June 15, 2004 

SUBJECT: Authorization for Sunnyvale Public Library to Apply for Global Languages Materials Grant in the Amount of $25,000

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Library is requesting permission to apply for a $25,000 Global Language Materials Grant in order to purchase Non-English language materials for Sunnyvale residents.

BACKGROUND

The Global Languages Materials Grant program is being made available to public libraries throughout the state by the California State Library.  The program is funded by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funds.  Its objective is to provide informational and recreational materials to newcomers to America in their native languages to assist them in more fully participating in California and American society.  The amount of $25,000 is a pre-determined amount based on 1984-2002 average annual county immigration statistics from the California Department of Finance.  If successful, grant funds will be used to purchase materials in both Spanish and Chinese languages. 

EXISTING POLICY

Library Collection

Goal 6.2A	Provide a broad and diverse collection of books and other library materials to meet the varied interests and needs of the community
Action Statement 6.2A.1a	Provide a collection of adequate size, quality, and diversity that reflects the changing needs of its customers
Action Statement 6.2A.1b	Acquire and maintain current and relevant materials in response to community interest and demand
Action Statement 6.2A.2c	Provide materials about non-fiction subjects at multiple reading levels to meet the changing needs of children who are learning English as a second language
Action Statement 6.2A.5b	Provide popular materials in languages that reflect languages read and spoken in Sunnyvale

Collaboration and Customer Focus

Policy 6.2F.1	Establish cooperative relationships to maximize the effectiveness of library services
Action Statement 6.2F.1i	Seek grant funding to enhance library services

DISCUSSION

There’s no question that Sunnyvale is increasingly an ethnically diverse community.  The 2000 Census data shows that there is no one ethnic population in Sunnyvale which constitutes a majority.  Approximately 40% of Sunnyvale residents are foreign born and close to 50% speak a language other than English at home. 

The Library spends a portion of its materials budget each year on language collections.  If successful, the Global Languages Materials grant opportunity will augment those funds so that the Library can provide more timely and relevant materials in sufficient quantities to meet demand.

In preparation for this grant application, Library staff conducted a survey of frontline professional staff as well as reviewed pertinent statistical data relating to which language groups are currently being underserved.  In 2002, community input for the Library’s Future Needs Assessment indicated a need to expand our language collections, especially in Spanish and Chinese.  This corresponded with 2002 California Department of Finance immigration data showing Mexico and China as the home countries of the second and third highest number of immigrants to Santa Clara County.  A 2003 survey of the two largest school districts serving Sunnyvale residents – Sunnyvale Elementary and Fremont Union High School – demonstrated that the two largest groups who have no or limited English language skills are the Spanish and Chinese speaking groups.  The survey of frontline professional staff also identified Spanish speakers as being an underserved group. 

A staff analysis of the Library’s current language collections also pointed towards targeting Spanish and Chinese languages, albeit in different ways.  The Spanish collection is somewhat dated, lacking of desirable materials, and has a low circulation rate.  In contrast, the Chinese language collection receives the heaviest use and staff has difficulty keeping up with demand.  If the grant is successful, the majority of funds would be devoted to creating a Spanish collection which is current, relevant, accessible, and widely known by the community, and a smaller amount allocated for expanding the Chinese collection to keep it current and with multiple copies to meet the surging demand.

The Library intends to obtain input from both Spanish and Chinese speakers as to the nature of the materials to be purchased with grant funds.  Library staff would also raise the awareness level of the new resources available by employing both a print (e.g., publishing an article in a Chinese language newspaper, or creating flyers in Chinese) and a non-print strategy (e.g., promoting the collections at community events, local markets, and schools), as research has shown that Spanish and Chinese speakers prefer to receive information in different ways.

An additional $25,000 will be added to the existing budget to purchase materials, and should the existing budget be insufficient to process the materials, money has been allocated from State Public Library Funds to cover these costs.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s Web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk’s office.  At their May 27, 2004 Board of Library Trustees meeting, the Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council Alternative #1 which grants permission to apply for the Global Language Materials grant.

ALTERNATIVES

1.  Grant permission to apply for the Global Language Materials grant.

2.  Do not grant permission to apply for the Global Language Materials grant.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative # 1.

Prepared by:

Steve Sloan       

Acting Supervising Librarian

Reviewed by:

Victoria L. Johnson

Director of Libraries

Approved by:


Amy Chan

City Manager

Attachments

A. Draft Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes of 5/27/04