At its September meeting the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees will discuss how librarians select books and other items for residents throughout Pierce County, a technology plan to serve the Library System and its operations, legislative issues that could affect the Library System, and other issues. The Board of Trustees will meet at the Library’s Processing and Administrative Center, 3005 112th St. E., in Tacoma, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Selecting books and other items: Pierce County Library’s Deputy Director Georgia Lomax will lead a discussion to explain how librarians select the books, movies and other items for the public to check out. The discussion will focus on a recent examination by staff to make buying decisions in 2013 focused even more critically on what customers want and need. In response to the Library’s projected $2.6-$3 million budget shortfall for 2013, staff is further sharpening their buying decisions to offer books and materials that work even harder—which means buying fewer items that people will check out more often. The library buildings are not growing and every time the Library System purchases items, other items are taken off of shelves to make room for the new items. Books compete for space along with computers, chairs and other top priorities on the limited floor space in all of the libraries.
Legislative issues: The Library’s Executive Director Neel Parikh will give an update on two state legislative issues that could affect the Library System. One issue involves a study of independent junior taxing districts, such as fire, irrigation, and library districts. The study is looking at potential overlapping of services and revenues. The other issue is a proposed amendment that would create Metropolitan Library Districts, which would be new library service areas with potentially additional taxing authority.
Technology plan: The Library’s Finance & Business Director Clifford Jo will update the Board of Trustees about a technology plan that staff is developing to guide and direct technology projects for 2013-2015. The plan will outline technology needs and priorities to operate the system and provide service to the public.
