Oliver community librarian Vicky White sums up the changes she’s seen in her 27-year library career with a single word: “computerization.” Though she notes that E-circulation is still relatively small compared to print circulation at Okanagan regional libraries.
Erin Christie photo
After an extensive review by the Okanagan Regional Library, it has been decided that the Oliver branch will remain in the same location, with the same square footage.
Communications manager Michele Rule said their facilities manager investigated all of the options available in Oliver. Reviewing size, location and cost considerations, the board decided that the best option was to stay in the current building, Rule said.
The landlord was able to offer some reduction in the lease rate and the ORL will continue to lease the same amount of space, she pointed out.
But the board is still looking at restoring fiscal balance to its operations.
In 2013 the board contracted an auditing firm to take a look at expenditures versus revenue for member communities across the region. The report found that spending in some communities was out of alignment with tax revenue received, and the board directed management to create a plan to address this.
Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Hall drafted a staffing level plan for branches where spending needed to be reduced. This has created a process where both unions and individual branches can provide input into the plan.
Once this work is complete, a finalized plan for each community will be shared with local government and a press release will be issued. The board will then hear from all interested parties about their views and library service needs.
Hall said changes in staffing levels under the plan would be implemented over multiple years.
In addition to staffing, the board is also reviewing other spending areas, including facility costs and centralized services.
Earlier this year the library board placed an advertisement looking for a smaller location for the Oliver branch. But that plan changed.
Hall acknowledged that this is a difficult process.
“There is no doubt that these are tough questions. Public libraries and our incredible staff are hugely valued in communities. With over a hundred and fifty thousand library members, our service is one of the most used public services communities offer.”
But she noted the board is committed to fiscal transparency and fairness, and by moving pro-actively to align costs with revenues across communities.
Hall is working with the union and staff at the Oliver branch and hopes to have a set of actions ready soon, which will be presented to Oliver Town council and then to the public for input.
“It is really important to Stephanie and the board that the staff be involved in discussions as they are the most informed as to the situations in each branch,” said Rule.
She stated that some adjustments will be needed in the Oliver branch.
Rule reiterated that the board has agreed to a multi-year strategy to help soften the impacts on branches such as Oliver, “where the community is receiving more service than they are currently paying for.”
The Okanagan Regional Library stretches from Golden to Osoyoos, serving 25 member jurisdictions at 29 service locations.
Public interest in library offerings appears to be on the rise – a 12 per cent increase in program attendance and a 56 per cent increase in free downloads of ebooks, audiobooks, music and magazines in 2013.
The board approved the 2015 budget, with an overall 1.72 per cent increase ($291,850) proposed. The majority of this comes from negotiated wage increases and inflationary items, including mandatory increases to Municipal Pension Plan rates.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
