and Community Libraries, 2 Institutional Libraries, 4 Bookmobiles, • Number of Staff:1,806 Full and Part Time . Volunteers: 1. 762 (62,95g Hours Worked) • Friends of the Library: 56 Groups {4,585 Members) Highlights • 90 locations were successfulty brought on line in 16 months . • 73,890 titles were cataloged, a 68.g% increase over last year . • 370,169 items were processed. a 9% increase over last year . • 4 million items were barcoded, 10% above the original goal. • 468,899 customers were re-registered for new library cards, accomplishing 42% of a three-year goal. This averaged to almost 46,900 a month over a ten-month period . • 14,986,96g reference questions were answered, representing a record high, 4.7%, or 643,352 more than the previous year, despite closures for automation . • 3,774,900 items were used by customers in the libraries . • 11,177,006 items were in circulation. Although this is 8% lower than last year, the business volume is significant considering the fact that all libraries were closed a minimum of six weeks to barcode the collections, receive training, and to prepare for going on line . • Telefax usage reached an all time high with 13,718 messages sent. an increase of 78%. i STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS Fiscal Year Dollars in Millions Total Budget Material Expenditures Dollars In Thousands Capital Projects In Millions Material Circulation Reference Questions In Thousands Registered Borrowers 80/81 81 /82 25.6 30.6 3.1 3.3 0 1575 9.7 10.1 5.5 6.6 824 831 82/83 83/84 84/85 32.9 36.7 39.5 4.1 4.4 4.8 1583 1683 100 10.5 11.1 11.7 7.8 9.1 10.5 868 893 918 85/86 86/87. 87/88 88/89 89/90 45.0 45.0 53 54.2 62.5 5.4 5.7 6.0 6.3 7.7 1150 475 578 200 1600 11.8 12.2 12.0 12.1 11.0 11.2 12.3 13.5 14.2 13.3 935 957 988 1018 470 I ACS MILESTONES Automated Circulation System Careful planning, training, and a superlative organization facilitated our completion of the automation project in 90 libraries in only 16 months-an unprecedented achievement. This task could not have been realized without the commitment and efforts of Library staff and volunteers. Everyone mobilized and got behind this project in order to support the Library's number one priority for the year. On June 26, 1990, County Public Library history was made as the West Covina Library became the last library to begin circulating on line, linking all 90 community libraries by our Automated Circulation System. Public Services, Technical Services, and Administrative Services worked very closely during this time, ensuring its success. The installation of our Automated Circulation System will benefit our customers in countless ways. The obvious advantage of the system is that it makes for a quicker and smoother circulation process and facilitates our ability to track materials. However, the bottom line benefit is that we now have the capability of knowing exactly what our customers want. need, and use. In essence, the Library will be able to create tailor-made local collections to meet the demands of our customers. Highlights • The customer file grew from 15,660 to 468,899 borrowers by the end of the fiscal year. • At one point, staff at the libraries were labelling items at the rate of over 300,000 per month .• Automated Circulation System trainers, Bibliographic Access staff, Automated Circulation System staff, and contracted librarians trained over 800 full and parttime staff in on line circulation procedures. Staff organized, developed and scheduled the ONTRAC classes as well as a separate course on registration. In essence, an academy of skilled staff was put together to instruct and familiarize staff with new procedures ... the first of its kind in the Library! • Bibliographic Access Assistance Teams made 4 72 visits to libraries and solved 28,251 problems in labelling materials . • In a unique communication breakthrough, additional lines were installed at Library Headquarters so that staff with personal computers could dial in. Staff used this capability extensively for electronic mail. • Regional Automated Circulation System celebrations were attended by members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, city officials, Regional Library Council members, and Library supporters. ENHANCED SERVICES Marketing The Library's Marketing Unit, together with front line staff, developed community programs serving specific target segments of the population. The demand for information, competition in the Library environment with the rise of information brokers, new technologies and shifting demographic trends were carefully evaluated in order to position and enhance the Library in the communities we serve. The results included: • A comprehensive County-wide marketing plan. • The Library logo was redesigned to focus on the County Library's service identity. • The name of the Library was changed to County of Los Angeles Public Library to emphasize the word "County". • A professionally administered Customer Satisfaction Survey was completed. • A Membership Task Force designed an ambitious registration campaign to attract at least 250,000 current non-users. • Marketing plans were developed for five pilot libraries that would reflect the many different geographic locations the Library serves, and target specific communities where those libraries are located. Reference Service Increasingly, service is defined by our customer. Whether it involves solving complex reference and information queries, strengthening reference service, or providing information on demand, the Library has responded with innovative service solutions. FYI , the Library's new fee-based service, was created as a solution to the demand for customized business research by professionals who rely on accurate up-to-date information, but lack the time and resources necessary to get it. FYI established 1 90 new customer accounts in its formative year, which was more than double the original goal of 75. Staff was able to generate sufficient revenue to cover all direct costs. FYI developed the first of a series of product lines. The FISCAL Directory of Fee-Based Information Services in Libraries will be published at the end of 1990. The Directory is a valuable resource for all libraries that have fee-based services and especially for people who need to locate these types of services. The Busrness Subject Specialty Center was established at the Norwalk Library to deepen and complement the free business reference service in all libraries. The Center has particular strengths in marketing, industry, company information, and trade periodicals and directories. •'' tJi' ~' ~,~_"- • -· ' ~V::-.;,- . - ~--·. i'/-1,,, ·..,. .·. ..._..· ,/ ~~ - ": ~'.••a .. ~ The Library's second fee-based reference service, Municipal Reference, evolved as an outgrowth of our research within County departments to ascertain their needs. This service targets governmental officials and workers. Collection Development The Collection Development staff moved forward in developing a broad and relevant collection. Some of their accomplishments this year included: • Development of a method to allocate the materials budget to reflect the collection activities in each library. • Development of a model to establish two experimental, popular reading libraries. • Expansion of the audio compact disc service to every library and expansion of other collections, including Books-on-Tape, to meet popular demands. HIV Information Center The HIV Information Center at the West Hollywood Library completed its first full year of operation. The Center was awarded a NACo (National Association of Counties) Award for its innovative service, and a Public Relations Award by the American Library Association for the Center's brochure. ,. .. :l8;. ._![.;", '>, · .,. ,'-.' ~11t J.-. '!'?;:, ·.~\ . f: ';':-,:: .·Y .: ,; ' .. ;~•· GLOBAL TURNING POINTS 1989 / 1990 · County of Los Angeles Public Ubrary brings all 90 libraries on line. Nelson Mandela freed on February 11. 1990 after 27 years. FBI conduct probe of librarians and others who criticize its program to monitor U.S. libraries to detect Soviet spies. Berlin Wall comes down. President Bush signs legislation bailing out Savings and Loan Industry, launching largest Federal rescue ever. Major quake rocks San Francisco: buildings, highways collapse Damage costs estimated at $4 billion. • YOUTH SERVICES Library seNices to youth continue to remain strong. Despite the tremendous focus on implementing the Automated Circulation System, 324,839 children were reached through school and class visits, a 31 % increase over last year. School relations remain an important element in our outreach services. Thanks to our partnerships with the many school districts, programming for children continues to grow. Library seNices to youth will continue to play a major role in the empowerment of children and in raising their perceptions of how the Library can benefit them. Staff made extraordinary efforts to revitalize outreach programs and to gear up for the 1990 Summer Reading Program, "Library Kids Flip Over Books." Over 14,CX)Q children attended the reading program this summer. Thanks to an energetic Youth SeNices staff, 91,460 children and adults participated in and enjoyed many popular and high quality programs, funded by grants from the Ahmanson Foundation, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Target Stores. Preschool storyhours were attended by 86,375 children. LITERACY NEW DIRECTIONS Although California Library Services Act CLSA funding for literacy programs beyond five years ended this year, the Library was able to continue offering literacy programs, and maintaining the Southern California Literacy Hotline and other literacy services, thanks to the generous funding of the Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation. The Foundation raised over $28,000 to enhance support services. This year the programs were positioned strongly to reflect the philosophy of "building partnerships with the communities." Literacy programs received a big boost this year from the visit by First Lady Barbara Bush to the Community Access Library Line CALL, which serves as the Southern California Literacy Hotline, located at the Montebello Library. Mrs. Bush met with tutors and adult learners and was deeply moved by their stories of how much the Library's programs have helped them. Mrs. Bush applauded Library staff for their efforts and programs, encouraging them to continue the excellent work Following Mrs. Bush's visit, the use of the Southern California Literacy Hotline at the Montebello Library increased 26.8%. Staff answered 88,694 literacy calls. Access to CALL's database was expanded to seven other community libraries. ■ STAFF DEVELOPMENT/ REVENUE MATERIALS EXPENDITURES 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (Dollars in Millions) Staff Development The Library builds on its most valuable asset-the quality of its staff. People continue to be the driving force in our ability to provide excellent customer service. The main emphasis on training this year was to teach staff to operate the Automated Circulation System. Staff also received training in time management, book talk techniques, emergency preparedness, earthquake safety, auditing policies and procedures, computer comfort, on line searching, public contact skills, and marketing techniques. In order to recruit and retain highly skilled and qualified staff, special committees for Recruitment and Retention were convened to attract candidates from outside of Los Angeles County. The Committees also participated in the County Student Outreach Programs and with five high schools in each of the Supervisorial Districts. A planning group was farmed with managers from each of the Library's three divisions to create an Employee Recognition and Rewards Task Force. Revenue The Library strives to broaden its revenue base through a cooperative relationship with the cities we serve, an extensive network of 56 Friends of the Library groups, supportive Regional Library Council members, concerned community organizations, and a committed group of volunteers. Thanks to these groups and individuals, $259,743 in materials, equipment, and cash were donated to the Library. The number of volunteer hours of service increased, although the number of volunteers dropped slightly compared to the previous year. A total of 1 , 702 volunteers donated 62,959 hours to our libraries. The financial value of these hours is over $405,456, if they were paid at the current Library Aide rate of $6.44 per hour. The cities we serve donated $30,150. The City of West Hollywood continued to fund the cost of Sunday service at that library. The Norwalk and Baldwin Park Libraries were enhanced with special purchases of business and ethnic materials with funding from the South State Cooperative Library System. The Library continues to enjoy the savings resulting from the use of its lease/purchase borrowing authority to finance the $5 million Automated Circulation System. Because of our ability to obtain a $390,000 advantage from this arrangement, the Library was recognized by the County as an outstanding example of productivity and was awarded a Productivity Award by the Board of Supervisors. As an outgrowth of strategic planning, the Library developed a design for financing all capital projects. There was a great deal of activity in moving forward with our plans for new libraries in Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. FORTIFYING OUR SERVICES AND BUILDINGS DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL BUDGET 1989/90 Salaries 50 % Services and Supplies 28% Appropriation for Major Equipment / Contingencies 6% Structures 4% This year, more than ever before, the divisions pulled together as a team to work on a multitude of projects. The team of specialists from Fiscal, Personnel, Staff Services, and Facilities Management sections deserve special praise for their enthusiasm and hard labor in providing vital support services. Highlights of this year include: • A more rapid transport of books and materials between libraries was created by adding trucks and personnel to the Library's delivery service, and by revising the shipping system. This new service provides for pickup/drop-off at all 90 locations four days per week. The advantage: customers can now order books and have them the very next day! • Telephone systems in six of the largest County libraries were replaced. New telephone numbers were established for reference and c irculation services at high activity sites. The advantage: improved public service at less cost. • Architectural and design specifications for the Lancaster Library were completed. • The Hawaiian Gardens Library was expanded for improved service. • The Holly Park Library was closed due to a decline in activity which resulted directly from the Century Freeway construction. The Library worked closely with the Board of Supervisors and the City of Hawthorne to facilitate a smooth closure. • The East County Bookmobile was moved to the more rural North County Region. • In March, a fire caused the Charter Oak Library to be closed. Thanks to the efforts of staff, thousands of books and materials were salvaged and moved to storage in a West Covina Library garage. Working closely with the high spirited community of Charter Oak and a supportive Board of Supervisors, a new location has been found and the Library will reopen in early 1991. The Library is grateful to the Friends of the Charter Oak Library, Regional Library Council member, and residents of the community who rallied with their support and commitment to reopen their library. • Improved cash management procedures were implemented and 35 on-site audits were conducted by Fiscal Services . • A Job Requisition Tracking System was implemented which allows staff to respond more efficiently to inquiries regarding building maintenance needs. • Staff continues to be trained in the County-wide Emergency Preparedness Program. • The Library received awards from the County Productivity Commission for the Speed Dial/Toll Restriction Project designed by Staff Services; the Construction of Book Trucks made by the Facilities Staff, which saved the Library $31,287; and for the Video Order Consolidation by Technical Services, which drastically trimmed the turnaround time for ordering videocassettes. • AWARDS AND SPECIAL EVENTS In February, the Library celebrated its 11th Annual Black History Tribute at the A C Bilbrew Library and honored television actress, Marla Gibbs. Each year during National Library Week, the Library honors those individuals who have made outstanding contributions. This year, authors Harlan Ellison and Ross Thomas celebrated National Library Week with us. This year's Librarian of the Year was Linda Elliot of the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in Bellfower for her extensive community outreach in acquainting residents with Library services and preparing them for the new Automated Circulation System. The Charlotte Award for excellence in Youth Services was given to Merrick Hamer of the Manhattan Beach Library for his unique dramatization of stories. The Support Services Award for excellence in a non-librarian position was given to Frances Beals of the West Covina Library for her strong organizational skills. The Productivity Award was earned by the Brakensiek Automation Team for being the pioneering group that set the model for the rest of the Library in getting ready for the Automated Circulation System. The Citizen's Award recognized the contribution of outstanding Library supporters, Diane and Eric Haupt of the Las Virgenes Library, who put in many hours raising money for the library and worked on a number of projects to enhance library service. ■ MISSION STATEMENT ■ THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY IS A NETWORK OF COMMUNITYFOCUSED LIBRARIES THAT MEET THE INFORMATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF A HIGHLY DIVERSE PUBLIC ■ WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE THROUGH SELF-EDUCATION. ■ OUR HELPFUL AND EXPERT STAFF PROVIDES INFORMATION AND QUALITY SERVICE AND PROGRAMS IN A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT ■ WE OFFER A BROAD AND RELEVANT COLLECTION, AND OUR EXPANDING INFORMATION NETWORKS USE CURRENT TECHNOLOGY. ■ THE LIBRARY IS IN THE BUSINESS OF SATISFYING THE CUSTOMER'S NEED TO KNOW. ART DIRECTOR: MARY LEWIS DESIGNER: MARY LEWIS GRAPHIC ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR: CONSTANCE ALLEN TYPESETTER: MARILYN REYES PROOFREADER: JENNY ABBOTT PHOTOGRAPHERS: JAMES JEFFERY; COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER; IMAGE BANK; WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER: SUE COWEN MARKETING DIRECTOR: PHIL FLEMING f :hr~r ~; C~\IY--=- t·OS t.-Jr.:IU·S P..·flUC ·US:t.l Jl'Iw' |
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