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Below is a summary of the recommendations of the draft Library Development Study commissioned by the State Library. All statements are verbatim from the study except the ones in brackets [ ], which are my paraphrases of explanations in the study. I hope you will take the time to comment on the sections of interest to you. http://www.libraryconsultant.com/TexasLDDraft.htm Bob Gaines ************** The overall objectives to improve library service in Texas: 1) Increased efficiency 2) Expanded governance options 3) Increased funding 4) Improved cooperation and coordination 5) The adoption and implementation of higher standards Recommendations: 1. Texas should encourage and provide incentives for the formation of �larger units of service� [By "consolidating of multiple libraries under a single administrative/management structure."] 2. Eliminate or reduce indirect charges applied to system grants. [Suggestions include encouraging more non-profit Systems like NTRLS and competitive bidding to host Systems.] 3. Reduce the number of system administrative units. [Three scenarios: 1) Ten regional offices operating under a reduced number of administrative hubs; 2) consolidation of the current 10 systems into 9 systems with significantly different boundaries; 3) consolidation of the current 10 systems into 7 administrative units with up to 13 regional �presences.�] 4. Consider a significant reduction in the number of Interlibrary Loan �clearinghouses.� [Two or three large libraries could handle most of the in-state �fills.�] 5. TSLAC should explore the possibility of establishing a program that would enable libraries to benefit from State pricing for leasing computers and computer peripherals. [Leasing would reduce up front costs and allow libraries to more quickly adopt new technologies.] 6. Encourage the exploration of the establishment of joint school-public libraries under interlocal agreements in areas where standalone public libraries are unlikely to remain viable. 7. Encourage libraries that would benefit from current library district legislation to consider this course and work to expand library district legislation to allow for districts funded with property tax revenues. 8. Regional library systems should be encouraged to consider alternative governance structures. [Such as non-profit Systems and competitive bidding to host Systems.] 9. The work of the TSLAC/TLA Joint Task Force on Public Library Standards and Accreditation should consider long-term strategies to link funding with the implementation of standards. [Provide incentives to libraries that meet minimum standards.] 10. The partners in public library development should explore non-traditional sources of potential income for libraries including, but not limited to impact fees. 11. TSLAC, TLA, and the regional library systems should work together with friends in charitable organizations to develop a coordinated plan designed to ensure that all libraries are aware of and take advantage of opportunities to secure gifts and grants of all types. 12. TSLAC and the regional systems should use their mutual interest in continuing education as a platform for developing a new and higher level of cooperation. [Design a statewide continuing education curriculum with each of the parties taking responsibility for the development of specific components.] 13. Regional library systems should explore ways to cooperate more closely with each other. [Share CE and specialized consulting -- such as children�s and youth services or library facilities planning -- and work together on vendor discounts and CD processes.] 14. TSLAC should continue to work closely with all of the partners in public library development to ensure that all public libraries continue to have access to a significant selection of online databases. [Consider reallocation of LSTA funds to pay for TexShare databases and instituting access fees.] 15. The Joint TSLAC/TLA Task Force on Public Library Standards needs to develop a plan for standards implementation that accomplishes three goals. They are: � creating an awareness that standards can be a valuable tool in public library development, � identifying a core subset of minimum standards that are challenging but, with assistance, achievable, and � clearly spelling out the kind of assistance and aid that will be sought to help libraries meet standards. --------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Include in body: unsubscribe ctls-l For information on CTLS-L please visit: http://www.ctls.net/document/ctls-l.htm
