Released March 23, 1999
1998 Library Materials Budget Freeze Impact
A freeze on expenditures of library materials, as part of the overall budget strategy to achieve a balanced budget by year-end, was the subject of a report received by the Board. The 1998 library materials budget was one of a number of expenditure areas identified for freezing to offset the potential shortfall in staffing costs and thereby achieve a balanced budget by year-end.
The 1998 materials budget was approximately $13.3 million dollars. The amount identified for freezing by the end of the first quarter of 1998 was $1.8 million dollars, which represented a 14% reduction in spending. By year end the entire library materials budget was "thawed".
Service Harmonization Update
The Board has requested that an update report on service harmonization be provided every six months. The update reported on the status of the following:
Sunday Hours Rationalization; Library Materials Budget Allocation - Year 1; Implementation of Single Integrated Library System; Development of a Research and Reference Tier Service Delivery Plan; Branch Rationalization and Hours of Service Review; Implementation of Public Consultation Process; Review of Non-Branch Services (e.g. Home Library Services & Bookmobile/Library -On-Wheels); Literacy Services, Children's Services;Staffing Allocation Model Development and Harmonization of Room Booking Policies and Fee Structure.
Service Delivery Model Project- Consultants' Update
Susan Wright, Lead Partner for the Service Delivery Model Project, Randolph Group Management Consultants Inc. updated the Board on the current status of the Service Delivery Model Project. The Board was presented with an overview of the Project to-date including preliminary details concerning validation of the service planning methodologies as well as information pertaining to the service delivery planning for the Research & Reference and Urban Affairs libraries.
Also in attendance was Donald Schmitt, A.J. Diamond, Donald Schmitt and Company. Mr. Schmitt provided the Board with preliminary space allocation details fo the possible relocation of the Urban Affairs Library to Toronto City Hall or to the Toronto Reference Library.
The Consultants' final report and recommendations will be presented to the Board in April.
Internet Use Policy Update
Mr. Ronald Kanter, McDonald & Hayden Barristers provided an overview of the key legal issues facing Canadian public libraries providing Internet service including the:
- authority to regulate Internet use
- Criminal Code
- Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- exercising of due diligence
Anne Bailey, Director, South Region, outlined the strategic components of the Library’s implementation plan for public Internet access.
The Board was advised that the Internet Use Policy and due diligence requirements will be evaluated by staff in view of the recent discussions on the subject, and presented to the Board in April for further consideration.
Sunday Usage Statistics
Statistics detailing Sunday usage for the Research & Reference and the District Libraries were reviewed by the Board. Compared to typical weekdays, Sunday service continues to be very popular overall and these statistics support the Board’s decision to extend the Sunday Season, subject to review in June 1999.
1999 Operating Budget
Approval was given for the 1999 Operating Budget at the levels approved by the Budget Committee. These are as follows:
| Gross Expenditures | $109,804,800 |
| Net City Requisition | $97,952,900 |
Eatonville Neighbourhood Branch Library
A motion was passed to award Stephen Teeple Architect Inc. the contract to provide working drawings and costing of a new 12,000 square foot, single floor facility on the Eatonville site.
Bendale Neighbourhood Branch Library
Approval was given to award lowest bidder, Derbtile Construction Inc., the contract to complete renovations at Bendale Neighborhood Branch Library at a cost of $419,520 (including GST).
Urban Affairs Library - Lease Renewal Agreement
The Lease Renewal Agreement for the Urban Affairs Library effective retroactively from August 1, 1998 to July 31, 1999 was approved at an annual cost of $435,928.
Holiday Closures
The confirmed schedule for Holiday closures was approved. The closing hours are 1:00 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. All-day closings are on December 25, 26, 27, 1999 and January 1, 2000. Those locations normally open on Sundays will be open on January 2, 2000. The only variance to the schedule is as follows:
November 11 The former Toronto Public Library and York Public Library will be closed. Other locations will be open.
Complete standardization of holiday closures will be set as an objective for 2000.
Next Meeting: May 3, 1999.