HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 07 26 Reports (2)
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BeaciyWiUey
Library Consultants
1100 South Ocean Boulevard, 0.9 .
. Pompano Beach, Florida 33062
Redefining the Future:
A Str~tegic Plan for the Seminole County Public Library System
Library S.ervices 2001 to 2005 .+ Library Facilities 2001 to 2010
October, 2000
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Table of Contents
I. Background . ....................... ..................................................................................................................................................... .............4
II. Seminole County Growth............ ..................................... .................................................................................................................... 4
III. Review of Standards.............. ...... ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
IV. Comparison to other Florida Library Systems ........................... ........... ........ ............. ........ ....... ............................................. .............. 7
V. Needs Assessment Sessions ..................................... ........ ....... .............. ......... ... ...... ................. ...... ............ ..... .................... ..... ............8
A. Staff Assessment Sessions.............................................................................................................................................. ......... 8
B. Public Assessment Sessions................................................................ .................................................................................... 9
1. Accessibility .. .... ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Electronic Infonnation .......................................................................................................................... ................. 10
3. Library Collections................................................................................................................................................. 10
4. Space................................................................................................................................................... ................... 10
S. Cooperation... ...................................................................................................................................................... ... 10
6. Other Issues ................. ...... ........ ......................... ....... ...... ..... ....... ..... .................. ............................ ........................ 10
C. Comparison of Staff and Public Input ............................................ ........................................... .......................... ....... ........... 11
VI. Books and Bytes - The changing face of public libraries ..................................................................................................................11
VII. The Library as a Community Center ..... ....................................................... ............ .................. ......... ........ ....................................... 13
VIII. Branch Service Areas ............. .............. .... ........... ................. ....................... ....... .... ....... ...... .... ...... ..... ............... ........................ ...... ... 14
IX. Library Materials and Services Recommendations ............ ......... ................ ............. ........................... ...... ........................... .............. 15
A. Books................. ........................................................................... ......................................................................................... I S
B. Audiovisual Materials ................ .............. ............... ....... .......... ..... ........ ... ...... ... ... ..... ............. .............................. .......... ..; .... 16
C. Electronic Books .............................................. .... ... ....... .... ........... .... ........ ... .......... .... .... ....... ........ ..................... ................... 16
D. Electronic Infonnation Training Lab.... .......... ................... ............... ..................... ........ ...... ................ ......... .......... .... ...... ..... 17
E. Public Access to Computer Workstations........... ............... ................................................... ......... ....... ........ ........ .... ....... ..... 18
F. Books-by-Mail.................................... ...... II tt. ............ ............ .., It. .,. It II ...t...... ..... II ........ .... If .,. '" .......... ........................... ..... .... 18
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 200t-2005 Library Facilities 200t-2010
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Table of Contents (continued)
X. Altamonte Springs Service Impact............. ....... ...... ..... ..... ........................ ....... ....... ...................... .... ......... .......... ....................... ....... 19
XI. Funding Recommendations ...................... ........ ................. ........., ........ II ............ ...... ... ................ II ..... ................................. ................ 19
XII. Joint-use SchoollPublic Libraries............. ..................................................................................................................................... ..... 22
XIII. Library Facil ities Needs ........................................................................................................................................................ .............24
XIV. Recommendations for Existing Library Facilities..... .............. ..... .................... ........... ......................... ....................... ....... ................ 2S
A. Central Library................................................................................................................................. ...... ............................... 2S
B. East Library .............................................................................................................................................................. .............26
C. North Library..................................................................................................................................................... .................... 27
D. Northwest Library ........................................................................................................................................................... ......28
E. West Library.......................................................................................................................................... ................................29
XV. Criteria for Location of Library Facilities ............... ....................... ...... ................ ................. ....... ..... ...................... .............. ............. 30
XVI. Recommendations for New Library Facilities.. ................ ............................................ .................. ....... ..... ................ ...... ........ .......... 30
A. Paola Road Library ................,.................................................. ... '.. II .... ............ ,... ........ ..... ..... ................................... .......... .,.31
B. Winter Springs Library.... ..................... ....... .............. ...... ............... ... .... ........ ..... ....... ...... .... ... ........ ................ ............. ........:.32
C. Altamonte Springs Library .. ......... ..... ...... ........... ...... .... ...... ....... ...... .... ............ ..... ... .... ... ...... ......... ..... ...... ..... ...... ..... ...... ........ 33
XVII. Impact of future collection growth. ................. ......... ...... .......... ...... .... ... ..... ....... ... ...... ............ ............................................................ 34
XVIII. Proposed Schedule for Capital Improvements .......... ............... ..... ............. ............ ...... ....................... ......................... .............. ........ 35
XIX. Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan Summary ..... ...... ........ ...... .............. ...................... ................ ....... ..... ......... ..............37
XX. Final Comments ............................................................................................................................................. .................................... 40
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 1001-1005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
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Appendices
A. Current Library Services Areas - 5 mile radius.... ........ ...... ............................. ....... .............. ............... ................ ........................42
B. Proposed Library Service Areas - 3-4 mile radius ................ .............. ....... ....... ............ ....... ....................................................... 43
C. Existing Library Site Plans .............................................................................. ........... ................ ........................................... 44-49
D. Summary of Current Florida Library Construction Programs .................... .................................................................................50
List of Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Table 8
Table 9
Table to
Table 11
Table 12
Census Counts, April I, 1990 and Population Estimates, April I, 1998................................................................................. 5
Projected Seminole County Population Growth to 2020...................... ...... ........ ........ .......... ...................................................5
Comparison of Seminole County Library service conditions to state and national standards, 2000 - 2020..........................6
Comparison of Seminole County Library System to other major Florida public library systems - 1999.............................. 7
Existing Service Populations - 5 mile radius... ............. ............. ........ ........ ..... ........... ........ ............... ......... ............... ............ 14
Proposed Service Areas - 3-4 mile radius ..................................................... ............ ......... ...................................... ............. 14
Populations for Proposed Service Areas ....................... ...................... ........................ .................................................... ...... 14
Seminole County Library Space Needs according to the Florida Library Association Standards........................................24
Seminole County Library Space Needs according to the ICMA Experience Formula ......................................................... 24
Branch Library Collection Capacities................................................................................................................................... 34
Proposed Capital Improvements Schedule. ...... ............... ...... ......... .............. .... ...... ...... ....... ......... .......... ....... ............... .........35
Summary Of Library Facility Recommendations and Related Costs.................................................................................... 36
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
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I. Background
The Seminole County Public Library currently operates five (5)
library facilities, providing public library services to an estimated
377,380 residents.' This service po~ulation is suburban, highly
educated, and is largely homogenous. Residents enjoy relatively
high income levels compared to the Florida average. Since 1980,
Seminole County has been one of the fastest growing counties in
Florida and in the United States.
The county first responded to this growth rate as it affected public
library service by commissioning a planning study by Richard
Waters of HOW Associates in 1981 to make library service
recommendations for a ten-year planning period. As a result of that
study five new Seminole County Public Library facilities were
constructed from 1986 through 1988. A second long range planning
process occurred in 1996, resulting in the library system's current
1996-2000 five year strategic plan. Developed with the assistance of
Library Consultant Leslie Burger, this plan concentrated primarily
upon service and collection needs, noting a general need for
additional space in facilities.
BeachIWilley, Library Consultants were engaged in April, 2000 to
assist the Seminole County Public Library System in the update of
this plan. to include both service and space needs, with a particular
emphasis on the latter. To accomplish this charge, the consultant
team made two on-site visits to Seminole County. All five existing
library facilities were assessed; meetings were held with Seminole
County commissioners, planning staff, and administrators; and two
open public meetings were held to receive citizen input. The
consultants also visited the Seminole Community College Library.
I Seminole County Planning Division
2 Bureau of Economic and Business Research,University of Florida.
Florida Population Studies. 1998. .p.63 (309,399 White, 28,359 Black,
7,408 Other - based upon an estimated 1998 population of345,166)
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Llbrary.Servlces 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
The county was also physically scanned to detennine existing service
gaps, and identify potential future library locations. This process
was supplemented by ten library staff focus groups conducted by the
Seminole County Library administration and the Seminole County
Planning and Development Department. Infonnation gathered
during these efforts forms the basis for the recommendations in this
planning document.
II. Seminole County Growth
For many years Seminole County has lead the Central Florida
Region in several respects - population growth rates, housing starts,
and average salaries. However, development is expect to slow
somewhat as the county is now approaching build-out. The county's
current infrastructure is a limiting factor to future growth. This is
particularly true in transportation, but the educational infrastructure,
including public libraries also lags behind demands. Nevertheless
additional growth will occur over the next decade, straining civic
resources further.
The population growth for Seminole County, in particular has been
exceptional over the past decade since the existing five library
facilities were constructed. The county has been one of the fastest
growing jurisdictions in Florida, indeed, in the country. The
following 1990 to 1998 comparison from the Planning Division
gives an overview of where this growth has occurred.
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Table 1- Census Counts, April 1, 1990 and Population Estimates, April 1, 1998
',.:;i'ii:,: '?0~ . ,:,.' ..J:.?'-:. Ce~su8 >,% oftoiSl Estimates. . % .01 total . P~rc~nt ~hlinge . AnilUal % GroWth
'..., ',. . ; Ii}':+, . ),:>< .:,',:,"' ;.,,;: 199.0 . ..: :,;;~.~unty.., ~ognty .. . :;, :,.t~.'Q'49~iJ ';. : '.,' q, ~9.1 1 ..
1998 ' . ;::::>;.ot~. Q~d99'.. ,
,,' :'.. ..1 :
Altamonte Springs 35,167 12.2% 39,623 11.5% 12.7% 1.6%
Casselberry 18,849 6.6% 24,587 7.1% 30.4% 3.8%
Lake Mary 5,929 2.1% 9,506 2.8% 60.3% 7.5%
Longwood 13,316 4.6% 13,851 4.0% 4.0% 0.5%
Oviedo 11,114 3.9% 21,674 6.3% 95.0% 11.9%
Sanford 32,387 11.3% 36,274 10.5% 12.0% 1.5%
Winter Springs 22,151 7.7% 28,404 8.2% 28.2% 3.5%
Unincorporated 148,608 51. 7% 171.247 49.6% 15.2% 1.9%
.TOTi\L COUNTy. >: :> . .:! . .~87,S21 . ,::,: .QO~O'Yct . .. 345,16(j., . :' ,JOO% , . i::' ;"j;:.;';): :.q~Q~o.% .'. :: :;;,:,,};,,::':;/;;:,;..;;:i,;,'..Z.~%,;
~" .0.. ...... .., '. ,". . . ,..:r.. ...: ': ," J f . .. .-. .
Source: Seminole County Planning Division
It is apparent that the greatest growth has occurred in the
communities of Lake Mary (a 60.3% increase) and Oviedo (a 95%
increase). According to the most recent figures from the Seminole
County Planning Division, the county's population for FY2000/2001
is estimated at 377,380 residents. This is 31.25% above the county's
1990 census count of 287,521. Overall, the county growth rate since
1990 has been 2.8% per year. From 1990 to 1999, Seminole
County was the 9th fastest rate of growth in Florida and the 32nd
fastest in the Unite~ States. While this rate of increase has already
placed considerable pressure on the existing library facilities,
Seminole County library service needs must be evaluated with regard
to growth over the next 20 years. Following is the projected growth
for the county to the year 2020:
Table 2
Projected Seminole County Population Growth to 2020
. errent
Cliaq ,.
377,380
497,638
+120,268 +31.9%
Seminole Cotlnt:~Publli: I..llbrary Strllltellh: ]~Ialll
I.,IhiSllli.I,!lwVI:I!: ocr.fln;" 'U ~ 1"'1..'11'
This equates to an average annual increase of 1.68 %, which is a
. slower rate of growth than the last decade. Nevertheless this
population growth will place considerable demands upon the
county's infrastructure, including its public libraries.
10. Review of Standards
The Florida Library Association has recently issued Standards for
Florida Public Libraries: A Vision for the 21st Century, a
comprehensive update of library operating benchmarks, including
space standards. Among other items, this document sets a minimum
space standard of .6 square feet per capita. Standards are helpful in
assessing local conditions, but they only represent generally accepted
minimums. Many libraries commonly exceed minimum standards
responding to local needs and actual community demand.
An older more conservative standard is set forth by the International
City Manager's Association (ICMA) in their publication Local Public
Library Administration, which provided standards based upon
experience formulas gathered from several localities around the
country, which were recognized by their constituents and peers to be
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doing a good job. Noting that these figures were given as minimum
standards, the ICMA pointed out "Although the standards very well
define minimum adequacy of library facilities (which is all they set
out to do), they do not attempt to go beyond essential elements of the
library's program. There are no guideposts or measuring sticks for
the provision of service above the minimum level -- that is for
superior service. tI ICMA standards set forth a minimum requirement
of .s square foot per capita experience standard.
In the area of personnel, the standards further set a fairly
conservative minimum experience fonnula requirement of I
employee per 2,500 residents.
Another standard that will affect space requirements is "volumes per
capita. tI Standards for Florida Public Libraries sets three levels of
standards for libraries serving 100,000 to 499,000 populations.
Basic service
Full service
Comprehensive service
2 volumes per capita
3 volumes per capita
4 volumes per capita
Generally library buildings can accommodate about 10 volumes per
square foot in shelving areas, so the collection size depends upon the
service goals established for the library.
Staffing goals also have an effect upon library space requirements.
Generally, it is advisable to add 200 square feet or more to a building
for each employee required. Combining the space requirements
established for library materials and staffing goals with other
specifically required building elements will often yield a facility
larger than established facilities standards.
The following chart compares the present Seminole County library
service conditions to currently accepted standards:
Table 3 - Comparison of Seminole County library service conditions to state and natlon~1 standards, 2000 - 2020
".orStllndud Deficit
2020 2020
30% 1,0 3, 2
Volumes
5% 545,790
Volumes
73% 55% 89 F.T,E.
, 0 % 117,128 37% 189,283
Sq. Fl. Sq.FI. Sq.FI.
09,300 58% 19,390 % 139,519
Sq.FI. Sq. ft. Sq. Ft,
Note: The above comparison Includes figures for the Allamonte Springs Public Library 85 provided in Ihe 1999 Florida Library Directory with Statistics published by the Florida Department of State
Division of Library and Information Services. '
It can be seen that the Seminole County Public Library System lags
behind generally accepted standards at the county's current
population levels,. and when future population growth is worked into
the equation, the picture worsens. To achieve even the lowest 2
books per capita standard for its current servic~ population,
Senilnole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services ZOOI-Z005 Library Facilities 1001-1010
the library would have to nearly double its collection size. By 2020
should increase by 150%. It should be noted that this standard, while
well above the 1.5 books per capita collection goal in the Seminole
County Strategic Plan, is conservative by the standards of many
communities. The current national average is 2.81 books per capita.
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IV. Comparison to otber Florida Library Systems
National or state standards are not the only criteria by which the
Seminole County library services and facilities might be measured.
Although standards have been based largely upon actual experience,
a comparison to other Florida public library systems provides
another experiential litmus test. The table below provides a
comprehensive overview of a number of library service elements for
comparable Florida library systems.
It will be noted that the Seminole County Public Library ranks at the
lowest level in two per capita service categories (books and
persoMel), and is second lowest in three other categories (funding,
local funding, and square feet). Only in circulation per capita is the
library system competitive with most of the other listed systems,
which is remarkable given its lower collection and staff size.
Table 4 - Comparison of Seminole County Library System to other major Florida public library systems -1999
(The lowest ranking library system In each per capita category Is s/,aded)
. Library 7. . '::i' .i'd:' .:' -ser'\1lC:e\~: ::N,uinbei' or; " ~;~~:=&:,~r :SqUlil'f fed. .:,;;.::~::.:~~.::...: . :.: Maferials ". ..: 'Clrcullifloq';. ',,:.<<?,e~'flil, .., ::Fiilidlilg.. .~ocal FlUids '
- ....., ............"
",: -~: . ,~.~ .:: ;:. ;.;~,~.3~:~;}::~ ~;. ," :::;):.: ~~:r;({~ ,:P.()DU.~~"'i.I,~ :,:,.'.ellitJes:, : ::.~~Derc.pl" ... ;. .ClrculafloQ ;, ::;.d" capita,,;;; ;. per Capu... : ~e;. ellplt3 ., .
.. - - . - '. - ., ".oc~,RI~. ,.
AlaclJua County 211,403 II 3.36 .63 I per 1496 2,308,085 10.92 $7,SJO,274 $35.62 S30.98
Brevard County 465,825 15 2.17 .69 1 per 2601 3,255,618 6.99 $12,221,245 $26.24 $22.50
Jacksonville 753,823 17 J.45 .46 I per 2922 3,577,969 4.75 $14,124,265 $18.74 $16.24
Lee County 403,978 9 2.05 .36 I per 2473 2,482,700 6.12 $13,104,490 $32.44 $29.99
Leon County 233,232 6 1.76 .44 I per 2887 1,397,816 5.99 54,604,357 $19.74 $17.09
Orange County 789,122 13 1.93 .52 I per 2596 4,080,833 5.17 SI8,485,554 S23.43 S19.37
Osceola County 148,712 4 2.14 .53 I Der 1882 600,429 ..:'....4:04:;';..:,' S3,817,Ol6 S25.67 S23.55
Pasco County 321,074 7 1.26 .30 1 per 3015 2,013,375 6.27 $4,448,494 ,.. $13.86 :.:: ;:::.::$I~.n.:,.:,
Sarasota County 316,023 ' 8 1.68 .48 1 per 2234 2,362,183 7.47 S6,65 1,547 $21.05 S18.0S
Seminole County . 345,166 6 ....:' tI4.' ;';: ,::'.':.:;:\ .32:,... :'.;. .,-. l~r3J38 1,996,596 5.78 S5,596,536 S16.21 S14.72
Volusla County 420,431 16 1.57 . .54 I per 2349 2,902,1.21 6.90 59,499,070 $22.59 519.09
Source: 1999 Florida Library Directory with Statistics, Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Infonnation Services. The com arison includes
statistics for the Altamonte Springs Public Library (example -six libraries are noted for Seminole County).
p
This high use level is a testament partially to demographic
characteristics (high education and income levels), but also to strong
marketing efforts by the library system,. and to the county's
commitment to collection improvement, which has resulted in many
new materials on library shelves.
A. Library Materials Comparison
The Seminole County Public Library's collection provided only 1.14
books per capita in 1999, which is less than half of the ratio of
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
support for several comparable library systems, such as Brevard
County, Lee County, Jacksonville, Orange County and Osceola
County, among others.
B. Library Facilities Comparison
At .32 square feet per capita, Seminole County provides less than
half of the minimum level of library facility space recommended in
state standards, and well below most other comparable Florida
library systems. Only Pasco County on the Florida west coast fairs
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worse, and that library system is also in the midst of plans to
significantly increase the size and number of its library facilities.
C. StamnR and FundinR Comparisons
Seminole County ranks quite low in the number of library employees
per capita (I per 3353 residents), in part, because of the small
number and size of library facilities, but also because of a limited
funding commitment. At $14.72 per capita, the county's local
support level, while not the lowest among urbanized areas in the
state, is well below average.
V. Public and Staff Needs Assessment Sessions
A strategic plan must be grounded in the needs of the community as
expressed by the residents themselves. To this end, twelve needs
assessments sessions were conducted in preparation for plan
development. Ten sessions were conducted with library employees
by staff of the Seminole County Department of Library & Leisure
Services and the Seminole County Planning & Development
Department. The consultants conducted two additional sessions with
county residents in open public meetings. This was supplemented by
individual written input from interested persons who not able to
attend any of the sessions.
A. Staff Assessment Sessions
The sta.ff sessions assessed library employee views of future library
service needs, but attendees were also asked to assume viewpoint of
the customer in a role-playing exercise. Public librarians providing
front-line service regularly receive patron comments about library
needs, and it was not difficult for many staff attending these sessions
to also advocate needs from a customer perspective. The questions
posed during this exercise and an overview of responses mentioned
three or more times, in order of frequency, follows:
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-1005 Library Facilities 1001-1010
What are the quality amenities and special touches that you most
enjoy about the library nearest you?
Internet/electronic Information
Helpful courteous staff
Children's programs/stories
Free meeting rooms
Convenient location/accessibility
Kids books
Interlibrary loan
Great displays
Business resources
How has the Internet affected your use of the library?
Has increased library usage.
More able to do research
Can get investmentlbusiness information
Good source of information, but need the help of librarians
Like to use WebPac
Can find veteran infonnation
What are the features or services you would like to see" more or see
more of in your library system?
More computer workstations
Educational videos and children's videos
Word processing capability for the public
Music CDs
Listening room/area for music & books on tape or CD
Adult programs (music, poetry reading, business)
Teen areas
More books
Extended or no time limits for Internet access
Cafe with snacks and coffee
Additional small meeting rooms
Exhibits (example-local art)
Better bus service access
Separate larger area for kids
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Workshop programs for teens (example-college nights)
More large print books
Books-by-mail
Book clubs
EI~ctronic Books
Circulating art collection
If you could expand the space in your nearest library, what would
you put in the additional space?
Books shelved lower (for kids and elderly)
More parking. including for the disabled
Quiet reading/study carrels
Patio areas with tables for reading/eating
Larger undercover book drops
Larger separate children. s section
More room in aisles
Lounge areas (for kids/seniors especially)
Separate room for Internet workstation privacy
Story room separate from meeting rooms
Secure bike racks in a visible location
Bookstore w/stationary and school supplies
Coffee Shop/Internet Cafe
In what ways do you feel the library buildings should reflect the
individual communities in Seminole County?
Need more landscaping
Florida libraries should have outside areas/courtyards
Like the prototype design
Buildings should reflect individual communities
Collections should reflect local communities
More attractive d6cor expressing local community
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services ZOO I-ZOOS Library Facilities ZOOI-2010
What roles does the library play in the community and how
important is it to you?
Very important part of life
It's a meeting place (make friends. meet neighbors)
It provides great activities and programs for kids
It's a source of information and entertainment about
almost anything
Provides education to the community
It's a place to study, do research, hobbies
Library is a focal point for families
A community center (esp. Summer Reading program)
EntertainmentlRecreationlCulture
In the development of this information, staff was first asked to
respond to the questions from their own perspective, then to adopt a
resident profile. The preceding comments are summaries of answers
recorded multiple times. In general, answers provided by only one
or two persons are not reflected above. but a complete detailed
summary including all responses is available from the Seminole
County Public library System.
B. Public Assessment Sessions
BeachIWilley, Library Consultants conducted two open public
meetings, one .at the Central Branch (Casselberry). and another at the
East Branch (Oviedo) to gather input from county residents. This
was supplemented by individual written input from several persons,
who were unable to attend either of the two meetings. Following is
the consultants' impressions of citizen concerns by category:
I. Accessibility
Many attendees expressed concern over the distance that they had to
travel to library facilities. Several people especially mentioned the
distance between the Central Library in Casselberry, and the East
Branch in Oviedo. Persons living in and south of Winter Springs
requested that a new facility be built to better serve them.
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Rnnh-hv.MAil WA~ mentioned as a Rervice nossihilitv to serve
----- -J ------ ..-- --------~----- -.- -- ---.--- r---------., .. .
persons who live far from existing library facilities. The Orange
County Library Books-by-Mail service was mentioned as a model to
be followed.
2. Electronic Information
One of the most discussed issues was the developing role of
electronic infonnation services in the library system. Seminole
County residents want more access for more people to the Internet
and other electronic library resources. This included more extended
computer use times, if others are not waiting.
Several people mentioned the need for more assistance for the public
in using these resources. A hands-on public computer-training lab
was suggested by a number of participants. One resident, writing to
the consultants after the meeting, enclosed a sample public
technology training schedule from the Columbus Metropolitan
Library (Ohio) to demonstrate the type of services needed.
Word processing facilities for the public were mentioned as another
needed service, to assist study and research.
3. Library Collections
Many meeting participants expressed need for more current book
materials in both adult and children's areas. Improved magazine and
newspaper collection were also a need identified by a few attendees,
particularly noting the need for "friendly magazine areas."
The lack of audio and video materials in the Seminole County
Library System was a very frequently mentioned issue. County
residents clearly expect these materials to be in the library's
collection, as they are in nearly all other comparable urban and
suburban library systems in Florida. These included music CDs,
unabridged audio books, and videos of the type not available in
commercial video stores -classic films, educational videos,
documentaries, and "how to" items. Listening facilities to use these
materials in the library were proposed, in addition to checkout.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001.2005 Library FacUlties 2001.2010
4. Space
The crowded conditions at all Seminole County Library facilities,
except the Central Library, were an issue for most attendees. More
separation of adult and children's areas is needed; more meeting
rooms and conference rooms are required to meet demand; and story
rooms separate from the main meeting rooms are needed at all
branches. More seating and study space is required to adequately
provide for adults, young adults, and children at the same time. The
crowded book shelving in some libraries was another concern.
The lack of adequate parking at library facilities was viewed as a
major issue. Nearly all attendees commented on this problem.
J. Cooperation
Several library cooperation issues were raised at both sessions.
These included consideration of joint-use libraries with the Seminole
Community College, and "consolidation" of the Altamonte Public
Library into the county library system.
6. Other Issues
Beyond these five major categories, attending residents covered a
wide gamut of other individual concerns including:
Creation of a Library Foundation
Expansion of Friends bookstores into other branches
More adult/school literacy programs
Increased recruitment of volunteers
More business services, esp. in branches
More adult programs
More staff outreach and community speaking
Multi-lingual staff
Better ground maintenance
to
--~-~~----~~--~~---
c,
ComPBrison of Staff and Public Input
As might be expected, staff responses were much more detailed and
extensive, than the public responses, as they were much more
familiar with library operations, but the major issues raised by
residents were largely reflected in the staff role-playing exercise.
Several common themes emerged in both groups:
Current facilities are severely overcrowded in both
shelving and study areas.
The book collection, while improved, needs additional
support.
More computer workstations are needed.
The library's collection should include video and audio
materials, and libraries should provide listening
facilities.
The library is important to families.
Children Services are a priority and larger separate
spaces are needed.
More meeting room spaces are needed.
Adults need quiet areas.
It is interesting to note that two issues, which were major concerns
for the public meeting participants, were not significantly noted in
the staff sessions. These were: I) a shortage of public parking at all
libraries. 2) Public training in infonnation technology. Both issues
should be addressed in future library facility plans.
VI. Books and Bytes... The changing face of public libraries
As with other sectors of society, the electronic infonnation
revolution has changed the public library irrevocably. The Seminole
County Public Library System is embracing this new infonnation age
aggressively. It supports an integrated library automation system,
which is highly functional and user friendly. It provides Internet
access in all of branches, and licenses several on-line databases for
the benefit of county residents. This commitment will grow as the
library adds PC workstations, connects with additional on-line
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
resource!!; provides improved home/office access to those resources,
and integrates electronic infonnation seamlessly into its service mix.
Over the next ten to twenty years, the Seminole County Library
System will evolve in ways that caMot be precisely predicted.
Wireless communications developments, satellite technology, and
web based enhancements will mean significant changes in how
electronic infonnation is accessed by library users. The ubiquitous
personal computer with internally mounted software may well be
replaced by web-based computers, which access software on-line.
Certainly e-books, books accessible through computers or special
readers, will playa role in the library's future plans.
Conventional thinking might assume library space needs might
decrease in this "brave new world" of infonnation, but the
requirement for an expanded equipment infrastructure will continue
to impose significant space demands, while traditional book space
needs will continue to be an important factor in library facility for a
number of years to come. A shift from book storage needs to system
access needs will gradually occur over the next 10 to 15 years, but
overall space requirements are not .expected to decrease. Besides
traditional access to book materials, libraries will need to provide an
increased number of computer workstations or their future
equivalent.
The Seminole County Library System of the future will be a much
more complex operation, than the present operation, but one thing is
certain - that future will include printed books. aloDJ!: with many
other services for many years to come..
The simple vision of all-digital access to infonnation, offering
anything to anyone, anywhere became popular in futurist writing in
the early 1990's. Some futurists assured us that the electronic book
would largely replace the printed book by the year 2000. In 1995,
then House Speaker Newt Gingrich made headlines with the
comment that school textbooks would no longer be in use in 5 years.
Such absolutist views have some basis in fact. It is now projected
that within five years, 90% of newly published materials will be
11
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available in electronic fonn. However, just because one can do
something, it does not follow one should do it. Some infonnation
fonnat changes have made sense, because they only enhanced the
individual's experience. For example, 8 track tapes were replaced by
cassette tapes, which are now being replaced by compact discs.
However, the printed book vs. the electronic book issue is perhaps
more analogous to the relationship of radio and theatrical films to
television and video. In these cases the new fonnat did not eliminate
the old fonnat, it only added to the choices available. All four
fonnats continue to be used for different needs.
Printed books and electronic books are likely to exist side by side for
many years to come. An Anderson Consulting Study done for the
Association of American Publishers figured that
...by 2005, electronic books will account for about
/0% of consumer book sales, which excludes such
things as textbooks and manuals, or about $2.3
billion. The study estimated that about 70% of those
sales would be addinp to, rather than replacing,
sales of printed books.
Walt Crawford, a recognized leader in library automation, writing in
Dein!! Analo!!. Creatin!! Tomorrow's Libraries has commented:
Today, when any writer asserts that everything's
going digital, require evidence......
Evidence is not a technologist's assertion that he
prefers reading from the screen, and so do his kids.
It's a demonstration that a wide range of people is
happy to . read long texts from the screen. To the
contrary, I find that people are much more assertive
about unwillingness to read long texts from the screen
than they were afew years ago...
J Erin White. "Here's a Web Trend Publishers Don't Want to Follow."
The Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2000, p. 8J.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
Evidence is not the assertion that media will
inevitably migrate toward all-digital distribution: that
books, magazines, newspapers, TV, and radio are all
dying. Evidence would be that book readership,
magazine readership, and other uses of analog media
are decreasing because of increasing Web or other
digital use. There's some evidence that time spent on
the World Wide Web may come out of TV viewing -
but there's also evidence that Web users read more
books and magazines than those who aren't aware of
the Web. As a whole, print media are doing just fine,
well past the time when they should have entered into
serious decline. 4
Electronic books will play an important role in libraries and society,
in general, as current technical limitations are gradually addressed.
They will be particularly helpful in research situations for persons
without easy access to major library print collections. They will
gradually make inroads in the educational arena, as student's
backpacks need no longer include several heavy textbooks
simultaneously. Persons with disabilities or medical conditions,
which restrict use of a printed book (cerebral palsy, for example),
will welcome the push-button aspects of electronic texts. Travel
guides will be another important application.
Despite important advantages, .electronic books and electronic
information resources will not remove the need for the public library
as place. They will be a key part of the library' s mix of services, but
other issues will be at play in the public library ofthe future. Not the
least of these is the community center role.
4 Crawford, Walt. Beina Ana102: Creatio2 Tomorrow's Libraries, pp.4-5.
12
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"" ....... , ........., .... .. r..........n.'u r..nt...
.. ... . .." AJ..,. ... J A~ .. "'""v........._.." ""'...........
The public library has historically been a place where people could
connect with others. Spending time with the thoughts of Aristotle,
Austen, DuBois, Frost or Thoreau is like spending time with the
person. Reaching across the years reading has always helped us to a
shared sense of humanity. The public library has also been an
institution where people could interact regularly with others in their
community. However, today people are becoming increasingly
disconnected from their institutions and their communities. Life's
pressures and technology's lure have promoted a retreat into the
"safety" and comfort of the home environment. Marketing types
have even come up with a name for the phenomenon - "cocooning".
While the library of the future will certainly have to cater to such
societal changes, it is also well positioned to help maintain an
essential sense of community. As a community center it should
provide programming and shared experiences that bring people
together, and foster mutual understanding. Few institutions have
su~h a free, and open mandate for promoting communication as the
public .library.
While simultaneously developing its role as a "virtual library" in the
area of electronic info~ation, the Seminole County Library can
expect to expand its role as a community center, with'each branch
facility functioning as a community focal point for its service area.
The library's community center role has special resonance in
Seminole County, since the Seminole County Parks and Recreation
Division does not operate a system of community centers.
It is clear from discussion with .focus group participants that the role
of the Seminole County Library goes beyond providing books,
magazines, and electronic information to the community. Seminole
County residents, like people throughout the nation, view the public
library as an integral part of their community. A 1998 study by
Clarion University (PA) surveyed 3,255 persons to determine
attitudes about public libraries. Among other findings, the study
concluded that:
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services ZOOI-Z00S Library Facilities 2001-2010
57% of respondents had used the library within the
past year.
51% of respondents indicated that the public library
"contributed to the quality of life In one 's
town/city. "
48% said that the library was "increasing in
importance because its services were free. "
47% noted that "one's life was made better" by
public libraries.'
A 1998 Gallup Poll provided supporting infonnation, noting among
other findings that 40% of Americans placed the public library "at
the top of the list" when compared to other tax-supported agencies.6
The author of the Clarion University Study, Bernard Vaverk
concluded:
"Are public libraries integral to American's lives?
Yes. Evidence suggests that, for over half the public,
the library serves as a multiplex of significant services
and resources. In fact, it would be difficult to identify
an institution providing comparable services. ,,7
This thought was echoed during the public input phase of the
Seminole County Library strategic planning process. Local libraries
provide Seminole County residents with a sense of place, and
reinforce the view that their community is a good place to raise a
family. Libraries and families are very much interrelated, and this
role promises to continue for decades to come.
S Vaverk, Bernard. "Is the American Public Library part of Everyone's
Life?" American Libraries, January 2000, p.63.
6 [bid.
1 Ibid. p.64.
13
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VIII. Branch Service Areas
The locations of the five libraries that comprise the Seminole County
Library System result in a five-mile service radius for each building.
Seminole County Geographic Services currently places the following
population numbers within five miles of each facility:
Table S - Existing Service Populations - S Mile Radius
(See Appendix A)
. ,.......
:............:
These figures include some overlap between the Central and
Northwest Branch service areas, but in general, each library currently
serves about 75,000. to 100,000 residents. This is well above
recommended levels. Experience in other urban and suburban
communities has demonstrated that the level and frequency of library
use falls off markedly with increasing customer distance from library
facilities. Normally, absent unusual traffic patterns or physical
barriers, about 75% of library use comes from persons living within
two miles of a library facility, and 90% from within a 3-mile radius.
Generally, this means a large community library (20,000 to 25,000
square feet), can effectively support a service population of 40,000 to
60,000 people living within a 2-3 mile radius. A central library
facility with countywide service responsibilities may somewhat
exceed these numbers. Seminole County Library System facilities
are well above these limits now with 5-mile service areas, and the
situation will worsen over the next.20 years unless action. is taken.
It is proposed that Seminole County adopt li three (3) mile branch
library service radius for future planning purposes. . The Central
Library in Casselberry will likely pull customer. use from a slightly
wider area than the branch facilities, so a slightly larger four (4)
miles service area has been established. Under these guidelines, the
following service areas, using TAZ (Traffic Analysis Zone) figures,
Seminole County PubJlc Library St.rateglc Plan
Library Services 1001':1005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
have been assignea to eacn norary faciiity. To avoid double
counting, TAZs have been assigned to only one library. No overlap
of service populations is included, although in practice, people living
on the fringes of each service area will use more than one library.
Table 6 - Proposed Service Areas - 3-4 mile radius
(See Appendix B)
Although operational strategic plans are customarily developed for
three (3) to five (5) year time frames, capital plans must necessarily
look at much longer planning periods. Building projections must
look up to twenty (20) years into the future to be effective.
Following are the current and future populations for each service
area for a twenty-year time frame:
Table 7 - Populations for Proposed Servlc:e Areas
It will be noted that over 80,000 current county residents live outside
of the proposed service areas of the existing library facilities. By
2020, nearly 150,000 persons will be living in unserved areas of the
county. These residents are largely those living in the far northwest
portions of Seminole County and in the gap between the Central
14
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Library and the East Branch, along Tuskawilla Road. These two
areas should, therefore, receive priority consideration for service and
facility improvements.
It should also be noted that the Central Library, the East Branch, and
the Northwest Branch have service populations, which will well
exceed the capacity of their buildings by the year 2020. This
concern can be addressed both through expansion of facilities, or by
construction of new nearby facilities which can siphon off part of
their service population.
IX. Library Materials and Services Recommendations
A. Books
Despite the advent of the Internet and the growth of the Seminole
County Public Library's electronic infonnation systems, the printed
book remains the mainstay of the library's mix of services. As noted
previously, books are projected to continue to be a primary
component of library services for many years to come, although the
type of materials collected may change as more reference and non-
fiction resources become available in digital fonn.
The question arises - How many books will be needed in the
Seminole .County Library system of the future? Current Florida
standards .(see page 3) vary from a basic level of two (2) books per
capita to a quality level of four. (4) boob per capita. Indeed, an
examination of the comparative figures on page 4 demonstrates that
some library systems now approach the "quality level." In 1997, the
Seminole County Board of County Commissioners approved a nine-
year plan to 8fadually increase the county library materials collection
to 1.5 books per capita by 2005. Consequently, over the past three
budgets the county had allocated nearly $2.8 million in capital funds
towards this goal. .
This has been a significant commitment with measurable benefits. In
1999, Seminole County library materials circulation rose 20% a year
over the .previous year.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
In nearly every part of the country libraries are busier than ever, as
business has expanded to include new formats that include both
electronic and audiovisual services, as well as print collections. In
Seminole County electronic services are also in great demand, but
books are also more popular than ever due to the county's budgetary
commitment to the print collection.
Given that printed books will continue to be in high demand over the
next decade and beyond, the county's commitment should continue.
In fact, it should be expanded beyond 2005.
It is recommended that a two (2) book per capita goal by the year
2007 be incorporated into the Seminole County Long Range Plan,
replacing the 1.5 books per capita 2005 goal. This can be achieved
by a five-year extension of the current commitment in the county's
capital budget to the year 20 I O.
2010 Goal (438,000 est. pop)
. Current collection
Additional needed.
876,000
410,000
466,000
$9,320,000
10 year cost @ $20 per book
(Not adjusted for inflation)
A two book per capita goal is conservative. The current state
standards allow up to a quality level of four books per capita.
Setting the more modest "basic level" of two books per capita as a
goal allows for the effects of electronic infonnation developments to
mature.
The library system's capital budget should also include ongoing
funds for library materials to cover the costs of replacing items
withdrawn due to condition, age, outdated infonnation, lack of use,
and theft.
15
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Recommendation
The Seminole County Board of County
Commissioners should extend the commitment In the
County s Long range Plan to achieve a 1.5 books
per capita by 2005 by five years to achieve a 2 books
per capita goal by the year 2010.
Seminole County's current capital improvements budget
commitment of slightly over $1,000,000 per year over the next five
years should bring the library system to its goal of 1.5 books p.er
capita by the 2005. However, extending that commitment for
another five years will not by itself allow the library to achieve 2
books per capita by 2010. Adding start-up collections in the capital
budgets for recommended new library facilities will take up part of
the shortfall, but another $2,000,000 expenditure will be required
over the next ten years to make up the remainder of the requirement.
This may be handled either by increasing the county's current capital
improvements commitment by another 5200,000 per year, or by
increasing the library's operating budget by 5200,000 per year.
Recommendation
Seminole County should either increase the annual
capital improvements/undingfor books by $200,000
per year, or Increase the Seminole County Public
Library operating budget by the same amount for
book purchases.
B. Audiovisual Materials
One of the most recurring issues. in the public input sessions was the
virtual absence of audiovisual materials in the library system's
collection. Audiovisual materials have been an important part of
library collections nationwide for over 60 years, staring with vinyl
records, and now comprised of audiotapes, videotapes, compact
discs, and more recently DVDs (Digital Video Disc). The Seminole
County Public Library is the only major library system in Florida not
to make a significant commitment to these fonnats. The library
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-1005 Library Facilities 1001-2010
currently lists only 7,639 audio materials in its collection, and no
video titles. It is the only county library system in the state not
collecting the video fonnat.
Audiovisual fonnats are important means of communicating
infonnation, and will become even more so as new fonnats develop.
The library of the future will not rely only upon print or electronic
resources, but will provide a rich variety of infonnation fonnats,
including audio and video. It is also likely that libraries will soon
begin licensing digital audio and video materials on-line for
downloading much like electronic books. Nevertheless CDs and
DVDs (and for a few years yet, videotapes) will continue for some
time as important methods of transmitting audio and video
infonnation because many persons still prefer physical mediums.
Recommendation
The Seminole County Public Library should include
audio and video materials as a part of the library
collection, and the county should allocate additional
funds equivalent to /0%-/5% of the funding for book
purchases to these materials. Initial recommended
annual audio/video budget - $/00;000.
C. Electronic Books
Electronic books (ebooks) have finally entered the market place in
the last year. Author Stephan King made history by offering the first
mass marketed new electronic title on the Internet - Ridin~ the
Bullet. As noted earlier, it is projected that 90% of all new titles
published will be available in electronic fonnat by 2005. While this
does not herald the imminent disappearance of the printed book, this
exciting new development does have implication for the near future
of public libraries. The ebook offers another infonnational fonnat
that some, but not all, library users will find attractive.
New vendors are appearing on the scene to market this new fonnat.
For example,. netLibrary offers now ebook collections on-line, which
can be licensed by libraries and offered to their customers via the
16
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library's web catalog. As an item is downloaded to a home or office
computer, it enters a checked-out status and no other customer can
access that tile until it is "checked-in" again via the web catalog. If a
customer fails to electronically "return" an item, it electronically
disappears from the customer's computer at the end of the loan
period. This feature has the virtue of eliminating overdues. This
type of ebook is currently adaptable to public library operations.
Another version of the electronic book is a handheld reader with title
loaded onto it from a computer with Internet connection. The Rocket
eBook by NovoMedia is the electronic book that is perhaps in widest
current use. While useful for individual owners, this fonnat is
problematical for library use until licensing barriers can be
eliminated. Presently, Rocket eBook titles can only be preloaded
onto specific reader units. Downloading to random reader units is
currently not possible, making this promising newcomer relatively
useless to libraries. Nevertheless, such problems will likely be
resolved at some point. The technology bears watching.
There is little doubt that ebooks will find. an important niche in the
book market in the next several years. While many readers may not
find the fonnat attractive, particularly for recreational reading, other
will appreciate the special advantages ebooks offer for non-fiction
use. The Seminole County Public Library should be prepared to
incorporate this developing .format into its future service plans.
Recommendation
The Seminole County Public Library System should
evaluate the ebook format to include development of
a test ebook collection by 2002.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
D. Electronic Infonnation Trainin2 Lab
Several participants in the public input sessions expressed concern
over their inability to make sense of the new information revolution.
They felt they did not have the knowledge to make effective use of
the many new electronic infonnation resources that the library
system now offers. Libraries throughout the nation are now adopting
this new role as electronic infonnation mentors to the public.
The consultants recommend that the Seminole County Public Library
incorporate the electronic infonnation mentor role into its future
service plans, and develop a public computer lab at the Central
Library within the next two years. The estimated cost of a thirteen
(13) workstation facility, including an instructor station, is $45,000
for furniture and equipment. Space renovation costs would be
additional, and another 1.5 employees would be needed to operate it.
Based upon this initial experience, similar training operations could
be incorporated into the other library facilities as funds are available.
As an alternative, the library system might consider developing a
mobile. training unit to address this need. It would be similar in
design to a bookmobile, but with workstations instead of book
shelving. Such a unit would cost $150,000 to $200,000, plus
computer equipment. It could then serve different parts of the
county in rQtation. Construction costs would not be an issue, but .
staffing requirements would be similar.
Re.commendation
The Seminole County Public Library should
consider the development of a public computer
training facility at the Central Library in
Casselberry, or a mobile training vehicle to provide
a schedule of classes for county residents in the use
of electronic information available through the
library and the Internet.
17
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E. Public Access to Computer Workstations
The Seminole County Public Library currently has 57 computer
workstations available for public use - or one station for every 6,620
residents. Other urban library systems now commonly provide one
station for every 1,200 to 1,500 residents. The library facility
recommendations in this document allow for about 325 public
computers or about one station per 1,300 resident by 2010. Limited
access to computer workstations was perhaps the most frequently
mentioned service dissatisfaction during the public input meetings.
Recommendation
Seminole County should set a goal of providing one
public computer workstation/or every 1,300 residents.
F. Books bv Mail
The Seminole County Public Library FY2001 - 2005 Strategic Plan
will include several longer range recommendations for capital
projects that will address most outstanding public access issues.
Nevertheless, even if additional library buildings are constructed to
fill present service gaps, the less densely populated areas of the
county will continue to be underserved due to excessive. travel
distance to public library facilities. Furthermore, it will be several
years before any new libraries are constructed, leaving nearly
100,000 residents with inadequate access to services for sometime.
To deal with this service gap, the Seminole County Public Library
should consider the implementation of a books-by-mail program.
This would offer an immediate improvement in services for residents
living outside existing branch service areas.
The neighboring Orange County Library System (OCLS) operates
one of the most. comprehensive books-by-mail. programs in the
United States, circulating 329;274. library books in FY1999. OCLS
views their books-by-mail operation much like another branch
library, and costs are comparable. The aCLS Special Services
Department employs II staff, relies upon the Orlando Public Library
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services ZOOI-Z005 Library Facilities 1001-1010
collection for most requests, and sends materials to customers
primarily through a private courier service at a cost of $1.55 per
item. The library also automatically fills reserve requests through
the program, rather than maintaining reserve pick-up shelves, which
is a considerable value-added service. This tested program can
provide a model for similar services in Seminole County.
The Orange County Library System Books-by-Mail Program serves
a population of over 790,000 persons at an annual cost of $875,000.
Because it is a mature program with high local visibility, it is well
used. A start-up program in Seminole County with a smaller
population base would require correspondingly fewer resources.
Following are estimated annual costs to a Seminole County Public
Library Books-by Mail Program, assuming an annual circulation of
100,000 items the first full year of operation.
Seminole County Public Library
Books-by-Mail Program
Projected Annual Costs
Personnel
Salaries
Benefits
$ 33,000
$ 24,200
$ 8,800
()PeratiOJ~ Expenses
Contractual Services
Office Supplies
Equipment
$203,500
$ 8,500
$ 12,000
$223,500
Total 1'1 Year Cost
$257,000
Assumptions
I PT staff assistance at each branch
I FT position at Central
Volume based upon 60% of holds filled at $2.00 each
Office supplies @ 50% of Orange County costs
Equipment is a one-time cost.
18
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Recommendation
The Seminole County Public Library should
consider implementing a Books-by-Mail program to
serve residents living in unserved areas of the
county. to eliminate the need for some customers to
physically go to a library. and to enhance services to
of( residents.
X. Altamonte Springs Service Impact
Altamonte Springs is the only community with a library facility that
is not a part of the Seminole County Public Library System.
Nevertheless, that community relies upon the county library system
for its primary library service. The 1999 Florida Library Directory
with Statistics published by the Florida Department of State,
Division of Library and Infonnation Services, lists only 2,428 library
cardholders for the Altamonte Springs Public Library. By contrast,
the Seminole County Public Library System currently records 26,530
cardholders living within Altamonte Springs zip codes. .
For all practical purposes, the Seminole County Public Library is the
library for the city of Altamonte Springs, even if it does not operate a
library within the city limits. For that reason, all of the comparisons
and recommendations in this planning study inlude the population of
that community:
This is particularly important when considering collection-building
goals. The present Seminole County Long Range Plan sets a goal
providing of 1.5 books per capita in the libra'Y system by 2005. That
goal does not currently include the population for Altamonte
Springs. Future updates of the plan should establish quantitative
goals based upon the entire county population, including the city of
Altamonte Springs.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Librar', Services 2001-2005 Llbrar, Facilities 2001-2010
Recommendation
Seminole County should include the population of
the city of Altamonte Springs when setting future
library related goals in the Seminole County Long
Range Plan.
XI.
Funding Recommendations
In contemplating the future of any library system, the planners may
propose a system of excellence with well designed and conveniently
located branches for access, two or more items of library material per
capita; internet access with an adequate number of computers, a staff
in sufficient numbers and properly trained to assist the users.
However, if a viable plan for funding is not devised, none of the
above will occur.
Every governing body responsible for funding a library system
would like to believe that many foundations, cultural, charitable, or
educational, are out there waiting anxiously for a request, to fund
their particular library. Some such agencies do exist, and it may be
possible to secure a grant for construction; for acquisition of specific
materials; or for some special purpose. Local supporters should
make every effort to locate such grants, but regardless of the possible
availability of grants, the fact remains that 85% of all funding for
Public Library Systems is local. Therefore, let us examine the
sources of deriving library support on the local level.
Obviously local circumstances, tradition, customs or history may
influence the manner in which the library system is funded.
Therefore, the Florida Legislature has provided numerous vehicles
for the funding of libraries. The State Library of Florida administers
State Aid to Libraries only on a county or multi-county basis. The
rationale for this is that all citizens of the state should benefit from
state funds whether they live in a municipality or in an
unincorp()rated area and that none should fall through the cracks, or
receive a diminished level of service because of the happenstance of
where they live.
19
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The legislature has provided numerous means by which this
countywide service may be accomplished. There are consolidated
county systems funded from the County General Fund ad valorem
tax. Provision also exists for Inter-local agreements as cited in
Chapter 163.01 F.S. allowing various units of government to contract
with each other to make agreements for services, buildings, land or
other property. The State recognizes and qualifies for state aid
cooperative systems put together by inter. local agreements and
funded in various methods by the governmental units involved.
In addition to the simple ad valorem tax cited above, the Florida
Statutes allows several means for deriving funds for library services.
These include Public Library Special Districts, Municipal Service
Taxing Units (MSTUs) and Municipal Service Benefits Units
(MSBUs).
Consolidated County System
The simplest and most direct manner of funding a countywide library
system in Florida is for the Board of County Commissioners to fund
it from the General Fund, which is derived from the county ad
valorem tax. levied on all citizens, whether they live in municipalities
or in the. unincorporated areas of the county. Under this
circumstance, the county must then deliver library service to all the
citizens, no matter where they live. The courts have ruled, very
logically, that a government may not tax for a service that it does not
deliver. The fact that a city already operates a library does not
preclude the county from taxing county wide for library service. This
question was settled in Alsdorfvs. Broward County in 1978 in which
the League of Cities brought a double taxation suit against the county
claiming that the county could not tax city residents if their city
already operated a library. The court decision stated that the county
could levy the tax on all of its citizens so long as it delivered the
service. The judge commented that he .believed there could not be
too many libraries, so he ruled that the cities could continue to
operate their oWn libraries if they desired to d~ so, but since the
county was taxing to assume responsibility for library service
throughout the county boundaries, the cities would thus be creating
the double taxation.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Phin
Library Services 2001-200SLlbrary Facilities 2001-2010
Special Districts
Special Districts are ubiquitous in Florida, not just for libraries, but
also for many other services. In fact, at one time the Legislature was
almost at the point of decreeing no more special districts, but these
districts are an excellent vehicle for providing a specific service to a
specific group of citizens. Therefore, they continue in force and
continue to be fonned. There are now about 1,000 special districts in
the state. Such districts were in existence under the Florida
territorial government, and FS Chapter 150, the county library law
up until 1971 made provision for the creation of library districts, and
several of the counties have created districts under that law which are
still in existence. Special Districts may now be created by authority
ofFS Chapter 189.
Special District creation is a proven option available to local
government for providing public library service. Creation of a
special district may initially seem complex and arcane. It does
require careful planning, and close interaction with local officials
and legal staffs. However, there are several excellent examples of
library districts, and expertise is available from the Department of
Community Affairs Special District Program, or the Community
Affairs Committee, House of Representatives.
Special Districts are defined by the Florida Legislature as follows:
"Special district means a local unit of special-
purpose, as opposed to general -purpose
government within a limited boundary, created by
general law, special act, local ordinance. or by rule
of the Governor and Cabinet. The special purpose
or purposes of special districts are implemented by
specialized functional and related prescribed
powers. II
Special Districts come in two flavors, so to speak. There are
Independent Districts, and Dependent Districts.
20
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Independent Special Districts.
The independent special district is an independent government entity.
It is not a department of county or municipal government. It assesses
its own millage. which is not Included under the county's ten-mill
cap. It has its own governing board though it may also have an
advisory board. It must perfonn its own personnel. finance.
purchasing. maintenance. legal and bonding services or it may
contract for these services (often with a county or city government).
It is a separate unit of government, though the governing board is
often made up of county and city commissioners.
Benefits enjoyed by library independent districts include stable and
predictable funding. Since its millage is outside the county to-mill
cap, adequate funding may be easier to secure. It can, subject to the
provisions of its special act, incur debt and assess ad valorem taxes
to retire the debt. It does not .report to a county department head or
administrator. only to the governing board that is established in the
special act.
The special district may be contiguous with the county borders. thus
covering the whole county. However.. .one of the most common
reasons for creation of the special district is when the library,
through local decision does not serve all areas of the county. This
usually occurs when municipalities with libraries choose not to join
or to become part of the county system.
There is increasing reluctance on the part of local officials and of the
legislature to create independent districts because it is creating a
separate unit of government. However. in recent years the
legislature has regularly approved independent district special acts
when presented by local counties.
The following library systems in Florida operate under independent
districts: Alachua County Library System; Merritt Island
Library (Brevard); Fort Myers Beach Library (Lee); Orange
County. Library System; Wilderness Coast Library System
(Wakulla, Franklin, & Jefferson Counties).
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
Independent District Requirements:
- Created by Special Act of the legislature.
- Requires local referendum for district establishment.
- Referendum is required for designated millage.
- Referendum is required for Bond issuance.
Dependent Special Districts
As its name implies, a dependent special district is not an
autonomous governmental entity. It often functions as a department
of county government but with several notable differences. It can
carry forward funds. Its voter-approved millage provides a mandate
for a prescribed level of library support. Because of this, it is often
less vulnerable to nonnal local government budget struggles. If
bonding and millage for construction are included, long-tenn
effective system development can be insured.
Though the dependent district lacks the autonomous features of the
independent, it has also provc:ri very effective for public libraries.
The following libraries in Florida exist under Dependent Special
Library Districts: Brevard County Library System; City of Cape
Canaveral Library; North Brevard Library District; Citrus
County Library System; Miami -Dade Public Library System;
Tampa-HlIIsborough County Public Library; Osceola County
Public Library; Palm Beach County Public Library; Union
County Public Library; Volusla County Public Library
Depende.nt Special Library District Requirements:
- Created by local ordinance.
- Referendum may be used for voter approval
- Referendum required to establish millage
- Referendum required to issue Bonds
21
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Municipal Special Taxina and Benefits Units
MSTU and MSBU are instruments provided county government to
fund provision of municipal services principally in unincorporated
areas. Municipal Service Taxing Units assess ad valorem millage.
Municipal Service Benefit Units impose non-ad valorem
assessments, often on a per parcel basis. Prior to 1991 they could not
include municipalities. In 1991, the legislature amended F.S. Ch.
125 to allow the inclusion of municipalities. MSTUIMSBU are only
funding sources and do not provide for governance.
MSTUs are funding library services for three communities in
Florida: Unincorporated areas of Plnellas County; Palm Harbor
ID Plnellas County; aDd Santa Rosa County (one year only for
construetloD).
MSBUs are not in use anywhere in Florida for funding libraries but
several counties have. considered them. They offer county
government a means to assess charges on a per parcel basis, reducing
the impact on parcels with high assessed values, and at the same
time, requiring payment or greater payment from homestead exempt
property.
MSTU and MSBU Requirements:
- Created by county commission ordinance.
- MSTU revenues are ad valorem taxes.
- MSBU revenues are non-ad valorem, usually
per parcel assessments.
- Referendum is not required
- Municipalities consent to inclusion by ordinance
- MSTU millage does not count toward the
County's 10-mill cap.
- Where MSTUs include municipalities the MSTU
and municipal combined millage may not
exceed 10 mills.
Statutory Authority: Florida Stat~tes Chapter 125.01 (I) (q)
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
Seminole County and the Seminole County Public Library System
may wish to employ one or more of the methods cited above in
funding the implementation of the long-range plan. Regardless of
the method adopted, extensive planning is essential. Community
needs should be analyzed and the library's mission and roles
reviewed. A district, MSTU or MSBU model must be designed that
will address the community's specific needs.
Community involvement is essential to the project's success. Local
officials, library staff, board members, friends and other community
representatives need to be involved. In the creation of long-range
service plans and the special districts to fund them, the process is
often as important as the final plan. Widespread participation in the
planning will develop stronger support for the final proposal,
involving as many citizens as possible will help to develop a
consensus and a strong interest in the adoption of the plan.
Recommendation
Seminole County should consider revIsing the
funding mechanism for the Seminole County Public
library system, and following public hearings
establish a Special Library District or adopt MSTU
or MSBU funding models.
XII. Joint-use SchoollPubllc Libraries
The possibility of combining operations with the Seminole
Community College has been raised on several occasions during the
past several months. SCC and SCPL staff have met on this issue,
and the concept was discussed with the consultants during the public
assessment meetings. Consequently this option was given
consideration in the development of the strategic plan.
Both partners of the BeachIWilIey consultant team have had
successful experience with developing joint school/public library
operations while they were with the Broward County Library System
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) where Cecil Beach previously served as
Director, and Darro Willey, served as Deputy Director. Under their
22
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leadership, the Broward County Library established several most
notable examples of such joint efforts. It now operates a 60,000
square foot regional library on the South Campus of the Broward
Community College in Pembroke Pines, Florida, as well as a
103,000 square foot joint library on the BCC North Campus in
Coconut Creek, Florida. Based upon these models several other
communities are also conSlnlcting, or are considering joint
community college/public library facilities.
The consultants also developed a service agreement and library
design in cooperation with the Broward Public School System for a
joint middle schooVpublic library facility. This facility opened in
1996 and is operating successfully.
Joint school/public library facilities have a checkered track record,
but where success has been achieved it has usually involved the
combination oCa public library and a cQmmunity college library.
Such joint operations are commonly thought of as offering
operational savings. In fact, few operating economies, if any, are
realized by such efforts, except in the area of utilities and
maintenance. The distinct missions of each type of library usually
require unchanged funding commitments for library services.
However, major savings in capital costs are possible, since there are
a number of overlapping space requirements.
Beyond construction, utilities, and maintenance savings, there are
considerable service benefits possible. Both the general public and
college. students will have access to a larger range and quantity of
library materials, and to a greater number of professional library staff
than is possible with separate operations. Cooperative marketing and
programming opportunities add to the benefit.
Criteria for Successful Joint Library Operations
As noted above, the record of joint school/public library operations
has been historically poor, but in most cases, failures have been due
to either poor facility location and/or split administration. Prospects
for success are significantly improved if several criteria are followed:
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Servlces.200t-200S Library Facilities 200t-20tO
Location
The facility should have a strong separate, public identity, and be
located according to the same guidelines as are used for public
library buildings. The facility should not be submerged within a
larger institutional facility or campus. Rather, it should be located
along a major, high traffic roadway, with good public access. The
public should perceive the facility as a "public library". More than
any factor, placing joint libraries within school environments without
regard to general public access has resulted in poor operational
perfonnance for the public library involved.
Administration
Although policy issues should be addressed jointly, one party should
be designated as responsible for operations. Based upon the
consultants' experience, assigning overall responsibility to the public
library system has proved most successful. Community college
library staff can participate in operations to directly address specific
college support concerns, such as collection development, and
student/faculty instruction. They may also take direct responsibility
for program elements for which they may be more qualified, such as
inslnlctional media.
Most important, a commitment to success is necessary both by the
respective library staffs, and the two administrations. Flexibility is
essential with cooperative library facilities. Many cooperative
efforts have dissolved over philosophical fine points that are lost on
those outside the library profession.
Integrated Operations/Collections
The advantages of a joint operation are largely lost if the building
operates as two separate libraries. Although two staffs may occupy
the building, as much as possible, they should operate as a team,
sharing collections and public service points.
23
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It is of concern to the consultants that the Seminole Community
College Library collection is classified according to the Library of
Congress (LC) classification scheme, while the Seminole County
Library System employs the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme
more common to public libraries. With dual classification schemes,
much of the benefit of combined operations is lost.
The consultant team visited the Main Campus of the Seminole
Community College, touring the library facility there, and discussing
joint operational issues with the Library Director, Patricia DeSalvo.
The current library facility is undersized for student and staff needs.
Expansion to add services for public library patrons would
considerably benefit the college, but the location of the college
library presents a major barrier to a successful joint effort. The Main
Campus is secluded from any major street, and the library facility, as
is common, is located in the center of the campus. While
predisposed towards such joint efforts, the consultants cannot, in this
case, recommend a combined college/public library facility for
Seminole County. Public use would suffer due to poor access. to and
visibility of such a facility.
Recommendation
A joint community collegelpublic library building
project should not be pursued by the county due to
the location of the Seminole County Main Campus
and the college library facility within the campus.
XIII. Library Facilities Needs
County library service was established in 1974 with the approval of a
levy of one-half (Y2) .mil ad valorem taxation for countywide public
library service. Actual service was initiated in 1975 through a
contract with the Orlando Public Library to operate two branches,
supplemented by bookmobile service.
The Seminole County Public Library System was established in
1978, following the tennination of the service contract with Orlando.
Following the 1981 Long Range Plan for Library Development by
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
HBW & Associates, voters approved a $7,000,000 bond referendum
for library system expansion. This was followed in 1983-85 with the
sale of bonds to construct five (5) new library facilities. These five
libraries, constructed in 1986-87, comprise the existing Seminole
County Library System.
The existing space in the Seminole County Public Library totals
101,000 square feet. Altamonte Springs adds another 8,300 square
feet in the county. Florida Library Association standards set forth a
.6 square foot per capita minimum for library space, a standard
tacitly endorsed by the Florida Division of Library and Infonnalion
Services by its use in evaluating construction grant applications. By
this standard, the county should now provide 226,428 square feet of
library space. This need will increase over the next 20 years.
Table 8 - Seminole County Library Space Needs
according to the Florida Library Association Standards
. ., Vear, .. P<lpulation '; . : . .'...fI,,4~'~~~PAc.e R~q~ir~JIlcmt
.' .M' '. """ .
2000 377,380 226,428 square feet
2010 437,500 262,500 square feet
2020 497,638 298,583 square feet
Using the International City Managers' Association (ICMA)
experience fonnula (.5 sq. ft. per capita), the figures are slightly less.
Table 9 - Seminole County Library Space Needs
according to the ICMA Experience Formula
· Year' .. ropulatioii . JCl\1A Experience Fotmul~. .
. .
2000 377,380 188,690 square feet
2010 437,500 218,750 square feet
2020 497,638 248,819 square feet
Seminole County should strive to meet the Florida Library
Association standard, but at minimum should provide space
equivalent to the ICMA fonnula within a 10 to 20 year time frame.
24
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XlV. Recommendations for Existing Library Facilities
The consultants analyzed the existing buildings in the library
system. At each facility, the consultant team toured the building, and
visited with staff regarding specific needs and concerns. The library
administration provided background infonnation on each library
regarding staffing, collection, library use, and operational costs. This
information is the basis for the following facility recommendations:
A. Central Library
Location:
215 N. Oxford Road
Casselberry, FL 32707-4200
Nearest Library:
Northwest Branch - 6 miles approx.
Current Size:
50,000 square feet
Library Use (1999)
Visits:
Circulation:
Reference:
331,417
737,461
357,459
31 FfE
Staffing (FfE):
Collection:
130,160 volumes
Seating:
130 adult, 28 children
Recommendation:
Reorganize interior spaces.
Est. Capital Cost:
Design (10% of Construction)
5,000 sq. ft. @ $75 psf renovation
Furniture and Equipment
50 Workstations & Telecom
5612,500
$ 37,500
$375,000
$ 50,000.
$150,000
Est. Operating Cost: Computer Maintenance $10,000
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
BuildinJ! Assessment
The Central Library is the one facility in the library system that does
not have a space problem. However, it does have a number of space
organization issues.
At the library's main entrance, a person's first reaction might be
"where is the library?' A service point is not encountered until
the customer ascends a narrow stairway or the elevator. This is
both a service and a control issue.
The Friends of the Library have developed a successful used
bookstore in the library's first floor lobby area to raise funds for
library programs, but require additional space.
The Library Administration needs space to establish a rotating
book collection to better utilize multiple copies of older best
sellers, and support a books-by-mail operation.
Recommendations Detail
Relocate the circulation area into the first floor space now
occupied by the Friends bookstore.
Relocate the Friends bookstore and the popular collection into
the 15t floor closed stack area. Remove northwest wall of the
stack area, incorporating the adjacent hallway.
Convert unused staff area into a rotating book collection area and
books-by mail space.
Consider incorporating computer training area into second floor
in conformance with earlier recommendations (see page 14).
25
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D.
East Librarv
Location:
310 Division Street
Oviedo, FL 32165-9538
Nearest Library:
Central Branch - 9 miles approximately
Current Size:
12,000 square feet
Library Use (1999)
Visits:
Circulation:
Reference:
188,940
342,474
66,692
Staffing (FTE):
13 FTE
Collection:
83,130 volumes
Seating:
42 adult. 14 children
Recommendation:
Expand to 24,000 sq. ft.
Project Start: 2002
Project Completion: 2004
Estimated Capital Cost:
Design (10% ofConst.)
New construction (12,000 sf @ $130 pst)
Renovation (12,000 sf@$90pst)
Furniture and equipment (17% ofConst.)
Computer workstations (50 units)
Telecommunications
Outparcel Purchase
Estimated Additional Annual Operating Cost:
Staff - 1 Librarian, 1 Clerical
Building Operations (50% increase)
$3,677,000
$ 264,000
$1,560,000
$1,080,000
$ 448,000
$ 125,000
$ 50,000
$ 150,000
$80,000
$55,000
$25.000
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services ZOOI-Z00S Library Facilities 2001-2010
BuildinJ! Assessment
The community uses this facility heavily. During the consultant site
visit, customers of all ages were in evidence, but use by families and
young people predominated. Due to heavy after-school use, this
facility registers the third highest attendance in the system. The
building is severely overtaxed:
Book shelving is overcrowded requiring the use of upper and
lower shelves, which seniors and shorter persons cannot easily
access. Customer complaints are numerous. Adult and
children's non-fiction is inter filed to save space. Aisle widths are
too narrow (I" under ADA minimums). Aisles are frequently
blocked with strollers.
Seating is at a premium. On weekends and during after-school
hours, seating capacity is nearly always exceeded. Tutors and
their students sometimes have to sit on the floor.
The meeting room is in constant demand. Because there is no
separate children's story area, library programming competes
with other community meeting room requests.
Adult and children's areas are too small and too close together,
exacerbating an already severe noise level. Seniors avoid the
library when children's programs are scheduled.
44 parking spaces are insufficient to meet demand. Staff is
required to park off-site during children's programs.
Recommendation Detail
Expansion to 24,000 square feet appears possible, but water retention
requirements may be a limiting factor. An outparcel to the north,
adjacent to Division Street should be purchased to facilitate
expansion and additional parking. The expansion project should
include up to 60 additional parking spaces, as site restrictions allow.
26
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C. North Library
Location:
150 North Palmetto Street
Sanford, FL 32711-1395
Nearest Library:
Northwest Branch - 6 miles approx.
Current Size:
12,000 square feet
Library Use (1999)
Visits:
Circulation:
Reference:
136,401
189,141
60,505
Staffing (FfE):
10 FTE
Collection:
62,380 volumes
Seating:
46 adult, 18 children
Recommendation:. Convert 1,500 sq. ft. public service space.
Project Start: 2002
Project Completion: 2003
Est. Capital Cost:
Design (10% ofConst.)
Renovation (1,500 sf @ $90 pst)
Renovation (10,500 sf@ $50 pst)
Furniture and equipment (17% of Canst.)
Computer workstations (30 units)
Telecommunications
Property Purchase and Parking Consl.
Window Replacement - North Annex
$1,393.200
$ 66,000
$ 135,000
$ 525,000
$ 112,200
$ 15,000
$ 30,000
$ 400,000
$ 50,000
Estimated Additional Annual Operating Cost: 5
Additional Equipment Maintenance $
Estimated lease of office space $
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
24,000
6,000
18,000
BuildinJ! Assessment
The North Branch Library has fewer space issues than the other
branches, due to a more manageable level of customer traffic.
Circulation of library materials is substantially less than other
facilities, largely because of a lower service population. Lake
Monroe occupies much of the library's current service radius.
Additional space will nevertheless be required due to the expected
moderate growth in the service population. By the year 2020, over
49,000 residents will reside within the North Branch Service Area.
This would normally require a facility twice as large as the present
building, but expansion is impossible at the present location. The
library completely covers the current site, with very limited public
parking available. Conversion of the Seminole County Department
of Library and Leisure Services Administrative Offices to public
service use will offer some relief. The construction of a another
large new library several miles west near the Seminole Towne
Center will also help, by offering another service alternative to
persons living .west of Sanford.
Recommendation Detail
The 1,500 square foot library administrative area on the southwest
comer of the North Branch is easily adaptable to public service.
There are no apparent bearing walls between this space and the
remainder of the library. The remaining 10,500 square feet of the
building will also be subject to some renovation and updating. Most
renovation costs will involve finishes, HV AC, electrical, and
telecommunications issues. The North Annex may require window
replacement for continued use. If available, adjacent open property
across Palmetto Street, to the east, should be acquired to add up to 50
public parking spaces (approximately one acre required).
Note: If office space cannot be provided in another county facility,
leased space might be pursued until such time as offices could be
included in one of the recommended new facilities, such as the
proposed Paola Road Library. Estimated Annual lease cost -
$ J 8,000 @ $12 per square feet.
27
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~
u.
...,_~L......._,... , :1....._,
l'lUllIIWC:U a..IUIGI.Y
Location:
580 Greenway Boulevard
Lake Mary, FL 32746-3767
Nearest Library:
Central Branch - 6 miles approximately
Current Size:
12,000 square feet
Library Use (1999)
Visits:
Circulation:
Reference:
227,490
284,469
91,750
Staffing (YfE):
14 FfE
Collection:
67,240 volumes
Seating:
52 adult, 22 children
Recommendation:
Expand to 24,000 sq. ft.
2002
Project Start:
Project Completion: 2004
Estimated Capital Cost:
Design (10% ofConst.)
New construction (12,000 sf @ $130 pst)
Renovation (12,000 sf@ $90 pst)
Furniture and equipment (11% of Const.)
Computer workstations (50 units)
Telecommunications
Estimated Additional Annual Operating Cost:
Staff - I Librarian. I Clerical
Building Operations (50% increase)
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 1001-2010
$3,327,000
$ 264,000
$1,560,000
$1,080,000
$ 448,000
$ 125,000
$ 50,000
$80,000
$55,000
$25,000
Buildina I.t\ssessment
Around 3:30 PM each school day the Northwest Library is a building
under siege. At that time, students from two adjacent schools (Lake
Mary High School and Greenwood Lakes Middle School) are
finished with classes. They descend upon the public library to study,
checkout reading material, wait for parental pick-up, or to just "hang
out." The building is clearly undersized to deal with such intensive
pressure. Family use on evenings/weekends is also heavy. This
facility averages over 150 visitors a day - the heaviest traffic of any
branch in the system, save the Central Library. The problems here
recall many of those at the other identically designed branches.
Book shelving is overcrowded. Customer complaints are
numerous. Aisle widths are I" under ADA minimums.
Seating is at a premium. On weekends and during after-school
hours, seating capacity is nearly always exceeded.
The meeting room is in constant demand.
Adult and children's areas are too small and too close together,
exacerbating an already severe noise level. Seniors tend to avoid
this branch afternoons because of high noise levels
46 parking spaces do not meet demand. The parking lot is
currently unsafe during after-school hours as parents in cars and
students on foot dodge each other. A pedestrian accident is likely.
Recommendation Detail
Although the site is tight, the neighboring park's adjacency on the
east provides some flexibility. Expansion to 24,000 square feet
appears possible without impinging on adjacent park property, but
water retention requirements on the site may be a limiting factor.
The expansion project should include up to 60 additional parking
spaces, as site restrictions allow. Traffic flow for after-school
student pick-up needs redesign.
28
- ~. - - ~ - .. - -.: - - - - ~ - - - - -
E. West Library
Location:
Nearest Library:
Current Size:
Library Use (1999)
Visits:
Circulation:
Reference:
Staffing (FI'E):
Collection:
Seating:
Recommendation:
Project Start:
245 Hunt Club Boulevard
Longwood, FL 32779-7108
Central Branch - 8 miles approximately
12,000 square feet
145,720
342,496
141,530
14 .5 FeE
75,450 volumes
40 adult, 42 children
Expand to 20,000 sq. ft.
Add 30 parking spaces (78 total)
2002
Project Completion: 2004
Est. Capital Cost:
Design (10% ofConst.)
New construction (8,000 sf @ $130 pst)
Renovation (12,000 sf@ 590 pst)
Furniture and equipment (17% ofConst.)
Computer workstations ( 40 units)
Telecommunications
Estimated Additional Annual Operating Cost:
Staff - I Librarian, I Clerical
Building Operations (40% increase)
S1,831,400
$ 212,000
$1,040,000
51,080,000
$ 360,400
$ 100,000
$ 40,000
57S,OOO
$55,000
$20,000
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 1001-2010
BuiidinJ! Assessment
This is a high circulation facility. Last year it checked out 342,314
books, only about 1,000 less than the East Branch. However,
reference use is the highest in the library system, except for the
Central Library . Young families and seniors predominate in the
customer base. Retirement condominiums are located across the
street from the library. The staff estimates that 75-80% of the
building's use comes from persons living in the immediate area
(within 2 miles). There is no bus service to this location, so
customers must drive or walk. The building experiences largely the
same problems as the other branches:
Book shelving is severely overcrowded. Customer complaints
are numerous.
Seating is at a premium. On weekends and during after-school
hours, seating capacity is nearly always exceeded.
The meeting room is in constant demand. Because there is no
separate children's story area, library programming competes
with other community meeting room requests.
Adult and children's areas are too small and too close together,
exacerbating an already severe noise level.
48 parking spaces are insufficient to meet demand.
Recommendation Detail
Expansion to 24,000 square feet would nonnally be recommended as
with the other identically designed branches, but the West Branch
site will not allow this building size plus another 60 parking spaces.
It is estimated that maximum allowable expansion is another 8,000
square feet and 30 additional parking spaces. Even this is in doubt
due to water retention and setback requirements. An architectural
study should be commissioned to determine maximum allowable
building size.
29
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xv. Criteria for Location of Library Facilities
Before considering the question of additional, new library facilities,
the issue of library location should be reviewed. The selection of a
suitable site is perhaps the most critical factor in the success of a new
library building. Libraries share similar site criteria with many other
institutions, especially commercial and retail establishments. To
achieve maximum effectiveness they must be placed in a highly
visible and accessible location. Factors to consider in library site
selection are as follows:
Proximity to Other Traffic Generators
The site should be near other traffic generating activities, particularly
retail activities such as a shopping center or major shopping district.
The library should be located where a large number of people
naturally visit during their normal activities.
Physical Characteristics
The site should provide adequate space for the required facility, with
necessary allowances for setbacks, zoning requirements, parking,
water retention, and landscaping. The building should not be forced
onto a site that is too small, and the site should allow for future
expansion. The site should be free of restrictions that minimize the
buildable area of the site, such as easements and zoning restrictions.
Utilities should be in place before construction start, and soil
suitability and site topography must be considered.
Proximity to Other Branch Libraries
The proximity to other present or planned library facilities must be
considered. In densely populated urban and suburban areas,
distances between branches generally should not be closer than three
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan .
Library Services ZOOI-ZOOS Library Facilities 1001-1010
miles. Four to six miles is normal, giving each facility a two to three
miles service radius. Large regional facilities may have a slightly
larger services radius. In more rural, low-density areas, these
meaSUfes generally do not apply.
Visibility and Accessibility
The site should be located in a prominent position on a major
roadway, ideally near a traffic junction. It should be highly visible
with easy accessibility by both automobile and mass transit. Ideally,
it should be within walking distance for some of its users.
Cost
The site cost must be compared to that of other potential sites.
However, cost should be a determining factor only when comparing
sites that are similar in other more important respects, such as
visibility, accessibility, and proximity to other traffic generators.
XVI. Recommendation for New Library Facilities
Expanding existing library facilities will get the Seminole County
Public Library only part way to its goal. The three branches targeted
fOf expansion and renovation (East, Northwest, and West) have
severe site limitations, which confines them to a 20,000 to 24,000
square foot maximum size. Additionally, there are considerable
geographical service gaps between the widely spaced branches. As
noted previously, branches are attempting to serve a five-mile radius,
but this distance and excessive population bases leave many people
underserved. 1)1ere are three areas in the county that should be
considered for capital' improvements to meet these underserved
populations.
30
-~-----~--~~---~---
A.
Paola Road Library
Proposed Location: Near Paola RdlRinehart Rd Intersection
Required Site Size: 8 acres
Size: 50,000 Square Feet
Nearest Library: Northwest Branch - 4 to 5 miles depending
upon final site location
Staffing Required:
35 FfE
Collection Capacity: 210,000 volumes
Seating:
350
Parking:
250 spaces
Workstations:
15 Public, 25 Staff
Project Start: 2003
Project Completion: 2006
Estimated Capital Cost:
Design (10% of Const.)
Construction (50,000 sf@ $130 pst)
Furniture and Equipment (17% ofConst.)
Computer workstations (100 units)
Telecommunications
Start-up collection (15,000 books @ $25 each)
Land Cost (8 acres at $300,000 per acre)
Estimated Annual Operating Cost:
Staff (12 librarians, 23 clerical)
Operating (not incl. Books)
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
$11,830,000
$ 650,000
$ 6,500,000
$ 1,105,000
$ 250,000
$ 50,000
$ 1,875,000
$ 2,400,000
$1,434,200
$1,084,200
$ 300,000
Northwest Seminole County
The far northwest portion of Seminole County, north of Lake Mary
Boulevard and west of Airport Road, is largely unserved. Currently
about 23,000 persons reside in this comer of the county; most are
outside of the effective service radius of the Northwest Branch. By
2020, this population will increase to nearly 60,000 residents.
Residents of this area tend to use the Northwest Branch, located
south of Lake Mary Boulevard. This branch is now heavily
oversubscribed.
A new branch library in the vicinity of the intersection of Paola Road
and Rinehart Road would provide effective service to the fastest
growing portion of the county and help relieve pressure on the
existing Northwest Branch from residents living just north of Lake
Mary Boulevard. The library site should be adjacent to either road,
within a mile of the intersection. The south access road into the
Seminole Town Center would be another good candidate for a
library location.
While it is recognized that land costs in this area could exceed
$300,000 per acre, this facility will be much more effective if located
on a major roadway in this area. The factors that should be
considered in locating library facilities are discussed in the following
section of this plan.
This branch should be the first new construction priority, because of
the lack ofa library facility in this portion of the county.
Recommendation
.A new 50,000 square foot branch library should be
constructed in the immediate vicinity of the Paola
Road/Rinehart Road intersection.
31
- -, .. ~ - - .. - - '_, - - _, - - _I _ _ _
B. Winter SprinRs Library
Proposed Location: Near S.R. 434lfuskawilla Rd intersection
Required Site Size: 6 acres
Size: 35,000 Square Feet
Nearest Library:
East Branch - Approximately 5 miles
Staffing Required: 25 FfE
Collection Capacity: 150,000 volumes
Seating:
250
Parking:
130 spaces
Workstations:
52 Public, 18 Staff
Project Start:
2003
Project Completion: 2006
Estimated Capital Cost:
Design (10% ofConst.)
Construction (35,000 sf @ $130 pst)
Furniture and Equipment (17% ofConst.)
Computer workstations (70 units)
Telecommunications
Start-up collection (50,000 books @ $25 each)
Land Cost (6 acres at $300,000 per acre)
Estimated Annual Operating Cost:
Staff (8 Librarians, 17 clerical)
Operating (not incl. books)
Winter Sprinas Area
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Servll~es 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
$ 9,073.S00
$ 455,000
$ 4,550,000
$ 773,500
$ 175,000
$ 35,000
$ 1,250,000
$ 1,800,000
$ 970,000 .
$ 760,000
$ 210,000
Another significant service gap exists between the Central Library in
Casselberry, and the East Branch in Oviedo. This primarily affects
the residents living along both sides of Tuskawilla Road between
Lake Jesup on the north and the Seminole County Line on the south.
Although the distances to existing library services are not as great as
in the Northwest comer of the county, they are still enough to limit
effective service in this area.
A new branch in Winter Springs would both meet the needs of an
underserved population and provide relief to the East Branch
Library, which is under heavy service pressures. The proposed
. Winter Springs Town Center located near the junction of State Road
434 and Tuskawilla Road would be an effective location for a Winter
Springs Area Branch, although other sites along State Road 434
nearby would also serve. The Winter Springs High School is also
located in this area, providing partnership opportunities.
Property here will also come at a premium, but it is often truism that
building libraries on free or inexpensive property located in a less
desirable location is often a very expensive decision, because of the
negative impact upon public service.
Recommendation
A new 35,000 squareJoot branch library should be
constructed in . the immediate vicinity of the State
Road 434/Tuskawilla Road intersection
Note: If a new facility were located within the planned Winter
Springs Town Center Area, it would be adjacent to the Cross
Seminole Trail, which will likely be an integral part of that
development.
32
- - .. '. - - -- --, .. .. .- - - - - - ..
C.
Altamonte SprinJ!s Library
Proposed Location: In or adjacent to Altamonte Springs
Required Site Size: 6 acres
Size: 30,000 to 35,000 Square Feet
Nearest Library: Central and West Branches - 4 to 5 miles
depending upon final site location
Staffing Required: 25 FeE
Collection Capacity: 150,000 volumes
Seating: 250
Parking: 130 spaces
Workstations:
52 Public, 18 Staff
Project Start:
2005 to 2007
Project Completion: 2008 to 2010
Estimated Capital Cost @ 35,000 sf:
Design (10% ofConst.)
Construction (35,000 sf@ $130 pst)
Furniture and Equipment (17% ofConst.)
Computer workstations (10 units)
Telecommunications
Start-up collection (50,000 books @ $25 each)
Land Cost (6 acres at $300,000 per acre)
Estimated Annual Operating Cost:
Staff (8 Librarians, 17 clerical)
Operating (not incl. books)
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
$ 9,073,500
$ 455,000
$ 4,550,000
$ 773,500
$ 175,000
$ 35,000
$ 1,250,000
$ 1,800,000
$ 970,000
$ 760,000
$ 210,000
Altamonte Sprin2s Area
A third service gap exists in the eight-mile distance between the Central
Library and the West Branch. This area includes both unincorporated area
and the city of Altamonte Springs. Service issues are complicated by the
fact that the 8,300 square foot Altamonte Springs Library is not affiliated
with the Seminole County Public Library System. Nevertheless, Seminole
County taxes the city residents for library services and clearly provides the
bulk of the library services used by the residents (see discussion on page
16). If the Altamonte Springs Public Library were part of the county library
system, the consultants would recommend either expansion or replacement
of the existing 8,300 square foot facility to improve services to this area.
Since such affiliation within the next 5-10 years is problematical, the
service solution is uncertain.
If the present non-affiliation continues past 5 years, and the City of
Altamonte Springs does not upgrade library facilities, a new county library
branch should be constructed in the inunediate vicinity of the city on a
major roadway. A more specific location caMot be detennined at this time,
pending further developments between the city and the county.
Because of the proximity of the West and Central Libraries, a new or
expanded library in this area does not need to equal the size recommended
for the Northwest Seminole County and Winter Springs Areas. A 24,000
square foot library, equal to the proposed size for the Bast and Northwest
branches should meet service demands. However, if the 8,300 square foot
Altam(;mte Springs Public Library continues in service independently, then
a new county facility should be slightly reduced to 20,000 square feet, equal
to the West Branch.
Recommendation
If there is a consolidation of the Altamonte Springs Public
Library and the county library system within the next five
years, the present Altamonte Springs library facility
should be expanded to 35,000 square feet or replaced
with anew library building of that size.
After 2006, if the Altamonte Springs Public Library
remains independent of the Seminole County, then the
county should construct a new 30,000 square foot branch
in the immediate vicinity of Altamonte Springs.
33
- - .. - - - - .- - .- - - - - - - - - -
XVII. Impact of future collection growth
Today, Seminole County Public Library facilities, as a group, are
near maximum capacity in both book shelving and seating, although
some branches have some limited collection growth potential. The
12,000 square foot prototype design used for the East, Northwest,
and West branches allowed for a maximum collection of 60,000
volumes, approximately 10 reader seats, and a staff of 14-16
employees. This assumed approximately 20% of the collection
would be in circulation at anyone time, leaving shelf space for about
48,000 volumes. Except for the Central Library, all of the Seminole
County Public Library facilities have technically exceeded their
design capacity, but larger collections have been accommodated due
to their high rate of book circulation. The situation is roughly
analogous to the old line about "carrying four tons of canaries in a
two ton truck." Banging on the side of the truck keeps half of them
in the air at anyone time.
Table 10 - Branch. Library Collection Capacities
. 'I~r.ry.;. -:Curre.ilf"" ,ftl~on;'shelr".'!::,Averag8" '01. voliu"el
': :: ',' >: .<C. .' ~ol,I~~t1op.:: ",,',cm.~ctl~Q: ,': ;,t:b.~~e4 C)UhtOP8 ,Ilnl,f).:
East 83,000 60,000 25,000 - 30% of collection
North 62,000 50,000 12,500 - 20% of co cctlon
No west 67,000 60,000 20,000 - 30% of collection
West 75,000 60,000 22,500 - 30% of collection
Note: The maximum on-she f collections shown a ove are 25% above the
designed maximum capacity for each branch.
It can be seen that the East and North libraries are essentially at
maximum capacity. The Northwest Branch can accommodate about
another 13,000 volumes before capacity, and the West Branch will
run out of space after adding another 1,500 books.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
The question arises; if Seminole County library facilities are near
their maximum capacity, when will it become necessary to begin
removing other program elements to accommodate the expanding
book collection? This will have a direct effect on the required
schedule for the development of new and expanded library facilities.
Following is an overview of this issue at the Seminole County Public
Library's current collection growth rate of35,000 books per year.
Additional facility capacities assuminJ! no capital improvements:
Central Library
North Annex
Northwest
50,000 volumes
20,000 volumes
10,000 volumes
Total
80,000 volumes
Result:
System capacity will be reached by
2003.
Additional facility capacity assuminJ! early Central Library and
North Library renovations
Central Library
North Annex
North Branch
Northwest Branch
70,000 volumes
20,000 volumes
10,000 volumes
10,000 volumes
Total
110,000 volumes
Result:
System capacity will technically be
reached by 2004. Interim steps,
such as temporary alternative use of
public spaces may stretch this.
34
-----~---~-~~------
After system capacity is reached (2004 to 2005), the library system
will face several unpalatable alternatives to accommodate additional
book shelving:
Alternative:
Remove public seatinJ[
Impact:
Highly negative. Seating is already inadequate at all
branches except the Central Library. Six months to
a year might be gained by converting some Central
Library seating area to shelving.
Alternative:
Replace display shelvina with reaular book shelvinR
Impact:
This will negatively impact book circulation, as
display shelving has a direct impact on the rate of
public use. Space gained would be minor.
Alternative:
Convert meetina rooms to book sheJvina.
Impact:
Little impact on basic infonnation services, but
children's programming would essentially be
eliminated, and heavily used meeting rooms would
unavailable for the public.
Of further concern, other library services demanded by residents
during public meetings, such audiovisual materials, additional
computers, and computer training facilities cannot be implemented
without additional space. Many or all will have to be deferred until
such time as the first elements of the capital improvements program
come on-line.
XVIII. Proposed Schedule for Capital Improvements
With these issues in mind, the consultants recommend that the
renovation projects for the Central Library and the North Library be
undertaken as soon as is practicable, but in no case later than 2002.
Following is a proposed initial schedule for implementing the projects
recommended in this plan:
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
Table 11 - Proposed Capital Improvements Schedule
, 2003:(: ,,":,"', ';:::,
. .', .,'. .,,' I J ::"h''-'' :
.. "';'" ..:,:..,
Central Branch
North Branch
North Annex
East Branch
West Branch
2004
",.
East Branch
West Branc
Northwest Branch
2005' , "
. ,',:'
. ',. ...:."........:" 't.
Nort west Branch
Winter Springs Branch
2006 ,"
Winter Springs Branch
Paola Road Branch
2007" ;
- . . .
Paola Road Branch
20,08:-' '.
Paola Road Branch
Altamonte Springs Br.
2009:
Altamonte Springs Hr.
, .f, . I '.; . p" "'.':',';,':<":'."
Renovate and establish rotating collection
Convert the DLLS Administrative Area to
public space.
Install storage shelving after an engineer's
certification on floor load is secured.
Design and Construction Start
Design and Construction Start
-I," .
.. ...... .' '. .....'. ":.-.
Construction (complete by mid-2005)
Construction (comp ete by mid-2005)
Design
.. '.. ~. .
, '
'" :.....
"','" ":""
.1"....,
. . ,"
: ;, .' " ;'., :.,'~ . t . .. .
"
Construction (complete by mid-2006)
Design
.:'. ',.
Construction
'"
Construction (Complete by end of 2008)
Design
~ '.
Construction (Complete by late 20 10)
35
-------~------~-~--
Table 12 - Summary of Library Facility Recommendations and Related Costs
t:,',,'H,:" " ,FacUlty...;:",.: ;>;~:.r> /; ',,;r.roJed:.::, 1~::i/:(::~rr~Dt' \. . Renovated ; .' New Total Sl~ '.' . Project . . Addltll)nal . Collection New FlIndlng "
,,:,.,:..Type','~~.' :'iJ\$.:~;t.;' :; . 'Area\;,:, .' Con.truetlon Sq. Ft. . '. :. . Co., " qperatlng .' Capael..)', ',' . ,Starr Vear :':.
.. . '.
-"':':; :. ..; '.:,:.\': j;" , . , ':::Cost ":.
;.. ... .!;'~:. ,:,.;J.-, ," ~q. Ft.':..,' " . .Sq~ Ft. . .
. ",.... " . .~, ., ~ .~. .,. '.' , '.
',' ,-.."... .",. . 50,000 5,000 None 50,000 $612,500 $10,000 200,000 0 2003
Cenb'al Library Renovation
East Branch Expansion 12,000 12,000 12,000 24,000 $3,677,000 $80,000 100,000 2 2003
West Branch New 12,000 12,000 8,000 20,000 $2,832,400 $75,000 80,000 2 2003
North Branch Renovation 12,000 12,000 None 12,000 $1,343,200 $6,000 50,000 0 2003
North Branch Annex Maintenance 3,000 None None 3,000 $50,000 0 0 0 2003
Northwest Branch Expansion 12,000 12,000 12,000 24,000 $3,327,000 $80,000 100,000 2 2004
Paola Road Branch New None None 50,000 50,000 $12,830,000 $1,434,200 200,000 35 2006
Winter Springs Branch New None None 35,000 35,000 $9,073,500 $970,000 150,000 25 2005
Altamonte Springs Branch New 8,300 None 35,000 35,000 $9,073,500 $970,000 150,000 25 2008
Technology & Contingency See Note 4 N/A N/A N/A N/A $2,136,600 0 0 0 N/A
Inflation - Project Period See Note 5 N/A N/A N/A N/A $4,495,600 0 0 0 N/A
Bond Issuance Costs See Note 6 N/A N/A N/A N/A $2,472,700 0 0 0 N/A
::,T?!~:S~ .~ '. ':.' '.': .::;'.:~:':::'!".,::./;:t :}:~/"'!'>','_::'..::'~::" ):: ""'109,300 , . 53,o.QO : ',: 152,()00' .. ~53;OOO .$51,924;000 . ': S3,615,100 1,030;000 ',9[:
";!";;~~'Notol .' ..
. - ..... .
. See Note.2 " , .,:~ee Note 3 : ,
...,...,:.,.<:.'.:. !.,......,: .. .: ..~,. . .........."..:.::: ...;,'.. ,; '. :'
.. ".. < . . , .' . . ... '.', .
Note 1:
Note 2:
Note 3:
Note 4:
Note 5:
Note 6:
The North Branch Annex adjacent to the North Branch Library in Sanford is used for storage. No recommendations for alternate uses are made
in this study, but window replacement may be required even to allow continued use as storage.
253,000 sq. ft. will provide an estimated 2010 population of 437,500 residents with .58 sq ft, per capita, nearly equivalent to the Florida Library
Association standard of .6 Square feet per capita. If Altamonte Springs remains unaffiliated with the Seminole County Public Library System,
retaining their 8,300 square foot library building, and if a 30,000 square foot library branch is constructed near Altamonte Springs instead of
the 35,000 square foot facility shown above, then the total library space for the county would be 256,300 square feet by 2010. This would be
equal to .59 sq. ft. per capita.
Given a projected 2020 population of 497,638, this would allow book shelving capacity for 2.07 books per capita, sufficient to meet the
recommended collection development goal of 2 books per capita.
The technology and contingency figure is 5% of the total construction costs. It is intended to cover both system -wide technology
infrastructure costs associated with system expansion, as well as provide an overall contingency for unanticipated issues. Unexpended
contingency funds could later be applied to the purchase of library materials in pursuit of the 2 books per capita goal.
The projected inOation figure amounts to 10% of $44,955,700 in overall project costs.
Bond Issuance costs are estimated a 5% of all other costs. If another funding mechanism is selected this cost is not applicable.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
36
----------~--------
XlX. Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan Summary - Library Services (2001-2005) and Library Facilities (2000-2010)
The Seminole County Public Library has successfully completed the majority of the recommended actions set forth in its 1996-2000 Strategic
Plan, however a few objectives from that document remain to be addressed. Those items continue to be both desirable and attainable;
consequently they are incorporated along with this study's recommendations in the summary below.
Strategic Direction 1 Establish Dedicated Financial Support
Objective 1.1 Develop improved tax supported funding
Action 1.1.1 Consider revision of county funding mechanism for the Seminole County
Public Library. Following public hearings establish a Special Library District
or adopt MSTU or MSBU funding models.
Strategic Direction 2 Expand and Improve Library Facilities
Objective 2.1 Improve effectiveness of existing library facilities
Action 2.1.1 Reorganize interior spaces of Central Library 2003 Start Date
Action 2.1.2 Convert Seminole County Department of Library and Leisure Services
Administrative Offices to public area in the North Branch Library. 2003 start date
Objective 2.2 Expand existing library facilities
Action 2.2.2 Expand the East Library to 24,000 square feet. 2003 start date.
Action 2.2.3 Expand the West Library to 20,000 square feet. 2003 Start Date
Action 2.2. I Expand the Northwest Library to 24,000 square feet,
and purchase adjacent property. 2004 start date.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 200l-2010
37
- - - - - - - - - _.- - - - - - -'--
Objective 2.3 Construct new library facilities in unserved areas.
Action 2.3.1 Construct a 35,000 community library near the
State Road 434rruskawilla Road intersection. 2005 start date.
Action 2.3.2 Construct a 50,000 regional library near the
Paola RoadlRinehart Road intersection. 2006 start date.
Action 2.3.3 Construct a 35,000 square foot community library in Altamonte Springs
if the City of Altamonte Springs joins the county library system. If the city
continues to operate its own library facility, construct a 30,000 square foot
community library in the immediate vicinity of the city. 2008 start date.
Strategic Direction 3 Improve Access to Library Materials
Objective 3.1 Improve the size and quality of the book collection
Action 3.1.1 Extend Seminole County's collection development goal of 1.5 books per capita
by five additional years. Establish a two (2) books per capita goal for 2010.
Action 3.1.2 Supplement the Seminole County Capital Plan commitment for book purchases
with an additional $200,000 per year increase in the library's capital budget.
Objective 3.2 Establish audio and video collections
Action 3.2.1 Annually allocate funds equivalent to 10% - 15% of funding for book purchases
for audio and video materials. Initial recommended annual budget - $100,000.
Objective 3.3 Improve access to library materials in unserved areas of the county.
Action 3.3.1 Implement a Books-by-Mail program. Annual cost - $257,000
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services ZOOI-Z00S Library Facilities 2001-2010
38
-------------------
Strategic Direction 4 Expand Use of Information Tecbnologles to Improve Service
Objective 4.1 Improve public access to infonnation technology
Action 4.1.1 Increase the number of computer workstations available
to the public to a ratio of I public workstation per 1,300 residents.
Action 4.1.2 Develop public computer training facilities to train the public in the
use infonnation technology resources available through the library.
Objective 4.2 Incorporate new infonnation technologies
Action 4.2.1 Evaluate the eOook format and develop a test collection
Strategic Direction 5 Improve Community Awareness of Library Services
Objective 5.1 Improve Marketing of Library Services
Action 5.1.1 Develop a Marketing Plan
Action 5.1.2 Designate a Marketing Coordinator position on the library staff
Action 5.1.3 Obtain continuous feedback from the community
Action 5.1.4 Conduct ongoing promotional campaigns
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-100S Library Facilities 1001-1010
39
-------------------
XX. Final (omments
We conclude this planning study with a few overall observations.
~ The Seminole County Public Library has made great strides in the past several years in the area of collection development. The county's
commitment to books should be continued and extended to include new information formats including audio and video materials and
increased use of electronic information formats.
~ One reason that Seminole County Library System costs have been kept lower than in many other library systems is the decision to develop
a network of fewer, but larger, community libraries, as opposed to many smaller neighborhood libraries. The recommendations in this
plan are intend~d to build upon that philosophy by the development of larger full service libraries strategically located near major
roadways.
~ Although the county has built an effective library system over the past 12 years, there still exist significant service gaps. The far
Northwest portion of the county is largely unserved, and the Winter Springs and North Altamonte Springs areas are underserved due to
excessive distance from library facilities.
~ The printed book will remain a mainstay of the library system for decades to come, despite the advent of new infonnation teclmologies.
Additional space is still needed for books, people, and programs.
~ The physic81library will coexist with the virtual library because the community also needs common civic areas to come together. The
library's community center role will become more important in years to come.
~ The recommended projects will require a major investment in capital funds, but to be effective, they must have adequate annual operating
budgets for the necessary staff, collections, maintenance, and security.
~ The total cost of the facilities portion of this strategic plan is estimated at $51,924,000. It is a significant number of dollars, but over the
next twenty years the county's population will rise to over 497,000 residents. With these future residents contributing to the payment of
a thirty years bond, the cost per person will be about $3.50 per year.
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
40
-------------------
Appendices
A. Existing Library Service Areas - 5 Mile Radius
B. Proposed Library Service Areas - 3-4 mile Radius
C. Existing Library Site Plans
D. Summary of Current Florida Library Construction Programs
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
41
-------------------
WEST BRANe
Appendix A - Current Ubi'iii'Y Service ArmIs
/" NORTH BRANCH
/::i NURBAH.RURAL BOUNDARY
N I!J LIBRARY
2Mlle8 0 2
I~ .._.. .....- .----I
Seminole County Florida
Library Locations
Seminole County Public Library Strategic PlRn
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
Prepared by GeographIc Informallon ServIces
May 3,2000 wrO002131 00179
Visit us on the web at www.co.eemlnole.f1.uBlgls
42
-fl.UFt""no~'" -
IY. 3 MilES
"fi 4 MII.F-R
III pnOPORF-O UIlRARY LOCATIONS
Il11FFERS ON F-XIATINO
~ 3 MILES
IV 4 MitES
mAt TAMONTE SPRING9 CITY LIBRARY
see MAIN & EAST CAMP1I9
COUNTY LIBRARY
-
-
-
-
---------
-
-
Appendix B - Proposed Library Services Arens - 3-4 Mile Radius
/' NORTH BRANCH
~
N
2
. f....
o
2
4 Miles
..,
Seminole County Florida
Existing and Proposed Library Locations
Seminole County I)ubllc Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Faclllties 2001-2010
Prepared by GeographIc Information ServIces
Oct 2, 2000 wr 00179/00388c
VisIt lIlI on the web at www.co.semlnole.f1.ulI/gllI
43
--_._---------------
Appendix C - Existing Library Site Plans
C-l Central Library Site Plan
C-2 East Brancb Site Plan
C-3 North Branch Site Plan
C-4 Northwest Branch Site Plan
C-S West Branch Site Plan
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
44
-------------------
C-l Central LiJJrary Site Plan
..-...,.... .
. " .. ....,.-.-
-'
.._--"'-IiII!'O-..~--
.__=- '
~~fS.\:o~::!r= .
WI ~;~-ir="=
;;. .,.~~~ "r;1fi:'
."1l!t."\:.
&::'"_""C. =w.'_~.."t
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Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
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Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
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Library Services 2001-200S Library Facilities 2001-2010
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Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
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Appendix D - Summary of Current Florida Library Construction Programs
C:;ou~~,:" . . . ,
Broward County
'. Llb~i1':i '.... ..
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; .).
" '. ". ..~ProJeCt Scope
African American Research Library
and Cultural Center
52,000 sq. fl. new
Bryant Branch
Carver Ranches Branch
7,050 sq. fl. expansion plus
renovation of ex isling space
1,415 sq. fl. expansion plus
renovation of existing space
Hollywood Branch
30,000 sq. fl. new
Lauderdale LakeslLauderhill Branch
20,000 sq. fl. new
LauderhilllSunrise Branch
20,000 sq. fl. new
5,000 sq. ft. expansIon plus
renovation of existing space
Margate Branch
Mirimar Branch
30,000 sq. fl. new
North Lauderdale Branch
20,000 sq. fl. new
Northwest Regional Library
Northwest Branch
72,000 sq. fl. new
5,500 sq. fl. expansion plus
renovation of exisling space
2,000 sq. fl expansion plus
renovation of existing space
10,000 sq. fl. expansion plus
renovation of exisling space
Riverland Branch
South Regional Library
Stirling Road Branch
20,000 sq. fl. new
Southwest Regional Library
78,000 sq. fl. new
Tamarac Branch
30,000 sq. fl. new
Weslon Branch
30,000 sq. fl. new
44.000 sq. fl expansion plus
renovation of existing space
West Regional Library
Retool Main Library & 12 branches
plus syslem books and technology
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 1001-1005 Library Facilities 2001-1010
N/A
. Type of Fllodlog
· ProJ.ee, Budle'
". '.. ",f' ~..' ".; ": '
Local Capital Outlay 55,387,000
Various Govt Grants 2,775,000
Private Grants 5,376,557
SI3,538,517
Local Capital OUllay $2,408,151
Local Capital Outlay $1,594,161
52,408,151
Local Capilal Outlay $6,108,500
$1,594,161
$6,108,500
Local Capital Outlay $3,889,000
$3,889,000
$4,039,000
$2,615.240
Local Capital Outlay $4,039,000
Local Capital Outlay $2,615.240
Local Capital Outlay $7,132,500
Local Capital Outlay $4,379,000
$7,132,500
$4,379,000
Local Capital Outlay $17,001,200
$17,001,200
$1,915,508
$704,925
512,701.032
$5,446,860
$17.701,200
$6,482,500
Local Capital Outlay $1,915,508
Local Capital Outlay $704,925
Local Capital Outlay 512,701.032
Local Capital Outlay $4,946,860
Slate Lib Const Granl $500,000
Local Capital Outlay $17.701,200
Local Capital Outlay $6,482,500
Local Capital Outlay $7,132,500
$7,132,500
Local Capital Outlay $16,928,400
$16,928,400
Local Capital Outlay $7,551,630
$7,55 I ,630
50
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County. -, .
'I.-Ibl'llry. ';':.:: ,>' :';'>~'. . .'
...'.... .,. ..... '.. ..... '.' '''' .... , .
.. Project Scope
.. ,- - ..'
Marion
Marion County Library Headquarters
Renovation and Remodeling
Orange
Alafaya Branch
12,000 sq, n. new
South Orange Branch
12.000 sq. n. new
West Oaks Branch
12,000 sq. n. new
St. Johns
Bartam Trail Branch
10,000 sq. n. new
Ponte Verdra Beach Branch
13,100 sq. n. new
Southeast Library/Admin. HQ
25,000 sq. ft. new
Yolusla
DeBary Library
12,000 sq. ft. new
Deltona Regional Library
25,000 sq. ft. new
Keech Library
12,000 sq. n. new
New Smyrna Beach Library
25,000 sq. ft. new
Port Orange Library
25,000 sq. n. new
Wallon
Coastal Branch
!S,OOO sq. n new
Seminole County Public Library Strategic Plan
Library Services 2001-2005 Library Facilities 2001-2010
Type of ~Ulidlli~. .
Ad Valorem Taxes
State Const Grant
Ad Valorem Taxes and
Library Fines/Fees
Slate Const Grant
Ad Valorem Taxes and
Library Flnesnrees
State Const Grant
Ad Valorem Taxes and
Library Fines/Fees
State Const Grant
.".. p~oJ~t.~udg~t.
$6,370,640
$500,000
$6,870,640
$ 1,430,000
$500,000
$2,053,000
$300,000
$2,340,000
$300,000
$ I ,930,000
$2,353,000
$2,640,000
Public Facility Impact Fees $ 1,050,000
Public Facilities Impcat Fees $1,645,000
Private Granr $ 258,000
Ad Valorem Taxes $1,000,000
State Canst. Grant $ 300,000
Public Facilities Impact Fees $2,072,000
Bond Issue
State Canst. Grant
Private Grant
Interest Income
Bond Issue
State Canst Grant
Interest Income
County Funds
Slate Canst. Grant
City of Daytona Beach
Private Grant
Bond Issue
Slate Canst. Grant
Interest Income
Bond Issue
Slate Canst. Grant
Interest Income
County Government
Stale Canst Grant
Privale Grant
$1,050,000
$1,903,000
$3,372,000
$699,130
$400,000
$ 100.000
$ 21,436
$3,449,000
$ 400,000
$ 60,000
$1,000,000
$ 300,000
$ 5,000
$ 15,000
$2,735,171
$ 400,000
$ 60,000
$2,726,000
$400,000
$60,000
$1.220,556
$3,909,000
$1,350,000
$3,195,171
$3, I 86,000
$600,000
$500,000
$700.000
$1,800,000
51