1. Future of Library Service Delivery in Ventura

2. Jan 2009: Recommended closure of the Wright Library due to budget deficit Sep 2009: County initiates discussions to revise MOU Oct 2010: City of Camarillo leaves VCLS Oct 2010: Ventura Council/Library Advisory Commission joint meeting Recent Background

3. COUNCIL MOTION: For Council to discuss, at an upcoming meeting: –Providing notice of intent to leave VCLS on 6/30/11 –RFP for library services in Ventura Instruct the LAC to design a strategic planning process (quick, inexpensive, built on former docs) Council/Library Advisory Commission Discussion on 10/14/10

4. Timing Issues Ca Educ Code requires notice be provided before 1/1/11. County MOU requires 6 months notice of withdrawal Together, these requirements demand City leave VCLS as of 12/31/10 and “buy back” services

5. 1.Withdraw from VCLS by 12/31/10; issue an RFP in 1/11; Select service provider (new or continue with VCLS) in June 2011 2.Conduct strategic plan, with analysis of service options; Select service delivery model in June 2011 Ventura’s Current Options

6. Option 1: Pros and Cons CONS Waiting allows City to identify and address transition issues Leaving means loss of unincorporated funding (20% of budget) Notice now may hinder discussions re MOU changes PROS May result in cost savings (as did in Camarillo) Cost savings could be used to fund some hours at Wright Gives City maximum flexibility

7. Option 2: Pros and Cons CONS Cannot be done both inexpensively (ie, with students) AND quickly Should City elect to leave VCLS, cannot be done until Jan 1 2012 PROS Will provide means and time to fully analyze and compare options Will allow for community input as to service priorities

8. The Ventura Library Advisory Commission discussed issue at 2 meetings On 11/8/10, declined to make a recommendation to Council. –“At this point in time, the Commission feels it does not have enough information to either support or not support the intent to withdraw from the VCLS. It is the Commission’s intent to work with staff to identify all services that are currently being provided by the VCLS, and what other cities of comparable size and demographics are paying for their services.” LAC Consideration

9. Future of Library Service Delivery in Ventura 1.Withdraw from VCLS by 12/31/10; issue an RFP in 1/11; Select service provider (new or continue with VCLS) in June 2011 2.Conduct strategic plan, with analysis of service options; Select service delivery model in June 2011