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RTC#02-159

June 4, 2002

SUBJECT: Authorization to Spend State Public Library Fund Grant Moneys and Budget Modification No. 27

REPORT IN BRIEF

Since 1984, the state has funded a grant program for Public Libraries. This funding is an on-going project, although appropriations made by the state on a per capita basis may fluctuate depending on the annual legislative process. The grant for FY 2001/2002 is $203,975.

BACKGROUND

In 1982, the State Legislature adopted State Education Code 18010 which is a section of Chapter 1.5 Public Library Finance, providing State funding to support Public Libraries. This chapter calls for continuing support each subsequent year, based on the availability of State funds with an allocation formula set by the State. The Sunnyvale Library has received $1,707,560 in Public Library Funds from the beginning of the program.

To date, the Public Library Fund has never been fully funded by the State Legislature. In 1996, the City participated in legislature advocacy efforts that resulted in an increase in state-wide funding for the program. In 1998, due to the State’s improving economy these funds were doubled and came closer to full funding. This fiscal year, economic downturn in California has resulted in a reduction of funds. Funding decreased from $220,739 in Fiscal Year 2000/2001 to $203,975 in Fiscal Year 2001/2002. If fully funded by law, the Sunnyvale Library would have been awarded $295,336 in fiscal year 2001/2002.

EXISTING POLICY

The 2001 Legislative Action Policies and Intergovernmental Relations Priorities of the City Council state support for this program in Section 6.1.1, "Support full funding for the State Public Library Fund."

DISCUSSION

Authorization to Spend State Public Library Fund Grant Moneys

The library proposes to use funds for the following special projects which are not currently funded by the General fund, but which will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of library services.

ITEMS

$35,000

Continue staff development opportunities through the annual library Staff Development Day and attendance at conferences and workshops and also provide guidance and support the continuation of a self-directed work team for reference and information services at the library.

$10,000

Continue community outreach activities including the library volunteer recognition activities and library marketing materials.

$100,000

Convert Chinese language materials into up-to-date language transliteration format (Pinyin) and catalog and process additional children's' materials for the collection. The Library budget does not cover the cost of bringing the Children's materials budget up to standards of neighboring public libraries.

$13,975

Study how other communities have met the changing demand for library services. Identify ways to enhance existing amenities.

$25,000

Continue developing the Electronic Library. Continue capturing stories of Sunnyvale history using multimedia techniques. Examine audio books using MP3 technology.

$20,000

Purchase media materials as needed to meet increasing demand (CD, audio books, videos and DVDs).

FISCAL IMPACT

Each fiscal year, the State Librarian certifies the population of each jurisdiction to receive State Public Library Fund Grant moneys. The current level of State Public Library Fund Grant moneys has brought Sunnyvale’s allocation of funds to $203,975 for fiscal year 2001/2002. These revenues can only be used to supplement, not supplant local revenues for basic library services. Staff proposes a budget modification to add these funds to the Library Foundation Program Grant project and to spend these funds for the purposes described in the discussion section of the report. Continuing projects from previous years include consultant support for the library automation replacement or upgrade, graphic arts activities for the new Library Sub-Element, consultant services to upgrade the Library Web Page, continued support for the Library Oral History/Digital Voices project, library signage, providing special library programs, and purchases of popular materials and children's' materials.

BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 27
FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002

General Fund

Current

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Revised

Expenditures:

         

Library Foundation Grant Project

$ 467,034

 

$ 203,975

 

$671,009

Revenues:

         

State Library Foundation Grant

$ 0

 

$ 203,975

 

$ 203,975

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office. Reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees at their regular meeting on May 6, 2002. The Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council Alternative #1 which approves the expenditure of funds as presented and approves Budget Modification No. 27 in the amount of $203,975.

ALTERNATIVES

  1. Council approves the expenditure of funds as presented and approves Budget Modification No. 27 in the amount of $203,975.
  2. Council recommends alternative expenditure of funds.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative #1.

Prepared by:
Karen Willes
Administrative Librarian

Reviewed by:
Victoria L. Johnson
Director of Libraries

Mary Bradley
Director of Finance

 

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachments

  1. Board of Library Trustees Minutes of May 6, 2002

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