Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-22; Library Board of Trustees; MinutesMINUTES MEETING OF: DATE OF MEETING: TIME OF MEETING: 3:OO p.m. PLACE OF MEETING: LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES May 22, 1996 City Council Conference Room CALL TO ORDER: President Moss called the Meeting to order at 3:OO p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Library Board Trustees Moss, Curtin, L’Heureux and Woodward. Absent: Library Board Trustee McCann. Also Present: Cliff Lange, Library Director Geoff Armour, Assistant Library Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 17, 1996, were unanimously approved as presented. MONTHLY LIBRARY DIVISION HEADS REPORTS: President Moss referred to the reports contained in the packet, and asked for comments or questions. Board Trustee L’Heureux stated she found it interesting to know there was a Coordinator for the Parent Resources at the Carlsbad School District. She inquired whether there has been a problem with patrons calling in and putting a hold on all the books on a particular subject, and Dr. Lange stated that hasn’t happened. Mr. Armour added that they would have to pay for the books, sooner or later. LIBRARY BOARD COMMENTS: None. PROPOSED SALES TAX FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES. Dr. Lange referred to the letter from the County dated May 7, 1996, regarding the proposed quarter-cent sales tax for a period of five years to support the public libraries in the County of San Diego. He stated the County has called a meeting for next Tuesday of all Library Directors and City Managers to discuss this, as there is confusion as to what is needed to get this on the ballot. May 22, 1996 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Page 2 PROPOSED SALES TAX FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES. (Continued) Dr. Lange stated he feels it is a long shot that the voters would approve this tax. However, the media supports it and there have been editorials in favor of the tax. Dr. Lange said that it would mean about three million dollars a year for five years for the City of Carlsbad, and they would have to come up with a list of projects and proposals that would be funded with this money. He said that this would not supplant local money, but would be supplementary and allow the enhancement of the new library, more book budget money and more money for the remodeling of the Cole Library. Dr. Lange said if this tax passes, San Diego County could have the bests libraries in California, and maybe in the nation. However, getting a 2/3 vote is difficult. President Moss stated that perhaps this is the time, because the public has seen what has happened to libraries elsewhere. Board Trustee Curtin asked what percentage of the population would this truly affect-maybe 15 percent that use the libraries. Dr. Lange stated that in the state of California, it is 55 to 60 percent of the people; and they are voters. He said that these are adults over the age of 18 that use public libraries. He added that a national poll was taken and the percentage of people using libraries was well oveP 50 percent. LIBRARY FOUNDATION PROPOSAL UPDATE. Dr. Lange referenced his memorandum to the City Manager dated May 15 on the community foundation issues. He said the City Council wants a community foundation with initial focus on the Library, with an option to do other things with the foundation. He stated that he prefers a Library Foundation, and if the City wants a community foundation, there can be two. Dr. Lange said he will discuss this with the City Manager. PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTORS’ FORUM SPONSORED BY THE STATE LIBRARY. Dr. Lange reported that about 90 percent of the Library Directors in the State of California attended this forum, and it was a very good meeting. The State Librarian asked what they could do to be helpful to us and how things could be better. The State Librarian would like to have all the libraries tied together electronically and share all the information. This would be an excellent example of saving money for everyone. In response to query about charges for out-of-town library users, Dr. Lange stated that the library is reimbursed, and if the sales tax passes, the other libraries will be improved. He said that would cause fewer people to come from out of town to use the Carl s bad 1 i b raries. May 22, 1996 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Page 3 CALIFORNIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION AND CALIFORNIA SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE DAY. Dr. Lange stated the Legislative Day was the next day after the Forum, and the major thrust of efforts this year was to get a fully-funded public library fund of fifty million dollars. He said this won’t happen, but many of the legislators would like to do something for libraries, and the fallback position was to have them increase the fund back to the 1988-89 total of twenty million dollars. He said that the fund has been at eight million dollars for the last six years. Dr. Lange stated that school libraries are in need of telephones and wiring for computer access. California is 50th in the nation in support of school libraries, and actually libraries do not exist in many of the schools. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Dr. Lange reported that the Library held a recognition party for part-time employees, and it was a very successful event. The part-time employees received certificates and mugs, and it is hoped that this will become an annual affair. He said there were about 65 people at the party, and the Friends of the Library paid for the food. The party was held in the dining room of the Senior Center. Dr. Lange stated that approximately 250 attended the 40th anniversary party, and $800 worth of books were sold. He said that most of the food was donated, with the, Friends supporting the party and working hard to get donations. Dr. Lange reported that the Information Desk has been in operation since April 15, and was implemented as a result of the staff survey. He said that it is on a volunteer basis and seems to be serving its purpose, which is to tell people where to locate items in the library. Geoff Armour stated that 1,900 questions were answered the first month, and that used to be done by the Circulation Desk or the Reference Desk; and hopefully, this will relieve them of that burden. Dr. Lange stated that an Information Desk is planned for the new library. Dr. Lange reported that the Library will be re-roofed this summer, probably starting in July. He distributed copies of the Issue Statement used at the City Council meeting last night, with Alternative Two being the choice of Council. This Alternative would maintain the planned construction of the new library beginning in fiscal year 1997-98, and the subsequent remodel of the Cole Library in 1999-2000, with Council to review these issues once more before moving forward with construction. He said the City Council public hearing will be June 18, and he encouraged the Board Members to attend the Council meeting, and speak, if they would like. May 22, 1996 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Page 4 DIRECTOR’S REPORT: (Continued) Dr. Lange said he met with John Cahill and the Architect yesterday, and everything done five or six years ago will be reviewed. He said they hope to start on this in July. There will be a follow-up meeting July 24, tentative, and he said he would like to have that review follow the July Board meeting. He said that would involve moving the date for the July Board meeting. Dr. Lange said that the Historic Preservation Commission no longer needs to be in Community Development, and the suggestion has been made to have the Library take the responsibility for that Commission. He said that he had talked with Geoff Armour about this, and he would be willing to be the staff person for that Commission. He said this is still in the discussion stage and he will report further at the next meeting. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY: Dr. Lange stated that the Friends will have a book sale on Saturday, June 8, and their annual meeting will be on Thursday, June 13, 1996, at 7:OO p.m., at the Senior Center, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY: No report. SERRA ADVISORY BOARD: Board Trustee Woodward reported that the Serra Advisory Board discussed the seven applications for the grant funds of $2,500 at their May 16‘h meeting. The Public Relations Committee received $1,500 from SAB to update and reprint the “Public Libraries Location Map of San Diego County”. This would allow the printing of 10,000 updated copies for Serra library distribution. Board Trustee Woodward stated that the. Young Adult Services Committee received $500 to provide the production and printing of materials to be added to the s c h oo I/ 1 i b rary packets . Board Trustee Woodward reported that the Serra STARC Committee requested funds for preparing a new updated edition of the METRO DIRECTORY. The STARC Committee requested a $1,000 grant to modify the 1992 publication of the METRO DIRECTORY. This update is not available from any other source. The SAB Board is prepared to offer $500 tb the STARC Committee to upgrade the directory in electronic format, with any additional costs to be recovered by higher fees for each copy ordered by libraries that are not in Serra. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. May 22, 1996 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Page 5 ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of May 22, 1996, was adjourned at 4:09 p.m Respectful 1 y submitted, Minutes Clerk Adult Learning Program Monthly Report April 1996 1. Annual Potluck and Provram On Saturday, April 13, the Adult Learning Program held its annual potluck and program for adult learners, tutors, and their families. This year, 161 people attended, the largest attendance ever. Special guests included Mayor Lewis, Mayor Pro Tem Julie Nygaard, City Council Member Matt Hall, City Manager Ray Patchett, Assistant City Manager Frank Mannen, Library Trustee Woody Woodward, Library Director CWLange, Assistant Library Director Geoff Armour, and San Diego Council on Literacy Director Jose Cruz. Four adult learners, three tutors, and one learner’s spouse spoke to the audience about what the literacy program has meant to them. The evening closed with a musical number by one of the learners. 2. - Staff Member Shirlev Tavlor Shirley Taylor has been part of the staff at the Adult Learning Program for 2 years. Her contract as a federal VISTA Volunteer ended April 7. Fortunately for everyone associated with the literacy program, on April 8 Shirley became a City of Carlsbad part- time employee, fbnded through June by a matching literacy grant fiom the California State Library. Shirley supervises the computer lab and all instruction in the classrooms, trains and mentors new tutors, regularly checks and troubleshoots with all tutors and learners, and is the staff person in charge during the evenings. 3. WorkshoD on Drug Effects On April 19, Program Coordinator Lynda Jones attended a professional training workshop, sponsored by the San Diego area State Literacy Resource Center (one of several federally-hnded regional centers throughout the state). The workshop was entitled “How Drugs Affect Learning Development,” and was presented by an adult educator who works primarily with inmates in prisons and jails. A large number of adult learners in our program, as in most adult literacy programs, have drug-use (legal and illegal) and alcohol-abuse histories, usually as a result (not cause) of the emotionally devastating effects of being unable to read and write. The effects of the druglalcohol use then add new challenges to learning. 4. Writinv Class The evening Writing Class resumed meeting for their second 10-week session on April 17. They role-played to practice taking phone messages, an intimidating task for most adult learners. 5. Main Librarv Information Desk Adult Learning Program staff member Anita StafFord is one of the library staff regularly helping at the Main Library’s Information Desk. She is enjoying the experience and has seen quite a few of our tutors and learners in the library while wearing her “other” hat. She has also had library patrons approach her as the “Information Desk Person” to ask about the library’s literacy services! CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY CENTRO DE INFORMACION Monthly Report ApIil1996 1.- Centro de Idormau6n Newsletter. During the last week of May, Centro staff distributed over 1400 copies of the English and Spanish Centro de InformacMn Newsletter. The Spring issue of the newsletter was dedicated to the mothers in the community, in honor of Mother's Day. 2.- Addt ML. g. On April 18, at the Senior Center Auditorium, the Centro de Informacih set up a presentation about Employment Opportunities. The presentation was conducted by four different organizations. Janet Williams from the Department of Social Services explained about the Gain Program. Ram6n Bobadilla from SEWCarlsbad Hiring Center; Sylvester L6pez from the Employment Development Department; and Bill Kellaway from Volt Services Group also gave information on their services. The panel explained to the audience about job opportunities and training. 3.- children's MlL ' E. Regular bilingual storyhours were conducted during the month of April. 4.- Translation. Centro Supervisor Lizeth Simonson translated into Spanish the text of the video script "Discovering What's at the Carlsbad City Library." The video will help students learn how to use the library. 5.- Parent Resources. On April 30, Centro Supervisor Lizeth Simonson met with Chris Durman, the Coordinator for Parent Resources at the Carlsbad School District. The School District would like to open a parent resource library at the schools where parents could check out materials about parenting, health issues, and self improvement. Ms. Durman was impressed with the adult collection at the Centro and she would like to promote the library as one of the best resources in Carlsbad for parents. She also hopes to form a committee of representatives from the City, social services organizations, and schools to serve as a continuing source of information available to parents. 6.- Spanish L.iteraw. The Spanish Literacy group met ten times during the month of April. Children’s Services Division Monthly Statement April 1996 Children’s Library circulation and reference continued to increase for the month of April. Circulation topped 20,000 and reference questions were over 2,200. There were 23 programs that were attended by nearly 500 children and adults. Our 15* annual Short Story Contest attracted an unprecedented 340 entries from Carlsbad, La Costa and surrounding schools. Children’s staff read all 340 in order to select the better stories for the guest author. The stories then went to Jacqueline Shannon for her critique and final judging. She assigned Is‘, Znd and 3d places and presented the prizes at the Awards program. She also gave a short speech telling of her experiences as an author for children. Each winner received a certificate and a cash award. Prizes were provided by the Friends of the Carlsbad Library. This program is one of our most inspiring activities because it brings aspiring writers face to face with an experienced children’s author. During school vacation week a Passover program was presented by Judy Shupack. She shared the traditions of Passover with story, song and puppets. Judy also brought some Passover foods to share. Children’s Library staff were involved in several new activities during the month of April. The first of these was computer training for the citywide conversion to Windows 95 operating system and Word word processing software. Along with the rest ofthe hll-time Library staff, we went to computer classes. Four ofthe staffvolunteered for the new Information Desk service, and attended training for this. Several others were involved in planning and in the actual activities for the gala 40* anniversary celebration for the library. This involved everything fiom blowing up balloons and serving food to selling books and washing dishes, but these activities did not require advance training. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITIONS STATISTICS REPORT April 1996 Current Month Fiscal Items Received B&T Direct PMSC Total to Date Books - Adult Year ...................................... -------------- ................................................ Main 453 292 745 5 I 776 Branch 99 34 133 1,189 Centro 0 105 105 289 subtotal 552 431 983 7 I 254 Books - Children Main 254 7 Branch 131 34 Centro 0 14 subtotal 385 55 2 I 208 261 165 722 14 434 440 3 I 364 269 1,391 Audio - Adult 145 124 Audio - Children 9 17 26 473 Video 46 18 88 152 1 I 161 Total Received 1 I 137 645 88 1 I 870 13,643 .......................................................... Direct-ordered Videos Cataloged at PMSC videos B & T = Baker & Taylor PMSC = Professional Media Services Corporation 6enealogy - Local History Statistics FY 199 5 - 199 6 Am ill996 HOLDINGS : Titles Vol.umes Current Total Total. Total. Month Additions Hold ing s Hold i ng s Additions Current FY Last FY 154 1,511 34 , 772 33,261 207 1 , 908 44 , 952 43,044 Volumes Cataloged in INLEX Description of holdings: Titles Books 9,823 12,549 Non-Circ. 16 247 Books - GEN-CIRC 891 Circ. Books - Microform 17 , 878 19 , 777 Microform 15,254 Periodicals - Bound 503 3,378 Total 32,392 Periodica1.s - Microform 175 1 , 888 Maps 179 183 Microfilm (census, etc.) 6,080 6 , 1.05 CD-ROMs 134 181 4 Microforms added this month: Film Fiche 634 2 ,820 CALENDAR YEAR GOALS: This month Total calendar year Volunteer hours 48 187 Programs held 4 16 Attendance 114 560 NSDCGS book/equipnent expenditures $2,279.35 $7,697.77 This This +r - Total Total ACTIVITY: Month Month This FY Last M Last FY 1,482 1 , 345 +137 13,677 15 , 433 57 54 +3 58 52 1,026 + 19 10,115 11,664 41 41 - 40 40 209 212 -3 1 I 859 2,338 Reference questions Researchers registered 1,045 Circulating checkout Daily average Daily average Daily average 8 9 -1 7 7 DISTRIBUTION OF RESEARCHERS: City Carlsbad Del Mar area East S.D. area Encinitas area Escondido area Fallbrook Oceanside S.D. City etc. San Marcos Vista This Month 142 14 35 34 38 43 141 - 199 48 80 - This County This FY' Wnth 1,710 Alameda 5 138 Imperial. 7 313 Los Anqeles 25 333 QranUe 72 - - - Thi5 StatP FY 6 Arizona 13 Idaho 232 Nevada 814 New York 148 Ohio 61 Oreson Texas vi rqini a Washinqton wi scons in Other - This This Month FY 80 -- .. 9 1 L 3 26 -- LA COSTA BRANCH LIBRARY MONTHLY REPORT APRIL 1996 CIRCULATION Branch circulation totaled 23,189 for April. This total included 12,097 adult items, 8,516 children's items and 2,576 video tapes. Daily circulation was 892 items and hourly, 83. Circulation increased 7% over April of 1995. USERS This month's.tota1 user count was 21,496. The average daily count was 827 and hourly, 77. This is an overall increase of 11% over April of 1995. CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES Popular subjects studied this month were inventions, poetry, sea life and science projects. family night program with the Kent Family Puppets during National Library Week. tours, a preschool class and a Brownie troop. BookBuddies was also a popular draw this month with 41 participants. The program highlight was a special Four preschool storyhours were given and two E NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK The Branch library participated in National Library week with the Kent Family Puppet program and with the Buy-a-Book-for-Your- Library sale. Nine Friends of the Library volunteered to sell books a few hours each day. over $300. On the walls of the adult area, a poster was signed by library patrons indicating that libraries have been important to them in their lives. In the children's room children added a phrase to a small wall poster indicating what they liked about the library. A copy is attached. Eighteen books were sold totaling CD-ROM Gordon Peterson of the city's Information Systems Department has been working on a possible solution to speed up the CD-Rom service which is extremely slow. The latest solution is the installation of another PC at the city hall end which would act as a processor. It is hoped that this solution will resolve the problems by early May. . ddia Graphics MEDIA STATSt9601 Technical Services Report April 1996 In April, Technical Services staff added 1,040 new print items and 287 audiovisual items to the library's collection. They deleted fiom the system 261 print items and 106 audiovisual items. Patrons used home computers to dial into the library catalog 353 times. Patrons with the Mainstreet service accessed the catalog 159 times. Use of the self-checkout machine remains steady, with 3% of the main library's April circulation total. Our newest service, patron placed holds, was initiated in mid-February. It allows patrons to place their own reserves at any terminal in the library or by dialing in from home, rather than asking the public services staB to place holds for them. This has been very popular, amounting to 18% of all holds placed in both March and April. It has been especially popular at the La Costa branch, where 25% of the holds placed in April were done by patrons without staff intervention. An interesting sidelight revealed by the holds statistics we have been tracking since February is that the turn-around time for filling most holds is very fast. Of the 1556 holds that were in the system on February 13, 1996, the day before we introduced the service, fewer than 40 remained unfilled as of May 1, and those were primarily requests for books that have not yet been published. (Books by certain extremely popular authors are announced months in advance, and we put a brief title record in the catalog so holds can be placed on them.) Progress is being made with the Linked Systems Project, the state-funded grant that will link the catalogs of four public libraries in San Diego County, including Carlsbad. The software and hardware have been ordered, and Chris Pickavet attended a training session on how to install and configure the software. Representatives fiom the four libraries are meeting weekly to work out the technical details of getting our catalogs to "talk" to each other. April also marked the library's switch to Windows 95 and the Microsoft Office suite, from our previous DOS based programs. While there has been some codhion, the capabilities of our new computers and programs are exciting. SD CTY LIB HQT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS GREG COX nr.1 Dim COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AGENDA ITEM DATE: TO: SUBJECT: May7, 1996 Board of Supervisors UKGENCY LEGISLATION TO FUND LIBRARY SERVICES SUMMARY; Poky Should the Board of Supervisors authorize thc Caunty Lii to participate in a ballot measure to provide funding for five years to support public him in the County of San Diego by adding a quartcr-cent transaction and use tax, which will rtquire urgency enabling legislation to place it on thc November 5, 1996 Geneml Election ballot. R~mmadations SUPERVISOR PAM SLAm 1. Approve and authorize placing a mewre m the November 5, 1996 General Election ballor fo provide augmented funding for public libraries in the County of San Diego. 2. Dht CAO and County Counsel to pruceed with urgency enabling legislation to grant authority to impose a transaction and use lax of a quarterant for a period of five years, by adoption of an ordinance, which will be subject to 2./3 approval by County of San Diego voten. 3, Direct CAO and County Counsel to procetd with drafting a ballot measure for voter approval on the November 5. 1996 Generid Electioa, for a quartercent maction and usc tax to be used specifically to fud public libraries within the County of San Diego. 4. Direct staff to &dr1 ballot hlgmge that ensures that the revenues collected from the transaction and use tax shall be USeLi only to supplcmcnt existing expenditures for libraries and shall not be used to supplant existing fuadiog for the support of libraries. 04/29/96 00:59 e619 495 5981 SD CTl' LIB HQT @I 002 SURIECT: URG~CY LEGISLATION TO FUND LIBRARY SERVICES (All Disaictr) 5. Direct staff to compile and distribute necessary information to the incorporated cities within the county of San Dicgo and request nsolutions of support for the ballot mtasuTt to fund public libraries within the County of San Diego. 6. D-t the CAO to work with County Libnry staff, County Counsel and the Board of Supervisors to develop a list, to be approved by the Board of Supervisors by August 8,1996, of Counry Library programs, opmtioxs, and projects to be funded by the transaction and use tax. Advisory Statement This ballot initiative concept has been presemed to and connrrred with by the coumywide Library Friends of San Diego County. FiscaI lmpilct The cost cstimatc for a Counlywide initiative on the csuleral Election ballot is $2OO,OOO. The County of San Dicgo's sharc of that cost will not be known until all eighteen cities have been in the measure. should tk County done solicw m detennmc a theirinttrcstin~ sponsor tht initiative, county cost is estimated to be $loO,OOO. Revenues accruing to the County of San Dicgo for library servicts resulting from a succesfbl Mot measurc arc estimated to be $14 million axxndly. Revenues for otkr library jurisdictions would vary depending on sales activity. This proposal is not budgeted; no additional staff years are required for this prop~sd. .. . AItematives Then are scvual alternatives for Board of Supervisor consideration: 1. Do not proceed with urgency legislation or the proposed ballot measure concept. 2. I.utrociuce legislation during the regular legislative session to obtain authority to impose a quarrcrcent tmsaction and use tax. Once obtained, tbe Board may either: a. Call a special election. Costs are substantially higher tban for a General Election. b. Introduce the ballot rnm at thc Gubernatorial primary in June 1998. BACKGROUND The San Dicgo Couxuy Library receives the majority of its funding from a dedicated share (1.45 or OM per cent) of the property tax. Propem values have declined since t'iscal year 1992-1993, resulting in a rcduccd library budgct and a corresponding reduction in library strvicc. In fid ycar 1995-96, the Cwnty Libmy expended just $9.03 per capita for library service wuntywide in the 11 incorporated cities and 20 communities in the unincorporated area served by the County Library system. Them 'de ow caDita exnenditure k $17.52. Usine minimum Iibrarv standards. the current librarv b udvet pau is $6.8 million annuallv. To meet the statewide ~er CaDita ex-re. an additional $9 ndlion annualh is needed. -2- SD CTY LIB HQT @I 003 01/29/96 1O:OO s61P 495 5981 SUBJECT: URGENCY LEffTSLATION TO FUND LIBRARY SERVICES (All Districs) Both thc County Libraxy and the San Diego Civ Ubrary have been investigating opcons for augmenting their revemc bast to provide baler service to thc public. Working with the Library Friends of San Diego County, the County Library is iutcrestd in augmeutd funding to bring library service up to standard. In the City. funds arc needed to make improvements and renuvatioos 10 neighbarhood libraries. Funding options includc a Pam1 tax, a salcs tax, or benefit assessment. Mi reguire vour approval. A rwxu public opinion su~ey, conducted by the City of San Diego, indiutd strong support for LiiraricS. 'l'he survey also showed support for ncighhsW branch iibrarics and for assurawx that any tax not supplant existing funding for &is. Based upon survey Tt8uIcB, the City's Public Safety and Ncighborhood Scrviccs Conrmittee bas endorsed a five-year, quaacr-ctnt tTansaction and USC tax, and to pIacc it on the November 5, 1996, Mot. Aftcr initial discussions with the Ciy. it appears that it would be opportuoe to the Cwnry to go farwatd with a combined effort to take advantage of shared costs, as well as to avoid confusion about wbich~don is involved, The Library Friends of San Diego County Library have expressed an camest desire to join with the City in this combined ballot mcastlz~. They art committui lo devoting bring the Coumy &%my up to a standard level of servi#. Ttre City library is already spending $16.97 per capita, as oppascd to the CoUmy's $9.03. Should the City go forward with the doction and he succcdd, he gap between services Imh, alrcady significans will widm. &e time, energy and moxx?y to haedling t€fe campaign effort m makc the mcasurc stwdill and to Therefore, a countywids quarter-ccnt transdctl 'on and use tax seeras the most appropriate alternative. The measure would require approval by the Cwnty of San Diego Board of Supervisors, and allow tbc votm to decidc whether they want to approve a quartercent transaction and use tax solely for library . seivict. Each of the sixindepcndtnt hies would also be eligiile to Participate m the tkction by resolutions of support. Each C@ would be invited to submit their library needs to bc included as a part of this measure. Omx the Board of Supemisms has approved the coflcept, staff can begin working with other jurisdictions in a coordinated effort. wtim Reaaired The County of San Diego would need enabling legislative authority to impose a quukr-ccnt transaction and use tax. To qualify for the November 5, 1996, General Election, this Iegislation wodd qire anutgencymeaauc. An urgency measure is possible by amending a bill currently bei reviewed, or by authorship of a new bill from a mcmbeT of the Legislature. Ether action must he adopted by August 31,1996, when the legislative session ends. Should the Governor sign tbc bill, it would thcn bc enacted in time for thc November 5, 1996 ballot. BalIot Measure Ballot initiative language must be approved by the Board of Supervisors no later than August 9,1996, to met the Novcrolbcreltction t&e framc. This dadline may mean that the Board of Suptrvisors approve ballot measure language subject to the successful completion of urgency enabling legislation. -3- 04/29/96 1O:OO B619 405 5981 SD C" LIB RQT URGENCY LEGISLATION TO FUND LIBRARY SERVICE3 (All Disrricu) Should the ballot measure be approved, each independent city library would receive their sb of XEW ax money. Votcr approval would rcsult in adoption of a County ordinance to allocate tax monies to benefit each individual library within the County Library system. Collection of the tax would begin January 1, 1997. Extension of the library transaction and use tax beyond five years would be possible, should any of the library jurisdictions in the County wish to do so. This would bc accoruplishcd by a YO& at the next Ged Election. R- Tt appears that the initiative would provide uecessary funds to substantially improve the quality of library smicc countywidc. Initial cstimatcs indicate that an additional rtvcrme of $14 million annually would be collated from an i,nmasc of 0.25% in the transaction and use tax for Coumy Library use. OW city hiraxy jurisdictions would derive v'vyiry amounts, aependins upon the amount of sales activity within the jurisdiction. For the San Div County Librarp. the b u-dEe!t incrcasc would Ym~de the ab iIim to eman d liirarv servl %e for each cornmw ser ved. "lie revenue colledion from such tax would be dedicated mea 'ficailv UIl 'clibraries. The additional Six city lib- iurisdicfions in San Dieerr Comtv would also he elipible to mrtici~ate, subied to their e0verni.n~ body approval. 'ihtst rtvt~~ts would be used only to supplement existing expenditures for libraries and not used to supplant existing funding for the support of libraries. The County Library rtctives a dedicated share of the propury tax so this tax would only augment existing Wig. Election The first opportunity to be on the ballot is November 1996. The next elcction after Novemher will be the Gubcmatonal ptirnary in June 1998. Spccial clcctions may be called at varying other times. The costs of a Gencral Eldon ballot xneasure are considcrably less than for a special election. Costs to place the measure on the Gen~ral ElcaiOn ballot arc wtimattd to be approximately $200,000. Cities approval to participate wiU determine am1 County cost &are and will not bc known until all eighwn cities have bcen solicited to determine their interest. Should the County done decide to sponsor the measure the cost would be approximately $1OO,OoO. Identification of a source of funding to cover the costs of the County Library portion of the election costs will be fequiwi. c0ml.n- SUDDOe Initial response from local communitieS indicate a tremendous interest in completing the work and placing .such a measure before the voters. The Library Frknds of San Diego Comty and the corresponding San Diego City Friends of the Library have already pledged support. Many communities and cities have indicated their interest and support as a result of recent publicity about thc proposcd mtasurc. -4- 04/29/96 1O:Ol e019 495 5981 SD ClY LIB HOT @.I 005 WCT: Staff Work Readred COW IC@ staff time will be required to gather the nece.ssary information to craft urgency legislation, the ballot measure, and ordinance. County Library department and other County dcpaxtnicncal saff wiU I.X required to gder appropriate information and data to garner the s~pport of rbe: cities and wmw~ served by thc County Library, as well as the remaining six independent city library jurididm. AU must be accomplished wim a short the framt to qualify for the November ballot. URGENCY LEGISLATION TO FUND LIBRARY SERVICES (All Districts) Respectfully submitted, PAM sum Supavisor, Third District # .I . 04/29/96 1O:Ol e619 495 5981 SD CTY LIB HQT @?OS I. SUBJECT: URGENCY LEGISLATION TO FUND LIBRARY SERVICES (Atl Districts) SUPV.DIST.: AU COUNTY COUNSEL APPROVAL: Form and Legality [ ] Yes [ x 1 N/A [ ] Standard Form [ 10rdinanCc [ ] Resolution CHIEF FINANCIAL OlFFlCEWAUDTTOR KEVIEW; f J N/A IXIYes 4VOTES: [ ]Yes [XINO CONTRACT REVIEW PANEL [ ] ApprovGI [xlN/A CONTRACT "UMBER@): N/A PREyxoUS RELEVA" BOARD ACTION: N/A BOARD PoLfcm APPLICABLE Cl" COMMiTTElE STATEMXNR N/A CONCURRENCE(S); N/A ORIGINATING DEPAR- District 3, Board Office CONTACT PERSON John Weil (730) 531-5533 M.S. A500 Mav 7. 1996 DEPARTMENT AUTHORJED REPRESENTATIVE MEETING DATE ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM 1/4 CENT SALES TAX BY AREA INCORPORATED AND UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY BASED ON 1994 CALENDAR YEAR PERCENTAGES AND FISCAL YEAR 1994-1995 TAX ALLOCATIONS. A B C Value 114 cent I. 0025) i.e. .5 of previous column 03) Annual Taxable Sales Allocatable I1 994bBroken Out to Derive Most Recent GeoPrauhic Percentage Allocations Total Taxable Sales Allocated ('94-95) Based on 112 cent SD Regional Transportation Commission Allocations JActuals after 2 X Administrative Charges Subtracted bv State Board o Eaualization) $ 970,574,000 (.048) $ 5,486,563 $ 2,743,281 1 Carlsbad 2 Chula Vista 3 Coronado 4 Del Mar (SDCL) 5 El Cajon (SDCL) 6 Encinitas (SDCL) 7 Escondido 8 Fallbrook (SDCL) 9 Imperial Beach (SDCL) 10 La Mesa (SDCL) $ 1,102.748,OOO (.054) $ 6,172,382 $ 3,086,191 $ 123,255,000 (.006) $ 685,820 $ 342,910 $ 80,409,000 ( .004) $ 457,213 $ 228,606 $ 1 , 104,210,OOO (.054) $ 6,172,383 $ 3,086,191 $ 382,772,000 (.019) $ 2,171,764 ~~ $ 1,085,882 $ 1,462,452,000 (.072) $ 8,229,843 $ 4,114,921 $ 102,099,000 (.@35) $ 571,516 $ 285,758 $ 228,606 $ 114,303 $ 608,603,000 (.030) $ 3,429,101 $ 1,714,550 $ 109,314,000 (-005) ~ $ 571,516 $ 285,758 11 Lakeside (SDCL) 12 Lemon Grove (SDCL) 13 National City 14 Oceanside $ 199,069,000 (.010) $ 1,143,033 $ 571,516 $ 5,029,349 $ 886,360,000 (-044) $ 2,514,674 $ 637,453,000 (.03 1) $ 3,543,404 $ 1,771,702 $ 321,747,000 (.016) $ 1,828,854 $ 914,427 Poway (SDCL) $ 79,512,000 ( -004) $ 457,213 $ 228,606 (SDCL) 17 San Diego City 18 Sm Marcos (SDCL) 19 Santee (SDCL) 20 Solana Beach (SDCL) 21 Valley (SDCL) spring 22 Vista (SDCL) 23 Balance Unincorpo rated (SDCL) $10,058,137,000 (.496) $ 56,694,479 $ 28,347,239 $ 507,815,000 (.025) $ 1,428,792 $ 2,857,584 $ 369,909,000 (.018) $ 2,057,460 $ 1.028,730 $ 116,946,000 (.006) $ 685,820 $ 342,910 $ 159,089,000 (-008) $ 914,427 $ 457,213 $ 414,023,000 (.020) $ 2,286,067 $ 1,143,033 $ 424,869,000 (.021) $ 2,400,371 $ 1,200,185 Taxable Allocat able Transac- tions Incorporat ed CITIES Taxable Allocat able Transac- tions Areas unincorp. Total Allocat able Sales TOTAL, UNALLO CATED TAXABL E TRANSA CTIONS SAN DIEGO co. TOTAL Allocated and Unallocate d Revenue raised in all areas served by Co. Library 6 19,389,750,000 (.957) 6 888,258,000 (-04) P20,264,633 ,OOO $22,375,143,000 $ 5,023,654,000 $109,388,341 $ 4,572,135 6 54,694,171 6 2,286,068 $ 55,937,857 $ 12,559,135 TOTAL Excluding Unallocate Taxable Transactio !§ 50,661,583 ~ Ellen Zyroff 4/23/96 .. m CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY LIBRARY-COURTS BUILDING P.O. BOX 942837 SACRAMENTO, CA 94237-0001 (7/ TELEPHONE: (916) 653-5217 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTORS FORUM LIBRARY PROGRAM DlRECTIONS AND UPDATE April 29, 1996 Sacramento Community Convention Center AGENDA 9: 30 Coffee and Hospitality Room 313 1o:oo Welcome 10: 15 Trends in Public Library Services Status of California public libraries - Liz Gibson, California State Library 0 Entering the 2 1 st century: California’s public libraries face the future - Greg Schmid, Institute for the Future 0 State Library initiatives - Liz Gibson, California State Library 0 Discussion of statewide initiatives - Carla Lehn, Facilitator 11:30 11:45 12: 30 Refreshment Break Public Library Referendums 0 Past performance and future projections - Richard Hall, California State Library e Information exchange California Priorities for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Background - Ehrbara Will, California State Library 0 Discussion - Carla Lehn, Facilitator 1: 15 Room 314 2:oo Room 313 2:45 4: 45 5: 30 Comdor outside Regency E & F 6: 30 Hyatt Regency E & F Lunch California Constitutional Revision 0 Overview of recommendations - J. Fred Silva, Executive Secretary of the California Constitution Revision Commission 0 Public discussion forums - Rebecca Toth, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research; Deborah Thornton, League of California Cities; Susan Fuller, Santa Clara County Library; Gail Dryden, League of Women Voters of California; J. Fred Silva, California Constitution Revision Commission Transaction-Based Reimbursement (TBR) Program of the California Library Services Act 0 Background 0 Small group discussions (Room 314) 0 Small group reports and full audience discussion - Carla Lehn, Facilitator Library Legislation Program changes in the California Library Services Act (CLSA) - Liz Gibson, California State Library 0 California library laws update - Paul Smith, California State Library State and Federal legislative initiatives - Barbara Will, California State Library * * Hyatt Regency * * Hospitality 0 Libations at your own expense Dinner (NOTE: Following dinner, the meeting of California County Librarians will be in Regency D.) CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY -nI!NEWS FOR FURTHER CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY INFORMATIONDr. Kevin StatT, State Librarian P.O. BOX 942837 NO. 96-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 5, 1996 CALIFORNIANS REAP HUGE RETURNS ON DOLLARS INVESTED IN PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES Californians received at least a 381% return on their investment in public library services in just the last year. This is but one of the findings of the Status of California Public Libraries 1995/96, which has just been released by State Librarian of California, Dr. Kevin Starr. "California public libraries certainly represent one of the best investments Californians can hope to find. I have not discovered any other investment that has provided me a return of anything even close to 381% in one year," stated Dr. Starr. Other findings indicated that 1995/96 marks the second year in a row that, on a statewide basis, public library funding and service levels have remained fairly stable. This stability is a welcome change after the two previous fiscal years saw decreases of more than 40% in some fknding and service levels. "Particularly hard hit in 1992193 and 1993/94 were the libraries' abilities to purchase books, magazines, videos, cd-roms, computer software for public use, and similar library materials," Dr. Starr pointed out. "Unfortunately, these represent -more- -2- the very core on which excellent library service is built, and that core foundation suffered a real set back in those two years." "On the other hand, it was good to see the increase in the number of hours that libraries are open to serve the public this year," Starr stated. "The increase is small at only 4%, but add that to the 7.5% increase in service hours between 1993194 and 1994/95 and we can hope this represents a significant turnaround from California's status as worst state in the nation in number of service hours per capita during the 1992/93 fiscal year. Other significant report findings include: e Public library funding and service levels vary tremendously throughout the state: While 79 libraries reported budget increases of more than 3%, 45 reported decreases, 21 reported no change, and 26 reported increases of less that 3%. Thus, the budgets of 92 California public libraries (55%) are not even keeping up with the effects of inflation, let alone those of population increases. e Public library services continue to be a real bargain for Californians: While Personal Income per capita for Californians increased by 126% between 1977/78 and 1993/94, the proportion of that Personal Income that went to support public libraries actually decreased by 17%. -3- Public library services are very important to Californians: Preliminary results of a 1995 survey of information needs of Californians, prepared for the State Library by the Institute For The Future in Menlo Park, indicate that 75% of survey respondents stated that a "Knowledgeable librarian or reference staff" was "very important" to meeting their own personal information needs. Californians generally agree that the public library services they receive are worth more than they currently pay for these: The same survey reported that 69% of the respondents said they would pay more for expanded Public Library services, and the agreement to pay more cut across all age and income groups. Dr. Stan pointed out that, "Clearly Californians want and need public library services. It is our job to help them find improved avenues for providing the fimding necessary to make these services truly responsive to Californian's diverse and growing information needs. A successful democracy depends on an informed population. The public library is the one place devoted to the information, enjoyment, and inspiration of all Californians no matter who or where they are." ##### STATUS OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARIES 1995196 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Liz Gibson Library Development Services Bureau California State Library Yolanda J. Cuesta Bureau Chief Dr. Kevin Starr State Librarian of California Sacramento March 1996 STATUS OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARIES 1995196 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Status quo. That more than any other phrase characterizes the condition of public library budgets and service levels in 1995/96 compared to 1994/95. On 63 of the 160 reports provided by public libraries this year (see Appendix R for a sample of the survey form), that was the stated assessment in their narrative comments: status quo or no change. That represents 40% of the responses. An additional 51 (32%) reported a better overall condition than in 1994/95 and only 18 (1 1 %) reponed being worse off, overall. The statistical estimates reported in the Status Surveys support this general conclusion as well. See summary below. California Stat. Library Sunray Impact of 1995-96 Budget Decisions of Cslifomia Public Libraries A. GRAND TOTALS INCLUDES 171 REPORTING LIBRARIES SURVEY ITEM 1994-95 TOTAL 199s-96 TOTAL 96-95 PERCENT DIFFERENCE CHANGE A1 . Library Outlots 1,096 1,095 Ill 0% A2. Baokmobilos 58 58 0 0% A3. Hours DW wok club libruv b own 8,138.50 6.210.50 72.00 1% A4. Total Pubk Sorvica Hours annual 1,884,916 1,964.968 m.012 4% Al. Total Snff Inn 9,882.75 9,954.76 72.01 1% A6. LoulGovt.lnconw 534,801,298 550,024,768 1 5,223,470 3% A7. Ongoing Oontina Fonds In0 Capital Outlrvl 558,449,157 565,275,410 8.82s.es3 2% A8. Total tibnry MJtOfhlS 8UdO.t. 71,081,563 87,335,990 (3.725.5731 151% A9. Library lnconn from Fims 6 Faos 19,912,682 10,898,004 985,122 5% ASJ. Total saff Salary Budoat 365.61 1,836 388,685.1 26 21,073,290 6% POPULATION OF REPORTING UBRARIES POPUUllON Of ENTIRE STATE 32.31 2.845 32,959,102 648,257 2.0% 32,323,595 32,970,067 646,472 2.0% 1 .Most Indicators Showed Small Increases. Public Library Budget Impacts Only one survey item, Library Materials Budgets, showed a decrease from last year to this. Statewide totals included two items at no change from the previous year (number of Service Outlets and number of Bookmobiles). Two increased only 1% (Hours per week the Main Library is Open and Total Staffing). Operating Budgets increased by a small 2%, following a 3% increase the previous year, to begin offsetting the 8% decrease between 1992/93 and 1993/94 and the 5% decrease between 1991 /92 and 1992/93. Local government continues to provide modest increases in support to public libraries: a 3% increase this year, added to the 8% last year, after decreases of 9% and 4% the two preceding years. The funding increases resulted in a 4% increase in the number of Hours during which California’s libraries are Open for use by the public. This is the second year in a row that public libraries have been able to increase the number of hours for public service and represents a small-but-steady continuing increase in this important measure of public service, which has shown a continuous downward trend starting in 1984/85 when public service hours peaked at more than 2.2 million statewide. 2 .Materials Budgets Down, AGAIN. Unfortunately the one survey item that decreased is the library book (materials) budgets, which showed a 5% decrease after achieving a nice increase last year. This reflects the third decrease in total materials budgets in the four years that we have been conducting these status surveys. No other survey item has been "hit" that consistently. It is often the only budget category in which libraries have the flexibility to cut when reductions come along, however, so administrators are often forced to sacrifice this long-term investment in excellen'ce in library service in order to address short-term crises. 80 75 70 SS a 0 60 - 5 55 so 45 40 + lvtater i a Is Expend 's Source: California State Lib-ary 3 .Financing for Cities and Counties Continues in Turmoil. "California's arrangements for financing cities and counties are in turmoil again, as they have been each year since 1978 when Proposition 13 was passed. These problems were highlighted recently by the bankruptcy of Orange County and the near bankruptcy of Los Angeles County. Before the passage of Proposition 13, taxpayer unhappiness was high and increasing, but there was less governmental chaos. Since that decisive year, there have been major changes in where cities and counties get their funding and what they spend it on." [Currently] "The biggest revenue sources for counties are state and federal transfers. These transfers are allocated to fund mandated programs, but counties are being forced to put in additional dollars to cover the costs that exceed allocations. Federal transfers to the counties were fairly stable while state transfers increased." "Perhaps to compensate for the decline in property tax revenues brought about by Proposition 13, there was growth in enterprise revenue and in other revenue such as current service charges and sales of assets." "While state and federal transfers are more important to counties than cities, tax revenues are more important to cities than counties." "Cities have been more successful than counties in raising funds with new taxes because there is more popular support for cities' services than county services. Cities have increased their usage of current service charges and the utility tax, and have used special benefits assessments as an instrument for generating needed revenue." from "Digest," page 1, and "Summary," page 32 of Local Government Finances Since Proposition 13: An Historical Primer by Helen C. Paik, California State Library, California Research Bureau, November 1 995 (Appendix B) .Second Consecutive Year of Positive Results Is Still "A Mixed Bag". For the second year in a row, most budgetary and service indicators are up (or at least not eroding further). Given the cumulative effect of continuing decreases since, at least, 1989/90 and the uneven financial picture faced by different libraries, many library staff and administrators find it hard even to see a "light at the end of the tunnel" let alone evidence of any real improvement in the status of California public libraries and their services. And, in truth, the situation for California's public libraries is very much a mixed bag, both on a statewide basis and, certainly, for individual libraries themselves. 4 Overall trends are improving. Statewide, operating budgets are increasing, by $23,146,246 since 1992/93, a small 4% increase but an increase nevertheless. On an individual basis, a number of libraries continue to face decreases, but their total number has dropped in each of the last two years: Number of Libraries Reporting Decreases In Operating Budgets - 799w93 * 7993/94 -79w95 - 7995/96 79 an increase to 95 down to 53 only 46 For those 46 libraries the light at the end of the tunnel is, indeed, dim. However, the overall, statewide trend is clearly in the right direction. It is also positive to note that while the 53 decreases last year ranged from one library with a 50% reduction to 17 libraries with reductions of less than 2% (excluding Rancho Cucamonga"), the 46 reductions in 1995/96 ranged from 26% to 9 (or 20%) at less that 2%. Sixteen of the 46 libraries reporting decreases between 1994/95 and 1995/96 also reported additional decreases between 1993/94 and 1994/95. Further, 1 1 of those 46 libraries reported decreases over each of the last three years. Such cumulative decreases will take many years to reverse (both in reality as well as psychologically) for the library staff and users facing them. Libraries Reporting Operating Budget Decreases Every Year Since, at least** 1992/93 El Dorado Co. Huntington Beach Colusa Co. Kern Co. Tulare Tehama Co. Colton Mariposa Co. Yuba Co. Plumas Co. Arcadia Not surprisingly, seven of those 11 libraries are county libraries. *Rancho Cucamonga began operations in 1994/95 and reported a large number of startup O&E expenses as operating expenditures for that year. Their narrative discussion indicates that the 1995/96 budget figures more correctly reflect what the jurisdiction expects to spend to provide ongoing library services to that community. Consequently, the changes their figures show between the two years are really anomalies (i.e. statistical outliers) and are ignored in all narrative comparisons in this report. "*"at least 1992/93," since this analysis was not carried back in time further than that fiscal year 5 SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Page SUMMARY OF FINDINGS .................................. 1 .Status Quo. . Most Indicators Showed Small Increases. ....................... 2 *Materials Budgets Down, AGAIN. ............................ 3 .Financing for Cities and Counties Continues in Turmoil. ............. 4 Statewide Summary (Table} Public Library Budget Impacts, Per Capita {Graph} Total Materials Expenditures, By Year {Graph} (from Local Government Finances Since Proposition 73: An Historical Primer, Helen Paik - CSL) .Second Consecutive Year of Positive Results Is Still a "Mixed Bag". Libraries Reporting Operating Budget Decreases Every Year Since, at least 1992/93 (Table} ................................... 5 .A Final Note About This Year's Report and This Series. ............. 6 BACKGROUND .......................................... 7 TYPES OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARIES, by Funding Base SURVEY RESULTS ....................................... 8 By Category ........................................... 9 CHANGES BETWEEN 1994/95 AND 1995/96 - SUMMARY 0 vera II Library Service Facilities Bookmobiles Hours The Main Library is Open Total Service Hours Salary Budgets Local Income Total Operating Funds Materials Budgets Fines and Fees Total Staffing ........................................ 10 i SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Paae STATEWIDE SURVEY ITEM SUMMARY TABLES. Bv Funding Cateaorv Library Service Facilities ................................. 11 Bookmobiles ......................................... 12 Hours The Main Library is Open ............................ 13 Total Public Service Hours ............................... 14 Total Staffing (FTE) .................................... 15 Salary Budgets ....................................... 16 Local Income ........................................ 17 Total Operating Funds .................................. 18 Materials Budgqts ..................................... 19 Fines and Fees ....................................... 20 COMPARISONS OVER TIME ................................ 21 STATUS OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARIES. Funding Reductions (per capita) 1977/78 . 1995/96 {Table} California Public library Expenditures Adjusted for lnflation (CPI ....... 22 CPI Inflation Adjustment Formula {Text Box} California Public Library Operating Expenditures. adjusted for Operating Expenditure Per Capita Over Time. with Dollars Inflation. with 1997 as the Base Year {Table} Adjusted for Inflation (CPI) {Table} ......................... 23 A Calcufated "Public Library Inflation Factor" for California Inflation Index for Library Materials {Table} ..................... 24 Public Employee Payroll Inflation Factor Calculation Methodology A "California Public Library Inflation Factor" Calculation ............ 25 COMPARISONS WITH OTHER STATES ......................... 26 ii SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Paae LOCAL SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES ................... 28 Local Support of Public Library Services Potential for Local Referenda Support Local Governments . Conflicting Commitments .................... 29 Expenditures {Table} ................................... .30 Where the Money Goes, from S.F. Chronicle, Mar. 28, 1990 {List} Public Library Expenditures as a Percentage of Total County Property Tax Support For Local Public Library Services .............. 31 Prop. 13 Impacts, from Money Magazine, Jan. 1994 {Article} Californians * Individual Personal Wealth in Support of Local Public Library Services ................................... 33 Personal Income Der capita increased bv 126% between 1977/78 and 1993/94 while the share of that Personal Income that aoes to fundinq public libraries droDDed bv 17%. California Assessed Valuation, statewide, increased bv 1092Or6 Der person between 1997/78 and 1994/95, while Librarv ODeratina Budaets as a Dercent of Assessed Valuation decreased bv 85Oh. from O.2O0h to !Uu% When adjusted for inflation, Total State and Local Taxes Per CaDita decreased bv $337/~erson (-1 7%) between 1978/79 and 1991 /92. The amount of State and Local Taxes Californians Daid Der $1.000 of Personal Income decreased from $1 54.93 to $1 13.80. a 27% decrease, between 1976/77 and 1991 /92. Library Operating Expenditures as a Function of Personal lncome/Capita, by County Counties whose Personal Income Rank Greatly Exceeds their Rank for Counties Whose Rank for Library Expenditures Per Capita Significantly Library Expenditures Per Capita {Table} Exceed their Rank for Personal Income {Table} ...................... .34 .................. 35 Effects of small service populations on per capita figures in comparisons iii SUMMARY OF CONTENTS RETURN ON THE PUBLIC'S INVESTMENT IN THEIR LIBRARIES . . 38 PUBLICATIONS CONSULTED FOR THIS REPORT .............. 40 APPENDICES ........................................... 41 Appendix A DETAILED LIBRARY STATUS SURVEY DATA, 1994/95-1995/96 Appendix A( 1 ) NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF DETAILED LIBRARY BY LIBRARY DATA SURVEY RESULTS . NARRATIVE DETAIL . HIGHLIGHTS ............ I Librarv Outlets Statewide, there was a net decrease of 1 facility between 1994/95 and 1995/96. In 1994/95 many more libraries closed facilities than in 1995/96 and many more opened them, while the overall statewide total remained pretty much the same. Bookmobiles No change at all, after a loss of 20% of bookmobile services between 1991 /92 and 1994/95. Hours Per Week The Main Librarv is Ooen Significant increase in Stanislaus county (sales tax increase). Significant decrease in El Dorado county (impact of the recently-passed Benefit Assessment Districts not yet felt). Sunday and evening hours added in many City libraries. Public Service Hours ..................................... II Overall, a good number of increases, including Orange County Library where service hours are almost back to their 1989/90 level, although much of the increase is staffed by volunteers. A number of counties are obtaining funding from the cities they serve, specifically to improve service hours in the city providing the funds. Monterey County Library is using up the last of a fund balance this year. San Bernardino Public hours down by Vi; Riverside's down by 26%. iv SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Total Librarv Staff lFTEl .................................. Ill El Dorado county: 22% decrease; Coalinga: 32% decrease. Stanislaus county: 82% increase; San Juan Bautista: 100% increase, from 0.50 to 1.00 FTE. Staff Salarv Budaets .................................... IV Library staff finally receiving some salary and benefit increases. A significant increase for Santa Clara County Library - passed local referendum for increased funds. Sacramento. increased 15% added to 9% increase in 1994/95. Twenty City libraries showed increases of more than 10%. Significant decreases in Mono county (-1 1 %), Ssn Bernardino county (-1 5%), and Coalinga (-35%). Local Government Income Stanislaus county, San Benito county, San Luis Obispo county, Santa Clara county, Daly City, Escondido, and Santa Paula all saw significant increases of more than 40%. Many of these reflect the impact of passage of local funding referenda. On the significant down side were El Dorado county (-30%), Los Angeles county (-15%), and Riverside county (-20%). Ooeratina Exoenditures .................................. V Not surprisingly, these results are similar to those in Local Government Income. Significant increases for San Benito county ( + 34%) -- showing some rebound after virtual closure in 1993 -- Stanislaus county ( + 80%), Santa Clara county (+40%), Santa Paula (+70%), and Sacramento (+ 1 gob). Significant decreases in El Dorado county (-26%), San Bernardino county (-1 1 YO), Huntington Beach (-24%), Del Norte county (-24%), and Riverside county (-1 9%). 55% of public library budgets are still below last year in terms of buying power because of actual budget reductions and/or inflation. Librarv Materials Budaets ................................. VI1 The 1995/96 statewide library materials budget total of $67,335,990 is 36% below the $91,651,219 that would be required to maintain library acquisitions at even the depressed 1991/92 level, based on a library materials inflation rate averaging 7.8% per year. Overall, 59 libraries' materials budgets decreased on a per capita basis between 1994/95 and 1995/96, 35 remained unchanged, and 78 (45%) registered an increase. V SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Fines and Fees ......a ..................................* Vlll With a few notable exceptions (e.g. Downey projecting a 610% increase and Sunnyvale projecting a 1 20% increase), libraries generally reported very little increase in this source of funds this year. The statewide total for all libraries’ fines and fees budgets is less than 4% of the total libraries’ operating budgets again this year and still represents a very small proportion of what it costs to provide library services to the public. Appendix A(2) Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J (1 ) Appendix J (2) DETAILED LIBRARY BY LIBRARY DATA LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCES SINCE PROPOSITION 13: LIBRARIES INCLUDED IN EACH FUNDING CATEGORY SUNDAY SERVICE HOURS ANALYSIS, by Librarians CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, 1950 TO 1995, from Ca/ifornia CONPENDIUM OF PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, from 1987 PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE UNITED STATES, FY 1993: AN HISTORICAL PRIMER, By Helen C. Paik - CSL Guild, Los Angeles Statistical Abstract, 7995 Census of Governments SELECTED DATA AND RANKINGS, BY STATE, from FSCS PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME BY COUNTY, 1983 to 1993, from California statistical Abstract, 7995 VS. EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA ON PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE for All Libraries in the State, FY1992/93 - Summary and Detailed Tables VS. EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA ON PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE for Libraries Serving Populations Greater Than 8,000, FY 1992/93 - Summary and Detailed Tables VS. EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA ON PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE for Libraries Serving Populations Greater Than 17,000, FY 1992/93 - Summary and Detailed Tables PERSONAL INCOME PER CAPITA FOR CALIFORNIANS PERSONAL INCOME PER CAPITA FOR CALIFORNIANS PERSONAL INCOME PER CAPITA FOR CALIFORNIANS vi SUMMARY OF CONTENTS Paae Appendix K (1 EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, STATEWIDE - 1994 /95 ACTUAL AND 1995/96 ESTIMATES - SORT: 95/96 EXPENDITURE/CAPITA Appendix K (2) EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, ONLY FOR LIBRARIES SERVING POPULATIONS GREATER THAN 18,000 - 1994/95 ACTUAL AND 1995/96 ESTIMATES - SORT: 95/96 EXPEND/CAPITA Appendix K (3) EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, ONLY FOR LIBRARIES SERVING POPULATIONS LESS THAN SORT: 1995/96 EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA Appendix K (4) EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, ONLY FOR LIBRARIES 17,000 - 1995/96 ESTIMATES Appendix L Appendix M Appendix N Appendix 0 Appendix P Appendix Q Appendix R Appendix S Appendix T Appendix U SERVING POPULATIONS LESS THAN SORT: 1995/96 EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA REPORT, FY 1994-95 (excerpt) 8,000 - 1995196 ESTIMATES - STOCKTON-SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY LIBRARY ANNUAL EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, STATEWIDE - 1995/96 ESTIMATES - SORT: 1995/96 EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, STATEWIDE - 1994/95 ACTUAL AND 1995/96 ESTIMATES - SORT: CHANGE IN EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA BETWEEN 1994/95 AND 1995/96 MATERIALS EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA, STATEWIDE - 1994/95 ACTUAL AND 1995/96 ESTIMATES - SORT: CHANGE IN MATERIALS EXPENDITURES PER CAPITA BETWEEN 1994/95 AND 1995/96 PROJECTED FINES/FEES INCOME AS A PERCENT OF TOTAL OPERATING STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS INITIATIVE, STRATEGIC PLANNING DATABOOK (excerpts), from THE INSTITUTE FOR THE FUTURE SAMPLE REPORT FORM PERSONAL INCOME IN CALIFORNIA BY MAJOR COUNTY ASSESSED VALUATION TOTAL STATE AND LOCAL TAXES PER CAPITA SOURCE, 1950 TO 1994 and PER $1,000 OF PERSONAL INCOME vii Entering the 21st Century: California’s Public Libraries Face the Future Institute for the future California State Library April 1996 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Enteringthealst Century:California’s Public Libraries Facethe Futureis the fruit of ayearlong strategic planning project conducted by the Institute for the Future (InF)for the California State Library. The book is designed to help California’s local public libraries and other community stakeholders think about the strategic implications of fundamental changes in the California environment. If librarians and other stakeholders can be encouraged to think beyond today’s sometimes overwhelming problems, they can strategically position the public library to take its place as a central information resource in California’s 21 st century communities. Most of the material in this book is drawn fromCaliforniaasawhole.Thus, not all of it is relevant to all of California’s public libraries. Certainly, one of the striking features of Califor- nia is the broad diversity of its local communities’ interests and needs. In our work with local librarians, however, we have found that at least some of the issues and choices defined here will be relevant for each public library. Indeed, inadramaticallychang- ing world, understanding the basic is- sues facing public libraries in general and learning how other communities are responding to them is an important first step for any local library address- ing its own strategic imperatives. Only then can the library create its unique vision of what it wants to be. Each of the four parts of the book presents raw material-critical issues, a vision of the library of the future, strategic choices, and a pilot strategic planning project. Local public librar- ies can draw on this material for plan- ning sessions with staffs, boards, or community groups. Figure El shows the key elements of a full strategic planning cycle. Figure El A Sample Planning Process with a Local Library ENTER~NC THE 21- CENTURY: CALIFORNIA’S Puauc IJBRARIS FACE THE FWE El EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ~~~ If librarians and other stakeholders can be encouraged to think beyond today’s sometimes overwhelming problems, they can strategically position the public library to take its place as a central information resource in California’s 21 st century communities. PART 1: CRITICAL ISSUES FOR CALIFORNIA’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES Issues are basic underlying trends or combinations of events that present a threat or opportunity for key players. Drawing on information from state- wide and local surveys, IFTF worked with a task forceof innovativeCalifor- nia librarians, experts on new infor- mation technology, and local support- ers of public libraries to identify 12 issues that will be particularly impor- tant for public libraries in the next decade. Demographics. California’s popu- lation will continue to grow fasterthan the country as a whole, especially on the fringes of the state’s two big urban centers-the Los Angeles basin and the San Francisco Bay Area. Not only is the population growing, it is grow- ing older. The number of people over 65 will double between now and the year 2020, a statistic particularly im- portant to public libraries, since older people are not likely to be heavy li- brary users. To meet this growth, pub- lic libraries must continue to expand rheir services in the growing regions of the state, while in other, more ma- ture communities they must maintain current services. Cultural diversity. The diversity of California’s population-whether measured by languageorcultural back- ground-is growing tremendously. Public libraries must work to build loyal supporters among all California’s constituencies and must play a key role in integrating California. Special needs ofyouth. The number of children is increasing in California and a growing portion of them are living in poverty or need special help with language. In a globally compet i ti ve. information-intensive world, education is critical. The earnings gap between those who have gone to college and those who have not hasdoubledin thelast 15years.A~ a result, public libraries must do all they can to promote literacy, to teach researchskills to the young, toreinforce formal education, and to support lifelong learning. Information technology. California leads the world in the diffusion and use of interactive home-based technology. Almost half of all Californians use a PC at work and almost half have a PC at home. But the new technologies are much more likely to be available for the rich and educated. Public libraries must work to provide access to infor- mation technology for all members of their communi ties. The California economy. California is just recovering from its worst eco- nomic recession since the 1930s. The first lesson is that public libraries must learn to articulate their value to their communities in troubled economic times. Meanwhile, recovery brings a new set of issues. While the middle class, a traditional core supporter of the public library, is shrinking, the number of affluent, educated Califor- nians is growing rapidly. This is a uniqueopportunity for providing anew range of services to a group that uses the library heavily. California ’sprosperous businesses. Two dynamic sectors are leading California’seconomic expansion-the service industry and research-inten- sive manufacturing. The products of these industries, especially technology products, are increasingly sold on the competitive world market. These trends demand a flexible and adaptable workforce, one that knows something about theculturesofothercountries. In response, public libraries must become centers for lifelong learning. not just for cutting-edge rescarchers and cre- ative media directors, but for the far larger group of workers who bring practical applications of the new tech- nologies to daily life. E2 INSTITUTE FOR THE FUTURE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY New paradigms for work. California’s new industries require an educated, flexible workforce. A large majority ofcaliforniansstate that they need to learn things all the time to keep up with a changing workplace. A growing portion of workers (almost one-third) are also working at home. These workers are much more likely to use newer technologies. Public libraries must respond to the needs of this active, demanding group without disregarding the needs of the less educated and those who use fewer technologies. Public finance. Public revenues grew very slowly during the Califor- nia recession of the early 199Os, while three program areas-health care, pub- lic protection, and public assistance- increased their share of public fund- ing. At the same time. a significant share of local funding was tied to specific spending programs. Both of these trends will cause longer term problems for funding public libraries even though the outlook for local gov- ernment revenue overall should im- prove in the years ahead. Califomianssearch for information. The project’s statewide survey shows that Californians search regularly for a variety of information and that those with higher household incomes, higher levels of education, and greater expo- sure to information technologiessearch for more information. Despite the fact that Californians lead the country in the use of new technologies, they also tend to be heavy readers. Each week, more than two-thirds of adults read newspapers and magazines and a ma- jority read books. Equitable access to information. Subgroups in California approach the search for information in different ways. For example, those interviewed in a language other than English in the statewide survey are much less likely to search for information. And those who search for information more of- ten (those with higher incomes and education, for the most part) are much more likely to be frustrated in finding what they are looking for. This poses a double problem. Public 1 ibraries must help those who don’t yet know how to use information learn the power of information, while also responding to the escalating needs of those who al- ready know how to find information on their own. Upgrading skills. Two-thirds of working Californians agree strongly that they need to learn new skills con- tinually to keep up in the workplace, and 60% of California adults agree strongly that computer skills areamong the most important. Public libraries must have a strategic policy for re- sponding to these strong needs for lifelong learning. Support for public libraries. There is much good news for public librar- ies: the majority of Californians use the library once a month or more; various groups-the rich, the well- educated, the young, families with young children, Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans-show strong sup- port for the library; and more Califor- nians rate the public library as an “ex- cellen t” source of information as com- pared with almost any other commu- nity resource. The majority of Califor- nians are also willing to pay more for better library services. Public libraries must figure out how to leverage such support and resources. ’ PART 11: A VISION FOR CALIFORNIA’S PUBLK: LIBRARIES To plan successfully for the future, each public library must have a vision that embodies the longer term goals of key stakeholders in the community. Thus, each public library’s vision is unique, and each public library’s stra- tegic planning process will take a dif- ferent track, But that doesn’t mean public librar- To plan successfully for the future, each public library must have a vision that embodies the longer term goals of key stakeholders in the community. ~ ENTERING THE 21- CENTURY: CALIFORNIA’S Puauc LIBRARIES FACE THE FUTURE E3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY To position themselves to achieve longer term strategic goals, public libraries must begin by making important choices today. ies don’t have something to learn from each other. Included in this book is a single vision that embodies the vi- sions gathered over the course of the project from librarians around the state. A narrative depicting a visit to a typi- cal library in the year2005, this vision shows a compendium of the changes librarians expect to see rather than a profile of any one library. Important aspects of the vision in- clude: An innovative “Commons” de- signed forpeople to meet and commu- nicate, both face-teface and electroni- cally. Communitywide services such as language and literacy labs for English and non-English speakers, programs for understanding tax or health care forms, and access to space for com- munity groups. Value-added research services. Community archives of historical and current information. Programs and spaces designed for specific age groups, such as children and teens, to meet specific needs, such as education, language, and technol- ogy use. Access to and training for informa- tion technologies. Flexible access to library services by means of interactive kiosks and classroom computers, for example. Business-library and community college-library partnerships for pro- viding telecommuting services, re- sources forjob searches, and continu- ing education. PAFIT 111: STRATEGIC CHOICES FOR CALIFORNIA’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES To position themselves to achieve longer term strategic goals, public li- braries must begin by making impor- tant choices today. The range of choices depends on the visions they have articulated and the local resources and options they can generate. While such choices must be driven locally, examples of how other libraries and organizations have addressed similar strategic issues can be helpful. Twelve strategies are particularly relevant for California’s public libraries. They fall into three broad categories. Partner With Community and Other Organizations Build community support. To be- come the center of information ser- vices for the local community, public libraries must build networks with key players in thecommunity. form strate- gic alliances, and manage community relations. In this way they can reach the community more effectively with their own story and build the public support they will need to reach more ambitious strategic goals. Enter fruitful community collabo- rations. With limited resourcesoftheir own, public libraries must reach out to a variety of potential partners in the community who share some of their own goals and visions about the im- portance of accessible information. Potential partners include K-12 schools, local colleges, government agencies, businesses, and the not-for- profit sector. Facilitatecontinuing educarioaThe vast majority of Californians agree that lifelong education and new com- puter skills are essential to success. Libraries can play a key role in sup port of continuing education, a role that can manifest itself in a variety of ways: Internet training for those with- out it at work or home, language train- ing for both English and nowEnglish speakers, partnerships with local adult schools and community colleges, and business and marketing training for small businesses and local govem- ment officials. EXEm SUMMA .Y Find new funding. Californiapublic libraries must find new resources to expand their role in an increasingly in fonn at ion -ric h society. There are two ways of doing this: building direct support by better articulating the criti- cal role of the public library in the community. and finding partners in the community with common values and goals and leveraging the partnership’s combined resources. Evaluate needs and services. Regu- lar evaluations are essential for run- ningan effective 1ibraryprogram.This means evaluating the effectiveness of existing services as well as identifying the community’s ongoing needs and problems. Develop New Information and Technology Resources Develop new community services. Public libraries should develop new types of information-based services in which the whole community can par- ticipate. Working with otheragencies, public libraries can become the cen- tral node of information on important areas such as health, literacy, and local agency activities. Public libraries can also foster interactive discussion groups to disseminate information on other public agency or community ini- tiatives. Create and organize intellectual capital. With the pace of change so high in so many California communi- ties, it is important to keep an ongoing record of the community and to orga- nize a community’s diverse infonna- tion sources. Public libraries are the natural builders and keepers of a community’s archives and can pro- vide the most effective means of orga- nizing. standardizing, and facilitating the presentation of electronic infor- mation about the community and its services and resources. Shifi from analog to digital. As the center of community information,each public library must develop a strategy to deal with the emergence of new and varied sources of electronic informa- tion. Public libraries must build an infrastructure for access, develop the skills to work with the diverse technol- ogy needs of the community, and find new ways of presenting information in digital formats. Digital information pre- sents a unique opportunity to offer some formsof library services 24 hours a day. Reorganize for the 21st Century Create community library space. Physical space often defines the role an agency plays in the local commu- nity. In building new or rebuilding current space, public libraries should consider several options: sharing space with other organizations with comple- mentary services, building more pub- lic-purpose spaces, and designing spaces that meet the more diverse in- formation needs of future patrons. Rethinkorganizational structure. As California communities become more diverse and library users grow more sophisticated, public libraries must build more flexible operating struc- tures. Possibilities include learning to work effectively with partners, orga- nizing work remotely, working with dispersed staff, and continually rede- fining the staff‘s roles. Optimize library operations. In re- positioning themselves for 21st cen- tury communities, California’s public libraries must concentrate their re- sources on those activities that meet the needs of their constituencies. Each library should review which of their current activities are core functions and which are routine functions that can be outsourced more cost effec- tively. This could free important re- sources to concentrate on what the public sees as the libraries’ key activi- ties-reference librarians, good refer- ence collections, and special learning programs. As the center of community information, each public library must develop a strategy to deal with the emergence of new and varied sources of electronic information. ENTERING THE 21s CENIIIRY: CALIFORNIA‘S hBLK LlBURlEs FACE THE FUTURE E5 EXEMWE SUMMARY Public librarians will need to expand the range of their skills to include nontraditional competencies like cross- cultural community relations, community networking, marketing, user needs evaluation, and technology skills. Redefine library staff. As the activities of the California public librarieschange, the professional skills of the staff are likely to change as well. Public librarians will need to expand the range of their skills to include nontraditional competencies likecross- cultural community relations. community networking, marketing, user needs evaluation, and technology skills. Public libraries must reevaluate both their recruiting strategies and training programs. PART IV: PLANNING WITH A LOCAL LIBRARY: WOODLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Statewide information on issues and choices is not relevant in the same way for each local public library. To dem- onstrate how a planning process works for a typical public library, we con- ducted a full-scale strategic planning effort with the Woodland Public Li- brary. Over seven months we worked with the Library Director and a Strate- gic Planning Committee made up of 15 community members representing staff, the library board, public offi- cials. friends of the library, local busi- ness people, heads of local agencies, and library users. The Woodland Public Library Stra- tegic Planning Committee utilized the statewide information supplemented with material gathered locally. Mem- bers identified the critical issues for their own library’s future role in the community, created a vision statement that positioned their public library as a key information resource in that com- munity,andsetoutthestrategicchoices that would position them to achieve these goals. While not a substitute for informa- tion about the local community, the statewide background information played at least four key roles: It brought home forcefully the need to think about strategic issues for the long term. It raised the level of awareness about key changes in the California environ- ment relevant to local changes. It gave information about Califor- nians’ attitudes, their use of informa- tion, the concerns of key subgroups, and their strong feelings of support for the public library’s mission. It presented a wide range of choices that other public libraries and public agencies have made to deal with simi- lar issues. We hope the information in this book can be of similar help to you. E6 I- FOR THE FWRE APfUL 1996 KSTREET. SUITE 1740 ++++ +*+ +++ +++ +*+ SUMMARY OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS 0 STATE GOVERNANCE o STATE BUDGET K-12 EDUCATION: STRUCTURE AND FINANCE 0 STATE AND LOCAL RELATIONS c;1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT: STRUCTURE AND FINANCE +++e +++ +++ +++ +++ CCRC RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE The following is a general summary of the COmmiSSiOM actiOVrS. These recommendations will be included in the proposal submitted to Legislature in May 1996. INTRODUCTION In a letter to James Warren on April 22,1776, John Adams wrote, “All great changes are irksome to the human mind, especially those which are attended with great dangers and uncertain effects.” Today, Californians are seeking change in the way their government operates. One need look only at the voter approved initiatives of the last 20 years to see a citizenry frustrated with their government. Proposing a new way to do things is never easy. The reality we do not like often looks better than the new way that might bring a better, yet uncertain future. Despite the uncertainty that change brings, it is clear that change in California’s system of state and local government is necessary. Californians simply are not satisfied with their state and local governments. In order to develop reasonable and workable ways to reform our government, the governor and legislature appointed the 23-member California Constitution Revision Commission. The Commission was asked to do the following: Examine the structure of state government and propose modifications that will increase accountability Analyze the current configuration of state and local government duties and responsibilities and review the constraints that interfere with the allocation of state and local responsibilities Review the state budgetary process, including the appropriate balance of resources and spending; the fiscal relations between state, federal, and local governments; and the constraints and impediments that interfere with an orderly and comprehensive consideration of fiscal issues Consider the feasibility of integrating community resources in order to reduce duplication and increase the productivity of local service delivery In May of 1994, the California Constitution Revision Commission began holding meetings, hearings, and community forums across the state. The Commission received comments and proposals from both the general public and experts with knowledge of specific issues. Those comments focused on the problems with current government structures and procedures and what could be done to alleviate those problems. After eighteen months of hearings and analysis, the Commission is proposing an agenda for changing the ways in which our state and local governments operates. The Commission’s primary objectives in making these recommendations are to improve the CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION PAGE 3 accountability and responsiveness of government at all levels - from the state to the smallest community: + Improve the accountability and responsiveness of government at all levels - + Eliminate barriers to efficiency and increase flexibility + Enhance fiscal integrity from the state to the smallest community Change can be irksome. We cannot completely predict the outcome. But we do know that the current system is in dire need of change. The Commission believes these recommendations represent an opportunity for positive change in California’s governing system. Only through major changes can we hope to create a better system and a better state for all Californians. I. STATE GOVERNANCE - STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS THE ISSUE: California’s state government structure is often described as “divided” - split up among a dozen directly elected public officials with a mixture of authority and few direct lines of accountability. Power in the executive branch is widely dispersed and it limits the ability of the chief executive to effectively manage government operations and be accountable to the people of California. The primary objective of the organization of executive functions is to promote efficiency and responsiveness in the implementation of state policy. The legislative branch suffers from a similar problem. It’s authority is often limited by the adoption of initiative which were often enacted due to inaction. The initiative process, which was originally intended to break the grip of special interests on the legislative process, has itself become dominated by narrow interests. There is no formal process for a public discussion of the legal and technical issues of proposed initiatives and no provision that would increase voter participation in amending the Constitution. A. Executive Branch Provide for Single-Ticket Election of the Govern& and Lieutenant Governor - The Governor and Lieutenant Governor should run on the same ticket as a team. Under the new open primary system approved by the voters, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor would run together at the primary and general election. Additionally, the Governor should be authorized to appoint the Lieutenant Governor to an executive branch responsibility. The Governor’s executive powers would not pass to the Lieutenant Governor when the Governor leaves the State. Reduce the Number of Statewide Hective Offices - The offices of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Treasurer, and the State Insurance Commissioner should be appointed by the Governor, rather than elective, and subject to legislative confirmation. CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION , PACE4 Reorganize and Restructure the Revenue Collection System - The Board of Equalization should be abolished and its regulatory and executive functions, along with the functions of the Franchise Tax Board, be combined into a Department of Revenue. A state tax appeals body should be established, appointed by the Governor and subject to legislative con firmation. University of California Board of Regents - The terms of office of the Board of Regents should be reduced from 12 to 10 years. Reappointment should be prohibited unless the appointee has served less than a full term. The number of appointed members should be reduced from 18 to 15. The Superintendent of Public Instruction should be removed as a member of the Board of Regents since this office will be appointive and part of the Governor’s administration. Change the Responsibilities and Terms of the State Personnel Board - The probationary and classification functions of the State Personnel Board (SPB) should be transferred to the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA). The terms of the SPB members should be shortened from ten years to six years. B. Legislative Branch Shorten Legislative Sessions - The Constitution should limit the length of legislative sessions to six months, extend the time for the Governor to act on legislation, provide for expanded “oversight” functions of the legislature, and allow the Legislature to consider - but not pass - measures shortly after introduction. Term Limits - The Commission recommends that term limits be retained but extended to three, four-year terms in each house. The terms would be staggered so that one-half of the Assembly and the Senate ,would be elected every two years. The Commission concluded that the current length of terms of legislators has inhibited the legislative branch from fully undertaking its constitutional duty to make laws. Currently, Assemblymembers have three, two-year terms and Senators have two, four-year terms Increased Oversight Authority - The Constitution should provide additional authority for the Legislature to review and disapprove administrative regulations. Enact a Provision Tying Budget Passage to Salaries - The Constitution should require the budget to be passed by the June 30 constitutional deadline or the Governor and the Legislature forfeit their pay. Provide Retirement Benefits - The Constitution should allow legislators to participate in the regular Public Employees Retirement System. C. The Initiative Process Place Initiative Constitutional Amendments on the November Ballot - The Constitution should provide that all initiative and legislative constitutional CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION amendments be placed on the November ballot. Constitutional amendments proposed by the Legislature may be placed on primary or sp+al election ballots with a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and the approval of the Governor. Allow Amendment of Statutory Initiatives After Six Years - The Constitution should allow the Legislature, with gubernatorial approval, to amend statutory initiatives after they have been effective for six years. Provide a Role for the Legislature in the Initiative Process - The Constitution should establish a process for legislative review and amendment of qualified initiatives. With the consent of the proponents, the Legislature could amend a qualified initiative. Such amendments must be technical and clarzfyrng only, and must be consistent with the purposes of the initiative. II. THE STATE BUDGET AND FISCAL SYSTEM THE ISSUE The state's budget and expenditure system lacks adequate fiscal checks and balances. There is no constitutional requirement that the state enact or mahtain a balanced budget. If a deficit is created by increases in spending or decreases in revenue, funds are borrowed to pay bills. An annual budget provides limited opportunities for establishing and implementing long-term strategic plans. Such plans would provide more direction for overall spending and facilitate the systematic evaluation of programs by the public, and increase accountability. Require the State's Budget to be Balanced - The Constitution should require that expenditures not exceed revenues and reserves. Following the adoption of the budget, no bill could be enacted that had the effect of creating a deficit. Authorize the Adoption of a Two-Year Budget - The current annual budget process should be replaced with the enactment of a two-year budget process. Require a Three Percent General Fund Reserve - The Constitution should require the state to begin its two-year budget period with a three percent reserve. The reserve would be phased in over several budget periods. Appropriations from the reserve would require a two-thirds vote of both houses. Provide a Budget Rebalancing Mechanism - The Constitution should speafy that if a budget becomes unbalanced, a "rebalancing" process for the state budget should be provided. Midway through the fiscal period, the Governor would be required to provide an update on the state's fiscal condition. If necessary, the Governor may submit legislation to "rebalance'' the budget. Prohibit "External" Borrowing Across Fiscal Periods - The Constitution should limit the ability of the state to borrow funds from private capital markets across fiscal periods. CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION PAGE 6 Require A Majority Vote to Enact the Budget and Budget Related Legislation - The Constitution should provide for a majority vote for the adoption of the state budget, the budget implementation bill, and the bill enacted to "rebalance" the budget. Allow for Multiple Subject Implementation Legislation - The Constitution should allow the Legislature to include multiple statutory changes needed to implement the budget bill in a single bill other than the budget bill. Require Strategic Planning and Performance Measures in the Budgetary Process - The Constitution should require the Governor to submit a four-year strategic plan to the Legislature for review, amendment, and adoption. The plan would include policy and fiscal priorities, performance standards to gauge the productivity of state expenditures, a capital facilities and financing plan, and the programmatic relationship between the state and local governments. The Commission recommends that a statutory provision be adopted requiring the budget to contain outcome-based performance measures. III. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY, STRUCTURE, AND FINANCING THE ISSUE: The governance structure of elementary and secondary education is divided among several state, county, and local authorities. Lines of accountability are blurred. Although elementary and secondary education are a shared local and state responsibility, local K-12 districts have little authority to raise taxes to provide additional funds for education. Additionally, cities, counties, and many special districts provide services that affect a child's education and health, yet there are few formal incentives for the collaborative delivery of services that might lead to more efficiency and cost savings. A. Accountability in Education The Constitution should provide the authority of local school boards to make decisions not in conflict with state law. Additionally, the state should adopt, by statute, an accountability system that is limited to education content, pupil performance, and financial and managerial responsibilities. B. Constitutional/Statutory Nature of Education Governance The Constitution should be amended to provide for the appointment of a Superintendent of Public Instruction by the Governor. The State Board of Education and the county school superintendents and boards should be removed from the Constitution. The duties of the Superintendent, the State Board of Education and the county offices would be determined by statute. CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSIOr~ PACE 7 C. Financing Education Maintaining the Statewide Funding Guarantee for K-12 - The constitutional guarantee for K-12 schools should be maintained. However, greater flexibility should be available to the Legislature and the Governor to determine how to provide additional funds to K- 12 in excess of the funding guarantee. Additional funding should be on a one-time basis unless the Legislature specifically appropriated the additional funding into the guarantee. Community colleges should become part of higher education and should be excluded from the guarantee. Authorize Supplementary Local Voter-Approved Taxes for Education - The Constitution should allow local communities to supplement the state guarantee by authorizing K-12 unified school districts to increase the property tax with the approval of two-thirds of the voters within the district. Additionally, an increase of up to one- half cent on the sales tax on a countywide basis with a majority vote of the voters should also be authorized. The proceeds of the tax would be allocated on a per-student basis. Capital Outlay Financing - The Constitution should provide for a new system for developing and approving the financing of capital facilities. If a school district participates with other public agencies in a capital outlay planning program, implemented through the “Home Rule Community Charter” and the proposed project is consistent with the plan, the vote requirement for the approval of general obligation bonds to finance school construction would be a majority vote of those voting. IV. STATE/LOCAL RELATIONSHIP THE ISSUE The assignment of governmental responsibilities between the state and various local governments, particularly counties, is fragmented and confused. The absence of clearly assigned responsibilities for operating and financing government services has weakened the accountability of government officials to the public. Functions which are clearly state (e.g., higher education) or clearly local (eg., library services) are not the problem. The issue centers on those functions that are statewide in nature but are administered on behalf of the state by another entity, such as a county. Under this system counties are treated as agents of the state and often must use the tax base meant to support local services to fund programs over which the county has no programmatic or operational control. Finding the right mix of program responsibilities and financing for shared programs must be a high priority task for the Legislature and the Governor. New StatefLocal Realignment Plan The Constitution should require the Governor to submit to the Legislature a State/Local Realignment Plan for the alignment of state and local services in mid 1997. The plan may be revised by the Legislature and must be approved and sent to the Governor for CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION PAGE 8 his action by September 15, 1997. The objective of the plan would be to clanfy roles, responsibilities, and financing of state and local government. V. ESTABLISHING A NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND FINANCE SYSTEM THE ISSUE The present structure of 7,000 local government entities (counties, cities, special districts, and school districts) has resulted in a confusing array of governmental entities, a number of which have overlapping, if not conflicting, duties and responsibilities. While there is a general public policy interest in improving and streamlining local governance and service delivery and increasing local accountability, local agencies have few tangible incentives for reform. The existing local government structure and division of governmental responsibilities were conceived during a time in the state's history when there were fewer people, fewer environmental problems, and arguably fewer social equity challenges. Moreover, the diversity of California's regions make it difficult for a uniform approach to local governance to be responsive to each area's needs. Recognizing the state's diversity, the Commission recommends a new provision be placed in the Constitution that would provide for the organization, financing, and strengthening of the home rule powers of local government. The Commission recommends that a new authority be established that would improve the accountability and efficiency of local government. The new authority would consist of a "Home Rule Community Charter" which would provide for the assignment of local government services and their financing. A. Process for Developing a Charter In early 1997, a Citizens' Charter Commission would be appointed in each county, or if desired, multi-county area. The commission would be made up of representatives of existing governmental agencies and members of the public. majority of the membership would be non-governmental. The job of the Charter Commission would be to examine the current local government structure, methods of service delivery, and assignment of responsibilities and powers. At the conclusion of the examination, the commission would adopt a Governmental Services and Financing Plan for the territory covered by the charter. No later than the November 2000, a new Home Rule Community Charter that implements the governmental services and financing plan must be submitted to the voters for approval. The charter may include both countywide and sub-county charters. This process will achieve the goals of improved service delivery, effiaency, and accountability. Full disclosure of the financing of local government services would also be required. A CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVIS.ION COMMISSION B. Establishment of an Oversight Commission The Legislature should establish, in statute, a state commission that would be limited to a clearinghouse of ideas for the work of the citizens’ commissions, monitoring their progress and advising the Governor and Legislature on the state/local realignment process. C. Contents of the Charter The countywide charter and/or sub-county charters would include the following components: + Identdy the territory to be covered by the charter + Provide methods for reducing the number and cost of local government + Allocate local services and regulatory responsibilities + Provide for the organization and reorganization, as well as the boundaries of local agencies + Allocate general purpose state-authorized local revenues as well as provide for full financial disclosure D. Strengthening Home Rule The Commission has endorsed strengthening the home rule provisions of the Constitution. One of the incentives for general law cities, counties and other local entities to participate in the Home Rule Community Charter is that home rule powers, previously limited to charter cities, would be granted to the new community charter and to the entities operating within the charter. This provision will strengthen local governments’ ability to govern local affairs. Additionally, once the charter for a given area is adopted the state would be prohibited from reallocating the non-school share of the property tax or other general purpose local taxes allocated by the charter. With respect to charter cities, the provisions of a Home Rule Community Charter may not interfere with or abrogate the authority of a charter city. E. Vote Requirements for Local Taxes The authority to raise taxes would be subject to a majority vote of the governing board and a majority of the voters unless the charter provided for a higher threshold. This would apply to all locally levied taxes except the ad valorem property tax. Additionally, general obligation bonds for projects consistent with a capital outlay plan for the area covered by the charter could be approved with a majority vote. CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION CLA Facts *# 3 .A 4 3 California Library Association 71 7 K Street, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95814 91 6-447-8541 ".,, PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND The legislation authorizing the Public Library Fund (PLF) became effective July 1, 1983. In the passing the measure, the California Legislature found and declared "that it is in the interest of the people and of the State that there be a general diffusion of information and knowledse through the continued operation of free public libraries. " The Legislature further declared that "the public library is a supplement to the formal system of free public education.. .and a resource for continuing education and re-education beyond the years of formal education and as such deserves adequate financial support from government at all levels. " The total cost of the program in its first year was $12 per capita with localities paying 90% and the State authorized to pay 10%. At the highest State appropriation for the PLF in 1989/90, the state provided $20.6 million, approximately 55% of the amount required for full funding. In the next three budget years the State portion was reduced from $20.6 milIion to $8.8 million. The Public *- Library Fund is part of the Gove-mor's budget. .- - \ FISCAL YEAR 1995196 1994195 1993194 1992193 1991192 199019 1 y 1989190 1988189 1987188 PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND PROGRAM REOUlREMENT $50,890,360 47,803,195 463 30,530 47,245,648 48,2 19,568 45,472,677 42,127,230 39,297,504 37,617,793 STATE ALLOCATION $8,870,000 8,870,000 8,870,000 8,870 ,OOO 10,176,000 16,600,000 20,600,000 20,600,000 20,200 ,Ooo SB1958 - Mello The California Library Association is sponsoring SB1958, authored by Senpor Henry Mello. This bill would give any California county the authority to use a 1/8 cent des tu increment for library programs and operations within that county. SB1958 is enabhg legislsrtion only; the 1/8 cent sales tax increment would still have to be approved by a 2/3 majority vote in every county where it was desired. In each case, the sales tax increment would sunset in 10 years, requiring another submi to the voters, and another 2/3 majority vote. Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County have already passed into law "district only" legidation* which allows these mo counties to use a 1/8 cent sales tax increment for the support of library operations and programs. Stanislaus County went to the voters in 1995, and their measure was approved; San Joaquin County's masure will be on the ballot in Jw 1996.. In an informal survey conducted by the California County Lib& Association, many other counties expressed interest in using such a funding measure in their liinrp. The language of SB1958 stipulates the fun- generated is to be used "witbin the county," to dow for ld negotiation between county libraries, and city libraries within county boundaries. San Joaquin County includes one such indepenh municipd library, and their plan for service contains a split of the sales tax money, so that d libraries bench. The passage of SB1958 would give California's libraries another weapon in their 4 for adequate local funding. 7 I ., -a ... . f t-, -5 LIBRARY BOND ACT Public Library Learning & Literacy Expansion Act of 1996 SENATE BILL 1531: Introduced by Senator Milton Marks @-3) is for $250 million. DESCRIPTION: A Bond Act which would provide funds for public library construction and remodeling including seismic retrofit and enhancements for emerging information technologies, has recently been introduced into the California Legislature. STATUS: The bill will be heard ocxt in the Senate Appropriations Subcodtte on Bonded Indebtedms and Methods of Financing: -. chair: 6.: Lucy Kiuea(I-39) V. chait: Bill briard (R-31) Members: Ralph C. Dills @-28) Dave Kelley (R-37) Pat Johnston @-5) THE NEED: In a recent California State Library survey, over 6 million square feet of needed library space was identified. This represents approximately 350 potential public library construction projects currently in need of over $1 billion of funding. REVERSING THE PROPERTY TAX SHIFTS General Fund Growth EDUCATIONAL REVENUE AUGMENTATION FUNI) (ERAv AB 2828-Sweeney Background: In 1992-93 and 1993-94, the state shifted about $4 billion in property taxes fiom certain local agencies to schools. These actions dowed the state to reduce the General Fund spending on schools and did not affect California's overall level of school spending. These shifts helped solve the state's budget imbalances in the early 199Os, but took millions of dollars away fiom City and County Public Libraries. There are a number of bills before the Legislature which would reverse or molfy the property tax shifts. The table below outlines some possible options; combinations are possible. Please consider options which reverse all or part of the shifts. ODtions: Freeze Shift SB 1865-Craven AB 2797-Agu.h I ~ Freezes the amounts local agencies deposit to ERAF at 1995-1995 levels. Local agencies keep growth Reinstates the states's top 10-1 1% on personal income. Deposit fkds into the ERAF and offset local contributions to the ERAF Reduces local agency contributions annually by an amount qual to half the state's General Fund revenue growth 1 CALIFORNIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION SUMMARY OF 1995196 LEGISLATION (as of April 22, 1996) BILL#/ AUTHOR DESCRIPTION STATUS SB 323-KOPP Watch SB 1477-TOHNSON Oppose SB 1531 - MARKS support SB 1605-LESLIE support Among other things, would Assembly require that public agencies Governmental ensure that systems used Organization to collect and hold public records be designed to ensure ease of public access to information on computer tapes. Would permit the library to charge a fee to users from outside its jurisdiction to cover the difference between the reimbursement rate for handling adopted by the California Library Services Board and the reimbursement rate funded by the State. The Public Library Learning and Literacy Expansion Act of 1996: would authorize the issuance of General Obligation bonds in the amount of $250 million for library construction and renovation. Would establish 1) the California State Library Gold Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and Science, to be awarded to an individual who enriches the collection of the State Library, 2) in order to protect and preserve valuable and irreplaceable state library collections, allows the State Library Foundation to duplicate information for the public at large and authorize the collection of reasonable fees for such a service. Senate Education Senate Appropriations Senate Appropriations SB 1865-CRAVEN support SB 1958 - MELLO support SB 1998-MOUNTTOY Oppose SB 2072-O'CONNELL support SCR 6-ALOUIST Watch AB 295-BALDWIN Disapprove EMF Bill: Would require each county auditor, beginning in 1996-97, to allocate the "shift growth amount," of the amount of property taxes of the county, city, and special district, to that local agency, rather than KO the county's EMF. Would authorize the Board of Supervisors in any county to impose a 1/8 cents sales tax, not exceed 10 years, subject to approval by 2/3 of the voters in the county. The revenues collected are to be used only for funding library programs and operations. As introduced, would require the county to transfer back to the city or library jurisdiction that is withdrawing from the county free library system, that portion of the property tax proceeds attributable to propenies located within the city or library district being used for county free library purposes. As amended, Senate Appropriations Senate Appropriations Senate Local Government -~ now applies to Los Angeles County only. EMF Bill: Beginning Senate in 1997-98 the auditor Local shall allocate to the county, and each city and special district, rather than to the county's EMF fund, the shift growth amount of that local agency. Government Would create the Joint Assembly Legislative Committee on Rules Information Services in State Government to oversee the technology infrastructure of the state. Among other things, Senate Judiciary expands the definition of "obscene matter" to include various types of film and computer media, negatives, slides, etc. 3 AB 318-KATZ Disapprove AB 871-BALDWIN Disapprove AB 906-AGUIAR support Would prohibit all transfers from city-owned utilities to the city’s general fund, thereby indirectly impacting funding for libraries and other city programs. Expands the definition of “matter” to include any negative, videotape, computer disk, laser disk, recording, etc. Also prohibits the advertisement of these items. Local Government Budget trailer bill which, among other things, eliminates maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements for cities, counties, special districts, including the Public Library Fund MOE requirement. AB 1026-McPHERSON As recently amended, Watch requires the Secretary of State to place all reports and documents associated with candidates for elective office and reports of lobbyists, on the largest, non-proprietary, non-profit, cooperative public computer network in a format that makes ths information easily understood. AB 1143-VILLARAIGOSA Oppose As amended on September 15, final day of session, would, among other things, eliminate PLF Maintenance of Effort requirements. No action on bill in 1996. AB 1734-FRUSETTA Increases the punishment Disapprove for advertisers or whole- sale distributors of obscene matter. Also adds computer discs, video laser discs, recordings, and reproductions to the definition of obscene matter. Senate Local Government Senate Judiciary Conference Committee Senate Elections & Reapportionment On Assembly Inactive File for Concurrence in Senate amendments Senate Criminal Procedures AB 2228-MAZZONI support ERAF bill: Provides that in Marin and Mono counties and eventually other counties, where all school entities have become “basic aid,” growth in EMF Funds will be returned to the local government entities rather than being used to offset property taxes associated with special education programs. AB 9406-VILLARAIGOSA support two highest personal income EMF bill: Maintains the marginal rates, while requiring the money to be deposited into the General Fund for transfer to the county auditor. The auditor would reduce the amount of property tax deposited into the county’s ERAF, and increase the amount of propeny tax revenue for cities, counties, and special districts. AB 2566-GOLDSMITH Makes special provisions Watch for the membership of the Board of Law Library Trustees in San Diego County 2797-AGUIAR ERAF bill: Would require support each county auditor, beginning in 1996-97, to allocate the “shift growth amount” of the county, city, and special district, to that local agency, rather than to the county’s EMF. AB 2828-SWEENEY support ERAF bill: Directs a percentage of the growth in State General Fund revenues, which exceeds the estimate in the 1995 May revise, and is remaining after the Proposition 98 calculation to repayment of county, city, and special district contri- butions to ERAF. Assembly Local Government Assembly Local Government & Assy. Revenue & Taxation [double-referred] Senate Judiciary Assembly Appropriations Assembly Appropriations AB 2923-ALPERT Watch/Close Ths measure is an attempt Assembly to reduce the multiple Education volume Education Code which Failed passage has become a politically Reconsideration popular issue. As part of granted the process, many provisions relating to public libraries would be being shifted to the Government Code. AB 295 1-HANNIGAN support of Supervisors in Solano Would authorize the Board county to impose a 1/8 cent Assembly Revenue & Tax Failed passage AB 2989-BOWEN Watch AB 3239-SHER support sales tax, not to exceed 10 years. The revenues collected are to be used only for funding county wide library programs and operations. Requires that any report Assembly submitted to the Governmental legislature or Governor Organization , by law, be submitted Failed passage electronically, with the State Librarian responsible for making the reports available in this format. Also requires any notice of a meeting under the Brown Act or Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act to be posted electronically on the state-maintained web site and sent to the State Librarian for electronic posting. Existing law allows the Board of Supervisors in San Mateo county to levy a 5% sales tax for the support of public elementary and secondary education by a 2/3rds vote. This bill would extend that tax authority to include the colleges, parks, recreation and libraries in that county. support of community Assembly Revenue & Tax Failed passage AB 3334-BREWER support AB 3397-KNOX Watch ACA 38-BALDWIN Oppose 6 h EMF bill: Requires the , Assembly county auditor to allocate Local Government to the county no less than and Assy. 23% of the ad valorem Revenue & Tax propetty tax revenues [double-referred] collected in that county for that fiscal year, and makes subsequent adjustments in future years. Would require contracts and grants to be provided to consortia, for the purpose of assisting county offices of education and school districts to purchase and use education technology materials, equipment, software and networks. States legislative intent that library regions, in conjunction with the State Library, support the consortia to manage networked information. ' Assembly Education "Right to Vote on Taxes Act": Would classify Local Government those taxes levied by a local government or a special district as general or special taxes, and establishes, in addition to the 2/3 voter approval requirement for special taxes, a majority voter approval requirement for new and certain existing general taxes. Assembly I FACTS California School Library Association 1499 Old Bayshore Highway, Suite 142 Burlingame, CA 94010 415/692-2350 AB 2371 (K. MURRAY) - CLASSROOM TELEPHONES Summary of Bill AB 2371 would require all new and modernized school buildings in the state to be designed and equipped with an individual telephone line connection in each classroom beginning on January 1, 1997. Under existing law, there is no requirement for schools to he designed or equipped with telephones. Current law does require that the State Allocation Board set aside a portion of the school facilities bond funds for educational technology purposes, which might include wiring of new or modernized schools. This wiring may not be compatible with telephone usage. CSLA Position CSLA supports AB 2371 because it makes a strong statement in support of the needs of classroom teachers and school librarians. Telephones are a fundamental part of our communications system. There is a growing demand to provide greater school safety, improve communications with parents and provide for an ever increasing need to have telephone lines in the classroom and school library to provide access to the internet. CSLA Member Action Requested Communicate support for AB 2371 (K. Murray) to your legislator and ask them to vote for and support the bilL XMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 27,1996 C.ILIFORX1.A LEGISLATURE-1995-96 RECULIR SESSIOS ASSEMBLY BILL No. 2371 Introduced by Assembly iMember Kevin Murray February 16, 1996 An act to add Article 9 (commencing with Section 39280) to Chapter 2 of Part 23 of the Education Code, relating to school facilities. - LEGISLATIVE COUSSEL'S DIGEST AB 2371, as amended, K. Murray. School facilities: classroom telephones. Under existing law, known as the Field Act, school buildings, as defined, are required to meet certain safety specifications. This bill, commencing January 1, 1997, would require that all plans and specifications for the construction or fabrication of a new or modernized school building, as defined, be designed and equipped with a kkphme he& hard-wired connection to a public switched network. Tkisw&ew&-irt**Be eppped+Wi&a+€&?pkekeek~bft* wik!k?d--=--*.1994:* BV imposing these additional requirements on local W government. this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse looill agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated 45 3 4 s h v 3 I C t.9 s I I tQ I I w t9 La 4 L R California School Library Association 1499 Old Bayshorc Highway, Suite 142 Burlingame, CA 94010 415/692-2350 STATE BUDGET Additional Funding For Technology and Instructional Materials Governor’s Budget Roposal The Budget proposed by Governor Wilson in January contains an additional $600 million in Proposition 98 funding in the current (1995-96) year. These funds have been earmarked by the Governor in the following manner: $225 million for deficit reduction caused by unbudgeted growth and property tax shortfalls, $100 million in one-time funding to implement the Department of Education’s Reading and Math Task Force Reports, $100 million for educational technology to be distributed to districts on a per ADA basis, $50 million for deferred maintenance and $10 million for a school/library pilot project. CSLA Priorities CSLA strongly supports two of the Governor’s top funding priorities: $100 million to fund the recommendations of the Reading and Math Task Forces and the $100 million for additional education technology funding on a per ADA basis. The Reading Task Force made a number of recommendations including “districts must supply a Iarge number of highquality, appropriate print and electronic instructional materials.” As a part of that recommendation, the task force suggested that every classroom should have at least 1,500 books so that there is a sufficient supply of age-appropriate books and stories in all grades. Part of the $100 million proposed by the Governor’s Office would fund school districts to speciscally purchase these needed reading materials. CSLA also supports the $100 million for education technology because it would provide $20 per ADA for education technology purchases. CSLA Member Action Requested Communicate your support to your legislators for both the $100 million to fund the Reading and Math Task Force recommendations and the $100 million for education technology funding. Let your legislator know what these funds could purchase in your school. r N