AgdaPkt 2008-01-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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88 Page 37 City of Redwood City FY 2007/08 Budget Amendments Librarv PERFORMANCE MEASURES 1~-'---'------'----'----------'------ I I \ i ; .-----.---l I I I I , I ".:.\' I . \ ..... I i i I \ I 1 ! I I I \ I 14.00 1 I Library Visits Per Capita i ! I I Redwood City I I Mt. View Sunnyvale Santa Clara San Mateo Carlsbad i , I I I L.~__._~~~....~.. 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 [ii'FY-2001-02 . FY 2002-03 QFY 2q.Q.~-0~gIi_~004-05 _ -.EY ~~.Q~:Q~J I ._.._.~.__._._______~._____~_._~_..._._'~....._.....__.._._._._.___..~_________~_._______._.__.__....____.._~._.____---.J Definition Library Visits per Capita is the total library visits divided by the population served. For example, a customer who visits the library three times a year is counted as three visits. The measure helps demonstrate library use as it counts those participating in library programming. internet use, information seekers, and homework help in addition to those who borrow library materials or enjoy the physical space. Therefore, it is a more inclusive measure of library use in comparison to one that simply looks at borrowing use, Le., the number of materials checked out. This is an indicator of the success of a library as a real destination place, a "public place" for the community to meet. gather, and connect. Analysis Library visits increased due to the Schaberg branch library reopening and an increase in visits to the downtown library. The library's strategy of a welcoming, contemporary community space for all ages is paying off. We believe some of the factors that contributed to our increased visits are our rich family programs, very popular meeting and community rooms, and the welcoming, bookstore-like atmosphere. Although our visits have increased, there is still room for improvement compared to three of our benchmarked libraries. Next Steps By increasing library programs for adults and retooling the library operations towards a more contemporary and convenient space especially for children and families, along with great customer service, we anticipate an increase in visitors. Now that the downtown cinema is opened, it is an opportunity for new visitors; we are positioning the library to be integral to Redwood City's downtown. The library will explore the feasibility of staying open later. We also expect that when the new Redwood Shores library comes online in 2008. Redwood Shores residents will visit the new facility much more often than they visit other libraries at present. Library - 5