THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING OUR ORCUTT LIBRARY SURVEY!

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

· More people responded to general usage questions about the library than to specific types of books or materials used. Overall ratings averages in all areas were rated as satisfactory, except for availability of Internet stations and media materials which were rated unsatisfactory.

· 158 surveys were tabulated. Not everyone answered each question. The majority of respondents were adult females (105), and 104 of the 158 indicated they were over 40 years old. 90 respondents said they had no children. The data shows Orcutt Library services many senior citizens. Many patrons visit weekly or more (85).

· Many of those responding with comments wrote positive statements about the library staff, location, and the Black Gold book reserve/hold system.

· Other comments requested more Internet stations, Friday service hours, restroom access and a larger library.

· The most requested items were for more adult fiction (65), adult non-fiction (38), DVDs (59), books on CDs (36) and more Internet stations (27).

· As to usage of materials: 72% use adult fiction, 72% adult non-fiction, 33% children and juvenile books, 62% DVDs and CDs, and 61% Friends Book Corner.

BASED ON DATA GATHERED, FRIENDS OF ORCUTT LIBRARY (FOL) TOOK THESE FOL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS INTO CONSIDERATION AT THE MAY10TH MEETING:

1) Friends should pay for the cost of a heavy-duty table and two new computers with Internet access. This was approved.

Implementation depends on when the children’s picture book area can be moved to make room.

2) Media materials collections, (DVDs CDs and music CDs) should be increased. FOL should decide if it wishes to begin a rental system for these materials, make a direct donation to purchase materials, or enact a combination of these options.

This was tabled until after income from our October ’07 book sale is known.

Security, storage, and competing access venues will be considered also.

Note that the library can no longer purchase tape media.

3) We recommend to library administration that more of our $7000 minimum support allocation be directed to adult fiction and non-fiction with an emphasis on paperbacks and large format soft cover.

This was discussed with administrators and current spending on books by type will be reviewed at the June meeting. Allocation changes can then be made when new fiscal funding is available in fall 2007.

4) FOL grant requests in 2008 should focus on funding for adult fiction, non- fiction and computers. This was approved.

Note: 2007 FOL grant requests are for children’s non-fiction.

5) The reason for no public access to a restroom was discussed with City Librarian. He stated a decision has been made by the building owner and adjoining businesses that it is a security issue. It would cost at least $20,000 to close off a restroom from other businesses.

6) Requests of the public for Friday service hours are noted. We recognize the current budget constraints on extended hours, but should the budget increase, Friday hours should then be addressed.

Administrators agreed hours would be a priority if the revenue from SB County increases sufficiently.

Note: Libraries are currently asking Santa Barbara County Supervisors for an increase of $6 per capita over four years. Current per capita is $6.03. Public letters to supervisors in support of an increase are needed. Budget hearing for libraries will be June 13, 2007.

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