6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu1 National Conference on Asian Pacific American Librarians San Francisco, California June 13-15, 2001

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu2 The Birth of a New Library in Silicon Valley Community: a Commissioner’s Perspectives Yuhfen Diana Wu San Jose State University Library San Jose, California June 15, 2001

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu3 Background Library and the Community –Cupertino Library –the Community Planning –In 1997, Library Commission recommends library expansion to City Council –In 1998, needs assessment was conducted –In late 1999, City Council wanted the community to decide

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu4 Public Process Initial Planning Stage –Needs assessment, analysis –Town hall meetings Evaluation Stage –Library services and alternatives debate –Evaluation, and recommendations Public Decision –Inform the public –March 2000 ballot: Measure A

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu5 Supporting Data Statistics July-Dec / /1999 High circulation: 261, ,000 items 1,530,000 items High traffic : N/A 1,201 per capita 2,859 per capita (1600+ visit/day) Floor space: 24,000 SQ-FT37,000 SQ-FT 37,000 SQ-FT Inefficient floor plan –an octagon shape, multiple levels with a mezzanine

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu6 Annual Items Circulated

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu7 Items Checked out Per Capita

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu8 Numbers from the Polls 87% had visited the library in the past year 84% are eager to have seating for quiet reading 76% wish to have shorter check-out lines 66% felt the library should be expanded (13% undecided) 77% felt the City money should be used for expansion

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu9 Proposed Solutions 1. To expand the existing building 2. To build a branch 3. To build a larger new library

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu10 Pros and Cons to expand the existing one PROS: preserve city owned land remain in the centralized location CONS: Doesn’t have much option in changing the floor plan Costs for re-location during construction Costs to bring the whole building to the current codes cost: millions

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu11 Pros and Cons to build a new branch PROS: may serve more people in surrounding neighborhood ease the crowded conditions in the main library CONS: location costs to purchase a new land duplicated collection high operation cost cost: 20 millions

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu12 Pros and Cons to build a new library PROS: land is available optimum design for current and next 15 years infrastructure needs retain the existing building for other uses will become the signature building for the city CONS: may lose open space cost: millions (whether underground parking is included)

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu13 City Government of Cupertino

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu14 Concerns raised Impact of Technology –Remote access may reduce traditional services –Full-text database will become popular and may be free of charge from Internet providers –Is new library the best option? Public Support –Would the community support the idea? Resolution –Let voters decide –Put on March 2000 election ballot

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu15 Other Priorities Affordable Housing for Public Service Employees Open Space, Parks, Walking Trails Skateboard Park

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu16 Tasks for Library Commission Prepare information for the community –FAQ Sheet –City’s website –City’s media (newspaper, magazine, TV) Reach out to the community - voters’ awareness campaign –Contacted different community groups –Presented to different community groups –Brought library services awareness to public –Presented at city-wide activities (festivals, commission’s meetings)

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu17 Victory for The Community Voters approved by an overwhelming margin: 71% Move on to next phases –selection of an architect –construction New library to be open in fall 2003

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu18 Thank You for Coming!

6/15/2001Y. Diana Wu19 Questions & Answers