SR 04-12-2016 3I
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: April 12, 2016
Agenda Item: 3.I
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Maria Carpenter, Director, Library Services Department
Subject: Resolution Authorizing the Library Director to Request Affiliation With the
Southern California Library Cooperative
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the
Library Director to request affiliation with and waiver from deadlines of the Southern
California Library Cooperative (SCLC) in order to be reinstated as a full member under
the California Library Services Act (CLSA).
Executive Summary
Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) has the opportunity to participate in Southern
California Library Cooperative (SCLC) which is the local consortium of library systems
supported by the California State Library in accordance with the California Library
Services Act (CLSA). It is a valuable source for professional development and resource
sharing for its 38 member libraries.
In July 2013, when the Santa Monica Public Library implemented a non-resident fee, it
was disqualified from full membership in SCLC because it no longer participated in the
Universal Borrowing provision of CLSA, which extends loan service to residents of all
other California public library jurisdictions.
Background
In 1969 SMPL first became a member of the Metropolitan Library System, which was
the precursor to the SCLC system.
Resolution No. 3769 was adopted by Santa Monica City Council on August 13, 1968
authorizing the Librarian of the Santa Monica Public Library to make application to the
California State Librarian and to the Metropolitan Library System to permit Santa
Monica Public Library to become a part of such system; and approving and adopting the
plan of service of said Metropolitan Library System (MLS).
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MLS underwent several evolutions since 1969, and one of those was the transition to
SCLC in 2009. SMPL remained a full member until the adoption of a non-resident fee in
July 2013 disqualified SMPL from full membership in SCLC because it no longer
participated in the Universal Borrowing provision of CLSA.
The non-resident fee was adopted as part of the FY 2013-15 Biennial Budget to help
offset projected budget shortfalls. However, revenues were 60% less than originally
anticipated and continued to decrease in FY 2015-16.
The non-
planning process. Local organizations including the Library Board, the Innovation
Technology Task Force and the Friends of the Library Board overwhelmingly advocated
for dropping the fee. On December 10, 2015 the Library Board passed a motion to
eliminate the non-
levels.
On January 26, 2016 City Council voted to eliminate the $25 non-resident library card
fee effective February 1, 2016 (Attachment A).
Discussion
The elimination of the non-resident fee enables SMPL to rejoin SCLC as a full member.
By becoming a full member SMPL will benefit in professional development and resource
sharing.
SCLC is a consortium of 38 independent city, county and special district public libraries
located in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Member libraries agree to comply with
CLSA in providing library service to the residents of all participating jurisdictions. SCLC
provides member libraries with a resource-sharing network and a means for enhancing
the level and diversity of resources available to library users, while reducing duplication
of effort. SCLC members extend, on an equal basis, loan privileges to residents of other
member libraries. The System's delivery service links members for quick transfer of
materials and enhanced sharing of resources.
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the
Library Director to request affiliation with and waiver from deadlines of the Southern
California Library Cooperative (SCLC) in order to be reinstated as a full member under
the California Library Services Act (CLSA).
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the
recommended action.
Prepared By:
Rachel Foyt, Administrative Analyst
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. January 26, 2016 Financial Status Update and FY 2015-16 Midyear Budget,
Position and Compensation Changes
B. DRAFT Library Resolution SCLC
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