SunnyvaleRTC

April 25, 2006

SUBJECT: Report on the Vision for Sunnyvale’s Library of the Future, and Assess Future Library Facility Needs – Study Issue

REPORT IN BRIEF

This report was developed in response to a Study Issue ranked highest by Council for the Library for 2004/2005 and continued to 2005/2006. The report and the included attachments are intended to: (1) Outline key concepts from the Library Sub-element, the strategic plan adopted by Council in April 2003; (2) Examine important trends impacting library services and facilities; (3) Describe the results of library staff efforts to work with the community to create a vision for a Sunnyvale Library of the Future; and (4) Describe challenges in the library facility today.

Feedback received from public surveys and meetings for the library visioning process revealed that the public wants to have a full range of library services, free of charge. Library users want the library to continue its focus on lifelong learning. They also believe that reading will continue to be fundamental in libraries. Many comments from the public about their vision for the Sunnyvale Library of the Future relate to the rapid changes in technology, education and lifestyles that are impacting their lives today. These changes are altering public expectations about the nature of libraries. Users expect libraries to incorporate changing trends to stay relevant to how people are experiencing the world.

The public visioning process created a picture of a thriving, vibrant Sunnyvale Library in the future as an important asset to the community. As envisioned by participants, Sunnyvale Library of the Future offers convenient, up-to-date information, accessible in formats acceptable and preferred by the community, particularly via the Web, and on a 24/7 basis. The library is technologically up-to-date, and is an important community destination for reading, and for programs related to learning and personal enrichment. There are areas designed specifically for quiet study, relaxed reading and conversation, as well as areas for community gathering, programs and performances in relation to information and reading. The library is important as a valued “Third Place” away from pressures of work or home. The facility is comfortable, clean, and flexible in design. It is constructed in such a way as to respond to the need for physical changes over time. It includes spaces that are interesting, exciting or serene, depending on how the specific area is used by the public. There are areas dedicated to children and areas reserved for group study. The library provides capabilities to tap into the global networks from which information will be instantly transferred via computers, personal devices and other technologies. This is the vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future expressed by members of the public, the Library Board, library staff and through research.

Lacking the space and flexibility, the Sunnyvale Library facility of today appears to fall short of supporting the vision. The current building’s age, infrastructure and configuration also are impediments to achieving service roles defined in recent Library Sub-element policies.

The Library Space Needs Analysis completed in 1992 when the City population was 120,000 determined that the existing 60,000 square foot building should have been 63,908 square feet at that time, and 68,564 square feet by 2012 when the population was projected to reach 128,000. With over 131,000 residents presently, the City has already surpassed that population projection and library square footage falls short of projected needs.

Current population statistics and future projections for the next ten to twenty years raise two additional issues: 1) Will the size of the current building meet the needs of the growing population; and 2) Is there adequate accessibility to library services for residents from all areas of Sunnyvale? A case in point is that library usage by residents in Northern Sunnyvale is dramatically less than for residents from other parts of the City.

Staff recommends that the Council approve the Vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future and direct staff to develop requests for proposals to conduct a formal Needs Assessment, Plan of Service and Building Program. These formal studies will prepare a blueprint for the future of the Sunnyvale Library. Furthermore, the studies will position the City to be competitive in applying for grant funds that may become available if the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006, Proposition 81, is approved by California voters in the June 2006 election.

BACKGROUND

The Board of Library Trustees originated a Study Issue in 2002 to assess future library facility needs. Council approved the Study Issue for the 2002 Council Meeting Agenda Calendar. RTC 02-435 Consideration of Workplan to Assess Future Library Facility Needs (See Attachment 1) was presented on November 26, 2002 and Council approved a library facility assessment in Fiscal Year 2002/2003. However, the facility assessment was subsequently not funded due to the serious fiscal challenges for the City at that time.

The Board of Library Trustees originated a second Study Issue in 2004 which was also approved by Council. In 2005 when the new Director of Libraries arrived, in discussions with the City Manager, it was determined that staff needed to understand and document what the community wanted from its library in the future in order to plan for services and facilities for the next ten to twenty years.

Staff reviewed the Library Sub-element of 2003 and gathered additional input through meetings and surveys to develop a vision of what the public would like to see in the Sunnyvale Library of the Future, understanding that such a vision is needed to plan for future impact to services, space and facility requirements, operational models and funding requirements. In an attempt to take into account all foreseen factors, staff conducted a review of literature and information regarding library issues, modern lifestyle, Internet use, and technology trends. Staff also spoke with colleagues from area libraries to explore regional library issues and the impact of new libraries on jurisdictions nearby.

EXISTING POLICY

The Library Sub-element of the General Plan was adopted by Council on April 8, 2003. The development of this 10-year strategic plan involved an extensive, public process that formed the foundation of a community vision for library services. Key elements in the Library Sub-element long-term include Goals, Policies, and Action Statements and community-defined library roles.

The six goals established in the Library Sub-element to direct library services and collections include:

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.

Goal 6.2B

Provide library services to help the community find and use the materials and information they need.

Goal 6.2C

Provide library programs and publications to educate, enrich and enlighten library users.

Goal 6.2D

Maintain library facilities and materials that are easily obtainable and appropriate based on changing community needs.

Goal 6.2E

Use new technology to optimize the development and delivery of library services.

Goal 6.2F

Foster a collaborative organization to attain a high performance and customer-focused library.

Several Policies and Action Statements from the Library Sub-element identify issues related to the library building. Based on recent input used to develop the vision for the Sunnyvale Library of the Future, these issues continue to resonate with library users and provide the framework for their expectations of the library.

Policy 6.2D.2

Maintain a full service library adequate to meet community needs.

Action Statements

6.2D.2a

Study the space needs of the library as the population grows and diversifies, and recommend the most appropriate configuration for services and facilities.

6.2D.2b

Provide a variety of areas in the library to permit individual and group study, browsing and comfortable seating for recreational reading.

6.2D.2c

Provide a children’s room environment unique to the needs of children and families.

6.2D.2d

Give high priority to developing library facilities where the library is a common focal area for the community and to provide meeting spaces for community activities, public discussion and programs for groups of different sizes.

6.2D.2e

Explore the feasibility of retail and/or food/beverage service and space for library customers.

6.2D.2f

Periodically assess the adequacy of public points of contact for library services.

Other Library Sub-element Action Statements also relate to the Sunnyvale Library of the Future and the service priorities identified by participants:

6.2A.2b

Promote childhood literacy.

6.2A.4b

Provide materials and services for independent learners engaged in seeking knowledge and skills through self-directed endeavors.

6.2A.5d

Provide a current and changing collection for Teens.

6.2D.1b

Arrange and display materials so they are easily accessible to all library visitors of different ages and mobility.

6.2F.4a

Value the multiple demands on customers’ time and provide services efficiently.

6.2F.4b

Encourage customers to be self-sufficient when possible in order to allow library staff to do what is most important to serve the customers.

The Board of Library Trustees determined five roles for the Sunnyvale Library to play in the community. Council reviewed and supported these roles as part of their approval of the Library Sub-element. These roles provide a focus for library activities and highlight the areas where the Library seeks to excel. The established roles are embodied in the Library Sub-element and include:

1.

Children’s Library – Encourage children to read and learn.

2.

Reference Library – Provide information to the community.

3.

Education Support and Independent Learning Center – Provide study resources and library instruction for students of all ages.

4.

Popular Materials Library – Provide high-demand bestsellers and other materials in a variety of formats and languages.

5.

Community Activities Center – Emphasize the library as a focal point in the community where the public can interact with staff, authors and other program presenters and with other members of the community.

In addition to support for the policies in the Library Sub-element, Council recently adopted a legislative policy to support funding for library construction in California.

Legislative Action Policy, adopted by Council on February 7, 2006

6.2.12

Support passage of the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006. [2004 Library Staff Recommendation]

DISCUSSION

Importance of the Timing of this Report

This report occurs at a significant point in the continuum of library services. Community support for library services over the past four decades resulted in construction of the Sunnyvale Library facility in 1960, followed by building expansions in 1971 and 1986 and an interior building remodel project in 1998. Today, rapid technological and sociological changes are impacting library services in ways that could hardly be anticipated even a decade ago. The Sunnyvale Library of the Future will need to provide access to information in different ways in order to deliver it to the end users in the manner that they want it, and in the most efficient and cost effective way. The library will need to have flexibility in its physical and organizational structures to take advantage of changes quickly.

This report is timely because of the opportunity that may arise for Sunnyvale with the state-wide bond measure planned for the June 2006 ballot. The California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006 would provide funding for construction of libraries throughout California. If the measure passes, Sunnyvale would be in a position to compete for grant funds that potentially could provide millions of dollars toward a building renovation, or construction of a new library facility. By creating the Sunnyvale vision of the Library of the Future and proceeding with conducting a Needs Assessment and developing a Plan of Service and Building Program, the City would be better prepared to submit the reports and analyses required for grant funds by the State Library and would be able to compete more effectively during the application process.

Trends Impacting Library Services and Facilities

When thinking about the Sunnyvale Library of the Future, there are a number of important trends to consider. The trends most certain to impact library services and facilities in future years are the following:

People Expect the Library to Mirror Their Experiences in Daily Life.

Cultural trends to increased connectedness and expressiveness in education, the workplace and the media are transforming the way many people expect to use the library. Retail experiences from Borders to Starbucks also shape expectations for the library facility. Many visitors come to the library to work in groups, to network with other library visitors, to connect with the library staff and to enjoy the collections with their family. These trends illustrate how much libraries have changed in the last decades. They are no longer only quiet places to study.

Libraries are no longer just warehouses of content.

A 2003 survey of libraries conducted by the worldwide library cooperative, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), showed that “among the many new roles that libraries are assuming is the role of library as community center. Not just warehouses of content, they are social assembly places, participating in their larger communities. It makes a great deal of sense for libraries to look for new, broader service opportunities within their communities.” Indeed, many newly built libraries have become destinations themselves, including features such as study rooms, auditoriums, Web conferencing, cafés, multimedia learning centers, museum quality exhibits, with aquariums and book stores.

Information formats are changing.

Rapid technological changes at the beginning of the new millennium have resulted in massive amounts of information being created and/or converted into digital formats, allowing people to organize, search and retrieve information in entirely new ways. Projects such as the World Digital Library (Library of Congress) and Google Print for Libraries are adding valuable digital content to the ever-expanding World Wide Web. The public library must serve as a portal to this information but it is not the only avenue for information retrieval anymore.

Information is accessible from anywhere at anytime.

Accessing information from one location or one access point is no longer necessary. As Wi-Fi networks and the devices to access these networks proliferate, Sunnyvale residents can tap into a world of information with great ease. Through its Web page, the library provides remote access to literally millions of articles and excerpts from reference works. As one community member provided feedback, “You can now experience the world and carry the library with you.”

As information sources have multiplied exponentially, the problem of retrieving accurate information has grown.

Before the development of the World Wide Web in the 1990s, the library had few competitors in the arena of facilitating access to free, unbiased information. Today, there is a veritable explosion of content accessible over the Internet. According to a survey conducted by Godbe Research & Analysis for the Silicon Valley Library System in early 2006 (See Attachment 2), the Internet was rated as the most effective concerning “Materials and information can be retrieved without leaving your home or office,” “Materials and information can be retrieved at convenient times of the day and week” and “Materials or information can be retrieved in a comfortable environment.” However, the same study revealed survey participants thought the Library provided the most accurate information. Without experienced staff members to assist, searching for information using the Internet can be a frustrating experience.

Learning methods are changing.

E-Learning has emerged as a trend particularly in large corporations and universities and is now spreading to other segments of the population. Libraries have traditionally assisted users in-person. However, staff now provides assistance through fax, e-mail, and real-time. Online reference service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through a consortium arrangement. The methods of delivering educational support to students of all ages continue to change as technology develops.

Rapid technological changes require flexible infrastructures.

Libraries are adapting to new technologies by harnessing their potential in order to optimize library services. Some optimizations include the use of secure e-commerce systems to pay for fines and fees, RFID technology to assist with inventory control, scheduling software to handle computer sign-ups, and online catalog systems which facilitate resource sharing among local libraries and more individual personalization in the use of such systems. Designs of libraries themselves are becoming more energy efficient so that more emphasis can be placed on services and less on costly infrastructure. This rapid pace of change has meant that library facilities must remain adaptable as services are planned and delivered to the public.

Sunnyvale demographics and library use are changing.

Community dynamics and how the library is used are also important trends for planning for the future. The Library Roles for the Sub-element were established in reference to community conditions and library use trends identified in the Library Sub-element. These demographic and use trends continue to shape library services today. They are described in Attachment 3. A key trend is that the library continues to be a well used community resource. The number of items checked out has increased by 34% over the last five years and children’s materials now account for 39% of the total items checked out. Over the last two decades, people have shown a higher degree of interest in meeting authors and hearing speakers on various topics. The Sunnyvale Library has had record breaking attendance at programs such as the Einstein lecture series and the talks given by authors Khaled Hosseini and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, for example. Programs have been added for parents and children from birth through teens, to emphasize the importance of books, reading and learning for all ages. In 1987/1988, 10,816 people attended Sunnyvale Library programs compared to 17,754 in 2004/2005. Also, there is more demand by library users for space for people to meet to talk about similar interests. For example, the Library receives on-going requests for meeting space by groups that want to discuss topics such as nursing, or by people who want to establish their own book club. A number of people use the library to tutor students, including adult students who are learning another language or studying other subjects important to their careers or personal goals. Over the last decade, use of the Library has increased by families that are home schooling their children, as well.

Depending on geography, Sunnyvale residents do not use the Library equally.

Another key trend is the different levels of library use by residents living in different parts of Sunnyvale. This trend was identified in 2001 during a survey conducted for the Library Sub-element and was verified during a second survey in 2005. The conclusion from both surveys is that use of the Sunnyvale Library is lower by residents in the Northern areas of Sunnyvale and highest in the areas located closer to the library building. This suggests that library space, services and outreach activities may not be configured at present to reach the entire community. The results of these surveys are found in Attachment 4.

Process for Developing the Vision of the Library of the Future

The vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future was developed through the analysis of a number of key elements:

1)

The Library Sub-element of the General Plan approved by Council in 2003 provided an in-depth analysis of community expectations of their library system. These expectations were expressed in the Library’s strategic goals, policies and action statements. See Attachment 5.

2)

In July 2005 the Library held a public visioning meeting to gather additional and updated input from the public about their library needs and expectations. See Attachment 6.

3)

The Library gathered feedback from those who could not attend public meetings through printed and e-mailed surveys as well as using a form on its Web site. Also included in Attachment 6.

4)

In preparation for Library Customer Appreciation Day, questionnaires were developed and additional input sought from the public about their needs and expectations. Library Board members also met and discussed library issues with the public during that time. See Attachment 7.

5)

In a follow-up to previous efforts, the public was invited to mark a map to identify their area of residence so that the Library Board and staff could determine which areas of Sunnyvale are being served. See Attachment 4.

6)

Library staff participated in a facilitated visioning exercise to reveal their hopes and expectations for the Sunnyvale Library of the Future. Included in Attachment 6.

7)

Library management staff reviewed reports, surveys, and literature regarding information services, library trends and other issues that impact library services. See Attachment 8.

Public Vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future

Several qualities for the Library of the Future clearly emerged from the public comments during the library visioning process in 2005 and are emphasized in the Library Sub-element. Public comments highlight issues such as the importance of maintaining library services free of charge, maintaining a strong collection of books, emphasizing children’s services, and configuring services and hours to the needs of the community. Many of the qualities create a picture of the library facility of the future, as well. Members of the Sunnyvale community were very consistent about what they wanted from the time the Library Sub-element was written to the most recent data gathering efforts. A synopsis of the desired qualities of the future library are presented in the order of significance stated by participants:

1)

The Sunnyvale Library of the Future must be designed to accommodate increased use of technology to conduct library activities related to reading and information. Participants foresee digital access to all library materials and formats accessible at home, at the office and at school 7 days a week/24 hours a day, even when the building is closed. They predict a need for more equipment to access digital information and enhanced library computer functions (such as voice activation and language translations). Several participants envisioned connections to global networks or encyclopedias to fill the information needs of a diverse community.

2)

Children’s Services will be a high priority in the Sunnyvale Library of the Future. Participants emphasized the importance of education and programs for children, also the need to improve the design of the Children’s room to make it a larger, more comfortable, welcoming, and useful place for children and their parents. Some libraries have included childcare centers and homework centers in the library. Others have included teen centers. Some services have been provided by libraries in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department, or other agencies, for example. These are all ideas that could be explored for the Sunnyvale Library of the Future.

3)

The Sunnyvale Library of the Future will be a “place” not just cyberspace. It will be a community destination that will accommodate group study rooms for interaction and also quiet rooms for individual study. It will also include facilities to provide author programs and humanities programs that honor all cultures.

4)

Participants want refreshments at the library in a café or through refreshment carts.

5)

Participants emphasized the continued importance of books and audio books, alongside the growing digitization of library materials and information in the future.

6)

The importance of providing library services free of charge was recognized by the public, with librarians available to assist in finding information and training library users to use library resources.

7)

There were also a wide variety of comments about the library facility of the future. Several participants envisioned each of these features – a green (ecologically sound) building with more open hours and additional parking. One theme running through all of the comments was an open facility with space, light and continuation of a current beloved feature – the fireplace.

In summary, this vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future is one of a place where the public can access information free of charge, where they can obtain library materials in the most current formats, in the way that is best suited for each individual. It is a place where children’s literacy and the joy of reading are highly valued, where visitors can come to a pleasant, clean destination to work quietly alone or interact with their families. The Sunnyvale Library of the Future would accommodate study groups and space for library programs. Library services would be linked to the global experiences of its visitors through international networks and programs that reflect community diversity. This public vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future evokes a building that is a community centerpiece for information and the enjoyment of reading. It is a place where people may be comfortable with a sense of the nature and beauty in Sunnyvale surrounding them in an up-to-date building. They see a place that community members may claim collectively as their own, one that is warm and friendly. Representing the freedom and educational opportunity that are the founding principles of the public library as an institution, and providing access to the best of the cultures and intellect of society in general and Sunnyvale in particular, the Sunnyvale Library of the Future will be a source of pride for all.

Barriers in the Library Facility Today

There are obstacles in the existing facility that may restrict the full enactment of the library roles and current community requirements. The public vision of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future perhaps cannot be fulfilled in the current facility as it is now. Facility barriers are already limiting the efficient presentation of library services as described in the Library Sub-element. The Library Sub-element Policies and Action Statements related to the library facility describe the assessments and actions needed to address these building issues.

The last Space Needs Analysis of the library facility was conducted in 1992. At that time the City population was 120,000 and was projected to be 128,000 in 2012. Based on the projected population figures, the analysis indicated that the 60,000 square foot library building should have been 63,908 square feet at that time, and increase to 68,564 square feet in 2012. However, the City has already exceeded the population projection with a population of over 131,000 according to the 2000 Census, while the Library building size remains at 60,000 square feet, to date.

While the increase in population is a catalyst for the need for additional space, other factors such as the modern life style reinforce the need. Despite, or perhaps because of the advent of computers and the Internet, library use over the years has been significant. In 1991/1992 there were 759,276 people who came to the Library, as compared to the most recent, highest attendance of 861,591 in 2003/2004.

People are using the Library in new and different ways according to their life styles, but many still cherish the Library’s traditional roles, as well. Library use has expanded from being mostly a place to obtain books and quietly study, to a place to attend programs and obtain access to a variety of materials. The Library’s computers and specialized databases have become very important factors in library use. Also, the Library is a gathering place for families to read and do homework assignments together. It is a place where people, whether adults or students, come to work on special projects together. Others come to the Library to meet and converse with people who have similar interests, such as genealogy or book discussion groups, for example. Also, there has been increased demand for Library programs that cover cultural, socio-economic, and scientific topics, etc.

The 1992 Space Needs Analysis suggested some “bridging strategies” for making better use of the existing facility while the need for more library space was addressed in the longer term. Many of these bridging strategies were accomplished during an interior remodeling project completed in 1998 that replaced aging carpet and furnishings and maximized the use of existing space.

Important facility improvements were accomplished during the remodeling including improved lighting and signage, increased seating and new wiring to support the first-time installation of PC’s for the Internet and online catalog.

Experience over the last eight years has revealed some disadvantages from the remodel project. Maximization of the use of existing space resulted in over crowding and reduced access to some materials. Two major concerns are:

·

104 additional chairs were added within the existing library space, but they had to be placed so close together that all of the available seats are not used, perhaps because library patrons feel uncomfortable and lack privacy when crowded together.

·

Additional space for the Children’s Room was created by raising the height of shelving above a child’s eye level and moving some of the children’s collection into adjacent areas of the library shared with teens and adults. This has made the Children’s Room less inviting and less effective.

In broader terms, the remodeling project was not designed to resolve the most critical issues for the facility which remain and have grown more acute over time. These issues also challenge implementation of the public vision of the future of the library:

Building Age and Infrastructure -- maintenance issues for the older building continue to be a challenge and an expense. Implementation of new technologies is limited due to both the current number of conduits in the building and their locations, which results in lack of flexibility in placing library computers. The composition of the brick and concrete building may serve as an impediment to wireless connectivity. There are not enough restrooms: twelve stalls are available for approximately 2100 visitors each day -- many library visitors remain in the building for more than 30 minutes.

Building Size and Configuration -- current building size and configuration limit space for services and collections. Building size is particularly inadequate for the Children’s Room and spaces for programs and group study. There is also a challenge to provide space for quiet study - a common request. The building configuration is a series of large rooms added on during two library renovations which restricts the layout of collections and the placement of service points.

Additional information about barriers in the library facility is described in both the Library Sub-element and in Attachment 9 of this report.

Library futurist and technology expert Joan Frye Williams met with the Library Leadership Team to discuss concepts of demands that will be placed on libraries in the future and how space, services, and collections will be designed to meet expectations. Her perceptions are outlined in Attachment 10.

Several of the concepts Ms. Williams discussed can be seen in newer public library buildings that have been designed to respond to public expectations. Some features found in these buildings are child-friendly storytelling areas, quiet study areas, family-learning spaces, teen rooms, an Internet café with computers, and refreshment areas. Group study and program rooms of various sizes for multiple uses have been integrated into the building designs. Comfortable seating has been installed. For flexibility in the future, new designs in neighboring libraries include wiring for technology to come and layouts that can accommodate change. They have also made accommodations for wireless technologies. Energy efficient lighting, plumbing and other environmentally-friendly features are also part of many library facilities. Attractive landscaping and park settings surround recent buildings.

Potential Funding

Many public libraries are dealing with the same challenges of service and facility transformation facing the Sunnyvale Library. There are several funding options used by other jurisdictions for library buildings which might also be considered for the Sunnyvale Library of the Future. Two of these options are based on bonds that would help cover capital costs.

There is a potential opportunity that may be forthcoming in the form of a new bond act for public library construction, the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction Bond Act of 2006, Proposition 81. By entering a formal planning process now, the City would position itself to compete for the bond funding, if approved by voters in June of 2006. Sunnyvale voters have already demonstrated strong support for libraries. The bond act submitted to California voters in 2000 was passed overwhelmingly by Sunnyvale voters with 65% approving the statewide bond to build public libraries in California. Another possibility is a General Obligation Bond for City Library construction for the City of Sunnyvale. These two bond options are described more fully below.

1. CALIFORNIA READING AND LITERACY IMPROVEMENT AND PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BOND ACT OF 2006 (PROPOSITION 81)

A new bond act for public library construction will be on the June 2006 California election ballot. If approved by 51% or more of the voters in June 2006, $600 Million would be available for new public library building projects. If past precedent for distribution is continued, funds would be distributed through a highly competitive grant process on a matching basis – 65% from the state to a maximum of $20 Million and 35% by the participating jurisdiction. Monies may be available by June 2007 at the very earliest and might be appropriated in a number of cycles after that date. Grant monies could be used for building renovations or for new buildings. Criteria in the California Education Code would establish the first grant priority for applications. Go to www.olc.library.ca.gov for more information about past bond issues.

The Needs Assessment, Plan of Service, and Building Program recommended in this report would provide some of the necessary planning required for a California Construction Bond Act grant application.

2. GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND

A General Obligation Bond is another potential source for funding the Sunnyvale Library of the Future.

General Obligation Bonds may be sold by a local public entity that has the legal authority to levy ad valorem taxes on real and personal property in its boundaries for specific projects. General Obligation Bonds may be used to acquire, construct or improve real property – library buildings can be funded through General Obligation Bonds.

A City of Sunnyvale General Obligation Bond measure can be included on the ballot for any local election and it would have to be approved by a two-thirds majority of Sunnyvale voters. If approved, the General Obligation bond will authorize the City to issue long term debt to provide funds for library facilities and increase the City’s Property Tax rate for debt service. A full description of the proposed bond project and its total cost must be included on the ballot statement.

The Needs Assessment, Plan of Service, and Building Program would provide a large portion of the ballot information required. The Needs Assessment could also serve as a method of polling the community to assess support on a general obligation library construction bond.

3. GIFTS OR DONATIONS

Another potential funding option might be gifts or donations from community residents or corporations. These gifts might offset some costs for facility improvement or construction. Gifts might range from pieces of furniture to a community room – as seen at the San Jose Public Library and the Santa Clara City Library. The Cupertino Library is raising $1.5 million from public contributions to cover costs for their new library’s furniture. Donors may be acknowledged with plaques or other recognition systems. There are potential personal or corporate tax deductions for such gifts.

FISCAL IMPACT

The fiscal impact of the Sunnyvale Library of the Future falls into three categories:

Funding Current Studies

The formal Needs Assessment, Plan of Service and Building Program outlined in the report would be funded by the $200,000 of Public Library Funds allocated to the Sunnyvale Library of the Future by Council on June 7, 2005 in RTC 05-155 Authorization to Allocate FY 2004-2005 State Public Library Fund Monies, Reallocate Existing State Public Library Fund Monies, and Approve Budget Modification No. 31.

Funding the Library of the Future

The long-term cost implications for the future of the library are unknown at this time. Staff will return to Council with findings of the requested studies and seek direction for future steps. Three possible opportunities to offset costs have been described in this report – State of California Library Construction Bond, a City of Sunnyvale General Obligation Bond for the facility, and gifts and donations, each of which would help cover capital costs for the Sunnyvale Library of the Future but not the operating costs.

Impact on Long-Range Operating Costs

Changes in the library facility have the potential to impact operating costs, depending on the size of the building, design elements and service points. These impacts may be seen in the need for additional staffing costs, additional costs for library materials, and increases in internal services charges covering facilities and furnishing maintenance, and computer or other equipment costs.

Some libraries have attempted to remodel or build larger libraries while maintaining their current funding levels for operations. They have had to reduce coverage at service desks, cut hours, or introduce new efficiencies such as increased express checkouts and materials handling systems. One approach being used by a neighboring library jurisdiction with new buildings is to assign paraprofessional staff to some of the service desks. They also are looking at the option of not staffing some service desks at certain hours of the day. Another library handles over 90% of their checkouts through express checkout machines. These and other issues of on-going operating costs and possible service models will be examined in the Plan of Service. The studies recommended in this report will closely monitor potential increases in the operating expenses for running the library and identify efficiencies that could be put in place to offset these costs to the greatest degree possible.

Conclusion

Profound changes in technology and community dynamics are transforming public libraries. A recent public visioning process illustrates how residents expect Sunnyvale library services to be delivered in the future.

There appear to be impediments to achieving the Sunnyvale Library of the Future in the current library facility. The size of the building, lack of flexibility of the building, and technology infrastructure are primary concerns. Full community access to the library is also a concern because library use drops significantly among residents in the northern neighborhoods when compared to other Sunnyvale areas.

This report seeks Council approval to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the existing library facility to determine if it is possible to implement the public vision for the future library. This assessment will also include a Plan of Service to reach the future vision of the library.

Library staff will return to Council in early 2007 to report on the findings of the assessment and to present the Plan of Service for the future. The report in 2007 will include methods to offset additional operating costs which may arise from cha