CC MIN 1973 - Laserfiche WebLink

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374 concrete recommendations , but compared certain standards established by experts in field with that of present spacing in library . He noted lack. of air conditioning too felt to be a serious problem during summer months to both visitors and staff . Board Member , Mrs . Merry , reminded that when Main Library built in 1939 the population of the City had been some 12 , 000 , but now that City had popula- tion of over 55 , 000 lack of space most evident . In response to questioning , whether any consideration had been given to idea of disbursing library facilities and services to get closer to the people rather than building a -°- larger centralized library , City Librarian stated trend had more been in the opposite direction because with larger facility , possible to have larger collections , longer hours of operation , with specialized staff , and a much more efficient operation than with smaller units . He felt this trend indicated a more mobile society used to traveling to supermarkets , shopping districts , etc . , where needs found in one area , and as in the case of a main library , more services can be offered more efficiently than through small branches . City Manager commented on aspect of getting better information regarding options for decentralization of library service for branch libraries through computarization by building up of data by certain criteria rather than other past methods and tedious local surveys . He stated this capability possible through City ' s membership with Public Technology , Inc . , which can expand data so as to provide other factors more judgmental in different degrees such as usage , age of population , etc . , that can be treated in a computerization program . This method could also apply to location of fire stations , decentralization for licensing , permits' , at some point , i . e . , Redwood Shores , where all information concerning City would be available , coupled with reserve materials - this applicable not only City-wide but also County-wide , and noted that some larger communities are already ex- perimenting along this line . In response to question of whether bookmobiles still. operating , Council was advised County bookmobile service still operating one or two , their best use being in areas where a branch library couldn ' t be justified , or in areas recently developed where population not large enough as yet for a branch library . He noted the limitations of this type of service as to size of collection , limited scheduling , but that it did provide some interim measure of library service . In response as to whether reading by citizens indicated as being more or less , City Librarian stated circulation had indicated a drop in libraries generally , but indications for present year might result in circulation 5/5/73 Adj . Reg . Mtg .