PUBLIC LIBRARY STRUCTURE IN NYSPUBLIC LIBRARY STRUCTURE IN NYS

& &

LIBRARY SERVICE OPTIONS LIBRARY SERVICE OPTIONS FOR THE TOWN OF SCHODACKFOR THE TOWN OF SCHODACK

Prepared byPrepared by Panz Library ConsultingPanz Library Consulting

Webster, NYWebster, NY

Presentation funded by NY State Division of Library DevelopmentPresentation funded by NY State Division of Library Development

CONSULTANT’S BACKGROUNDCONSULTANT’S BACKGROUND

37 year career in public libraries, 26 in administration

Positions:

Independent Library Consultant (2003-present)

Director, Rochester & Monroe County (1989-2003)

Director, Finger Lakes Library System (1979-1989)

Assistant Director, Battle Creek (1977-1979)

Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County PL (1971-1977)

Page, Buffalo & Erie County PL (1968-1970)

CLIENT LIST 2003 - 2006CLIENT LIST 2003 - 2006

New York State Library Chemung County Libraries James Prendergast Library

(Jamestown) Gloversville Free Library Southeast Steuben Public Library City of Rye Buffalo & Erie County PL Southern Tier Library System Onondaga County Public Library Patchogue-Medford Library Geneva Free Library Jordan Bramley Library

Four County Library System Pioneer Library System Monroe County Library System Dewitt Community Library Albion Public Library Onondaga Free Library Irondequoit Public Library Mendon Public Library Penn Yan Public Library Rochester Regional Library Council Utica Public Library Guilderland Public Library

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVESPRESENTATION OBJECTIVES

Review types of libraries in NYS – characteristics & steps for creation

Review potential library service options available to Schodack residents

Review advantages & disadvantages of each option

TYPES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIESTYPES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Association Libraries (363)

Municipal Libraries (212)

School District Public Libraries (139)

Special Legislative District Public Libraries (40)

OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL PUBLIC OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES RE: TAX SUPPORTLIBRARIES RE: TAX SUPPORT

Direct appropriation from a municipality or school Direct appropriation from a municipality or school districtdistrict

Placement of funding proposition on a municipal ballotPlacement of funding proposition on a municipal ballot

Placement of funding proposition on a school district Placement of funding proposition on a school district ballotballot

ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION

LIBRARYLIBRARY

ASSOCIATION LIBRARYASSOCIATION LIBRARYPrimary characteristics

A private corporation established by the members of the association

Budget is normally based on a contract with a unit of local government to provide library services to the residents of that jurisdiction - but library may place funding propositions on municipal or school district ballot

Association libraries are private not-for-profit corporations and are not subject to some of the laws and regulations governing public entities – i.e. procurement, civil service, investing funds, etc.

Rarely chartered in recent years by Regents

MUNICIPAL MUNICIPAL

PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY

MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARY Primary characteristics Primary characteristics

Formed by vote of the governing body of a municipality Formed by vote of the governing body of a municipality (village, town, city or county)(village, town, city or county)

Trustees are appointed by the municipalityTrustees are appointed by the municipality

Budget is usually Budget is usually appropriatedappropriated by municipality - by municipality - but library may place funding propositions on municipal or school district

Library is subject to all laws applicable to public institutions Library is subject to all laws applicable to public institutions in NYS i.e. procurement, civil service, investmentsin NYS i.e. procurement, civil service, investments

Library Board operates independently from municipality – Library Board operates independently from municipality – not as departmentnot as department

MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARYSteps for creatingSteps for creating

1. Town notifies the State Library of its intention to create new library

2. Municipality passes resolution to create new library, appropriates funds and appoints trustees

3. Trustees apply to Board of Regents for a charter and if granted, govern library

MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARYAdvantagesAdvantages

Municipality assumes responsibility for survival of library – ownership

Municipality can bond for capital projects

Close relationship between library and municipality

Opportunity for library to receive in-kind services from the municipality

MUNICIPAL LIBRARYMUNICIPAL LIBRARYConsiderationsConsiderations

Potential for conflict between library board and town re: who is in charge of library

Library must continue to compete with other municipal services for funding

Annual funding may fluctuate based on Town budget challenges

SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY

SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYPrimary characteristicsPrimary characteristics

Created by residents of a school district by approving propositions to create & fund a library and to elect trustees

Service area of the library mirrors the boundaries of the school district

Budget is approved annually by voters

Trustees are elected annually by voters

Library operates independently from school district

SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSteps for CreatingSteps for Creating

1. Petitions to create library (25 signatures) and nominate trustees (25 signatures or 2% of voters in last election)

2. Board of education schedules election

3. Public education campaign conducted

4. If resolution passes, elected trustees take office and file for charter

5. Existing library dissolved - assets transferred to new entity

6. School District collects taxes – turns funds over to Library

7. Annual funding remains unchanged until library requests increase

SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYAdvantagesAdvantages

Library operates independentlyLibrary operates independently

Elected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayersElected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayers

Opportunity to bond for capital projectsOpportunity to bond for capital projects

Once established, library sets time & place for electionOnce established, library sets time & place for election

Consistent funding streamConsistent funding stream

Straightforward process for seeking increase in fundingStraightforward process for seeking increase in funding

SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYSCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYConsiderationsConsiderations

Library must comply with civil service & municipal purchasing laws

Trustees subject to election

Requires strong advocacy and education campaigns

SPECIAL LEGISLATIVESPECIAL LEGISLATIVE

DISTRICT DISTRICT

PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY

SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY

Primary characteristicsPrimary characteristics

State legislation authorizes local election to establish and fund a new library and elect trustees

Legislation specifies service area and election process

Boundaries freely drawn to reflect library user base

Library has consistent funding stream – funding level continues until voters approve new amount

Separate from any municipality and school district

Library has ability to bond for capital projects

SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

PUBLIC LIBRARYPUBLIC LIBRARY - - Steps for CreatingSteps for Creating

1. Features of proposed district defined – service area etc.

2. Local elected and appointed officials briefed

3. State Legislator introduces bill authorizing local election

4. If required, “home rule” message requested

5. If bill passes, election scheduled, candidates file petitions

6. Public education campaign conducted

7. If proposition passes, trustees take office and file for charter

8. Existing library dissolved - assets transferred to new entity

9. Municipality collects taxes - turns funds over to Library

10. Funding remains unchanged until library requests increase

SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY PUBLIC LIBRARY

AdvantagesAdvantages Service areas can be freely drawnService areas can be freely drawn to mirror usage patternsto mirror usage patterns

Opportunity to eliminate unserved areas & equalize supportOpportunity to eliminate unserved areas & equalize support

District can bond for capital projectsDistrict can bond for capital projects

Library can set time & place for initial and succeeding votesLibrary can set time & place for initial and succeeding votes

Stable funding – once budget approved by voters - cannot Stable funding – once budget approved by voters - cannot be reducedbe reduced

Library is independent from municipalities & school districtLibrary is independent from municipalities & school district

Elected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayersElected trustees provide “representation” for taxpayers

Straightforward process for seeking increaseStraightforward process for seeking increase

SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICTPUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Library responsible for running local electionLibrary responsible for running local election

Trustees are subject to electionTrustees are subject to election

Requires strong education & advocacy effortRequires strong education & advocacy effort

Once created, library must comply with Civil Once created, library must comply with Civil Service & Municipal Purchasing lawsService & Municipal Purchasing laws

CURRENT SITUATIONCURRENT SITUATION

TOWN OF SCHODACKTOWN OF SCHODACK

Town of Schodack is funding three libraries – East Town of Schodack is funding three libraries – East Greenbush, Castleton Public Library, Nassau Free Greenbush, Castleton Public Library, Nassau Free LibraryLibrary

Castleton is a municipal library chartered to serve the Castleton is a municipal library chartered to serve the Village of CastletonVillage of Castleton

East Greenbush is a special legislative district public East Greenbush is a special legislative district public library chartered to serve the Town of East Greenbushlibrary chartered to serve the Town of East Greenbush

Nassau Free is an association library chartered to Nassau Free is an association library chartered to serve the Town of Nassauserve the Town of Nassau

No library is chartered to serve the Town of SchodackNo library is chartered to serve the Town of Schodack

SOME POTENTIAL OPTIONSSOME POTENTIAL OPTIONS

1. Maintain status quo and continue to appropriate funds for three libraries

2. East Greenbush, Castleton and Nassau libraries could place funding propositions on the municipal or school district ballots if town of Schodack eliminates its appropriation

3. Create a new municipal public library serving the Town of Schodack except for village of Castleton

4. Castleton Public Library could re-charter as a town library and open up a second branch in the center of Town

5. Create new special legislative district public library serving the Town

6. The East Greenbush Library District could be expanded to incorporate the Town of Schodack

7. East Greenbush and Castleton could re-charter as school district public libraries serving their respective School Districts

MAINTAIN STATUS QUOMAINTAIN STATUS QUO

MAINTAIN STATUS QUOMAINTAIN STATUS QUOAdvantagesAdvantages

Path of least resistance if no consensus can be foundPath of least resistance if no consensus can be found

Requires no effort to change thingsRequires no effort to change things

Enables Schodack residents to access all three librariesEnables Schodack residents to access all three libraries

MAINTAIN STATUS QUOMAINTAIN STATUS QUOConsiderationsConsiderations

No representation for Town residents on library boardsNo representation for Town residents on library boards

Town & its residents have no control over costs of Town & its residents have no control over costs of library serviceslibrary services

Potential for continued disagreement within Town on Potential for continued disagreement within Town on best option for library servicebest option for library service

No library officially chartered to serve town residentsNo library officially chartered to serve town residents

Town residents have limited sense of “ownership” of Town residents have limited sense of “ownership” of librarieslibraries

LIBRARIES COULD PLACE LIBRARIES COULD PLACE

FUNDING PROPOSITIONS ON FUNDING PROPOSITIONS ON

MUNICIPAL OR SCHOOL MUNICIPAL OR SCHOOL

BALLOTSBALLOTS

MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTMUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTFUNDINGFUNDING

AdvantagesAdvantages

Libraries can appeal directly to Town residents for tax support If propositions pass on municipal ballot, the appropriation

cannot be decreased unless approved by voters

School ballot process requires limited number of signatures on petition

Process does not require any changes in governance of the three libraries

Short timeline for implementation

MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTMUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BALLOTFUNDINGFUNDING

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Requires considerable advocacy & education effortRequires considerable advocacy & education effort

Town residents will have no representation on library boardsTown residents will have no representation on library boards

Number of signatures required on petition for municipal ballot Number of signatures required on petition for municipal ballot may be difficult to obtain and petition process must be repeated may be difficult to obtain and petition process must be repeated each time an increase is soughteach time an increase is sought

If school ballot used, process is subject to counter-propositions If school ballot used, process is subject to counter-propositions that could reduce the amounts earmarked for librariesthat could reduce the amounts earmarked for libraries

Voters may be confused if all three libraries place separate Voters may be confused if all three libraries place separate propositions on ballotpropositions on ballot

CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL

LIBRARY SERVING TOWN OF LIBRARY SERVING TOWN OF

SCHODACK EXCEPT FOR SCHODACK EXCEPT FOR

VILLAGE OF CASTLETONVILLAGE OF CASTLETON

CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYCREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYAdvantagesAdvantages

Town assumes responsibility for funding library at Town assumes responsibility for funding library at level that meets state minimum standardslevel that meets state minimum standards

Town residents appointed to library board providing Town residents appointed to library board providing residents with representationresidents with representation

Town could bond for capital projects and facilitiesTown could bond for capital projects and facilities

Town could also elect to fund existing libraries until Town could also elect to fund existing libraries until new library is able to offer services on par with othersnew library is able to offer services on par with others

CREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYCREATE NEW MUNICIPAL LIBRARYConsiderationsConsiderations

Library must compete with other municipal services for Library must compete with other municipal services for fundingfunding

May take several years for new library to offer services May take several years for new library to offer services on par with existing librarieson par with existing libraries

Access to existing libraries may continue to be Access to existing libraries may continue to be curtailed if Town decides to eliminate fundingcurtailed if Town decides to eliminate funding

Potential for future disagreements between new library Potential for future disagreements between new library board and Town officials re: control of libraryboard and Town officials re: control of library

Castleton Library tax base is diminishedCastleton Library tax base is diminished

RE-CHARTER CASTLETON RE-CHARTER CASTLETON

AS TOWN LIBRARY WITH AS TOWN LIBRARY WITH

TWO BRANCHESTWO BRANCHES

RE-CHARTER CASTLETONRE-CHARTER CASTLETONAdvantagesAdvantages

Relatively easy process to complete

Town would appoint library board Town could bond for capital projects and facilitiesTown could bond for capital projects and facilities

Library Board & Town would determine need for additional branches within town

RE-CHARTER CASTLETONRE-CHARTER CASTLETONConsiderationsConsiderations

Not much different from current situation – Town funds library through appropriation

Library must compete with other municipal services for funding

Access to existing libraries may continue to be curtailed if Town decides to eliminate funding

If library opens second branch within town, operating costs will increase

CREATE NEW SPECIAL CREATE NEW SPECIAL

LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY

DISTRICT SERVING TOWN DISTRICT SERVING TOWN

OF SCHODACKOF SCHODACK

CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN

AdvantagesAdvantages Elected library board would be directly accountable to Town

residents

New library board could determine need for additional branches within town

New library board could determine need for continued funding to E. Greenbush & Nassau

Public would have opportunity to vote annually on library budget & special bonding propositions

Town could remove library funding from its budget

Governance & funding structure would mirror E. Greenbush & N. Greenbush

CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE CREATE NEW SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN LIBRARY DISTRICT FOR TOWN

ConsiderationsConsiderations Requires substantial advocacy & education effort Operating two branches within Town will increase

operating costs Requires dissolution of existing Castleton library and

merger into new library district Town government has no control over library services May take several years for new library to offer services

on par with existing libraries Access to existing libraries may continue to be

curtailed if Town decides to eliminate funding

EXPAND GREENBUSH PL EXPAND GREENBUSH PL

DISTRICT TO INCLUDE DISTRICT TO INCLUDE

TOWN OF SCHODACKTOWN OF SCHODACK

EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO INCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACKINCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACK

AdvantagesAdvantages

Relatively straightforward process Would provide Town residents with representation on

library board and opportunity to vote on library budget Determination of number of library outlets to operate

within new district would rest with the library board Potential for Castleton Library to merge into new

district Town would not have to fund library service

EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO EXPAND E. GREENBUSH DISTRICT TO INCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACKINCLUDE TOWN OF SCHODACK

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Requires E. Greenbush residents approval to expand the library district

Requires significant advocacy and education effort

Territory covered by district is relatively large – need for additional library outlets will increase budget

Town would have no control over library services

RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH

& CASTLETON AS SCHOOL & CASTLETON AS SCHOOL

DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARIES DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARIES

RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & CASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’SCASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’S

AdvantagesAdvantages

Library services consistent with School District boundaries – some natural connection

New service areas would cover most of the Town of Castleton

Town would not have to fund library services

Elected boards and publicly approved budgets would provide residents with direct control over library services within each School District

Relatively easy process for forming School District Public Libraries

Once budgets approved by public, libraries would have consistent funding stream

RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & RE-CHARTER E. GREENBUSH & CASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’SCASTLETON AS SCHOOL DISTRICT PL’S

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Small portion of Town of Schodack lies outside of both School Districts and will remain “un-served”

Would encroach on service area of Nassau Free Library may require merger into new district leaving rest of Town of Nassau unserved

Requires strong advocacy and education effort

Divides the Town re: library services

Requires dissolution of existing E. Greenbush and Castleton libraries – creation of new school district libraries

Town has no control over library services

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOVING AHEADMOVING AHEAD

Identify process for making decision (appoint blue ribbon panel to recommend best option)

Identify additional options, analyze each, select best for long-term success

Do not underestimate the cost of quality library service (E. Greenbush $50/cap; similar size communities - $44/cap; must meet minimum standards – facilities, hours open, personnel)

Develop timeline for implementation

Determine need for legal and/or consultant support

WHY THE NYS BOARD OF REGENTS WHY THE NYS BOARD OF REGENTS RECOMMENDS LIBRARY DISTRICTSRECOMMENDS LIBRARY DISTRICTS

Funding is more predictable and steady – once approved by voters, level cannot be decreased

Increased autonomy and control by library board

Library is more “accountable” to public

More ownership by community – elected board

Simplified funding stream Potential for offering enhanced services

Success rate for ongoing funding propositions exceeds 90%

Ability to “bond” for capital projects – improved facilities Libraries funded by public vote have per-capita support that is

twice that of libraries that depend on appropriation

INFORMATION SOURCESINFORMATION SOURCES

NY State Library WebsiteNY State Library Websitehttp://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/ (Click on Public (Click on Public Library District “How to Guide” in pull down Library District “How to Guide” in pull down menu)menu)

Upper Hudson Library SystemUpper Hudson Library System

Other librariesOther libraries