Item E03
BOARD OF COU\TY CO\IMISSIO~ERS
AGE1\'DA ITK\1 SU\ll\lARY
tv1ccting Date: "Jo\crnher 19.1008 Diyision: Deputy ('lHltlt\ AdministralQJ
Bulk Item: \'es .~ 1\0 IJepartmen 1: lihrar, Services
Stall Contact Pcrson,/PhOlle #: 1\orma Ku!a.:-;7J..J.lj
AGE~DA ITEI\I WORDl~G: Approval orthe Library Plan ofSenice I(}f the year 200'1,
ITE\1 BACKGROl<~'[): This is part of an unnllal application process to recei\e Stale Financial Aid
PREVI(.H:S RELEVA~T BOCC ACTIO~: The Lihrary Annual Plan has been aprron~d annually
h~ the HOCC. most reccntly althe meeting orOctober 17.2007,
CONTRACT/AGREEl\lE,,\;T CHA~GES: 1\'/,\
ST AFF RECO\lJ\.lENDA TIO:"lS: Approval
TOTAL COST: '\j,/A BtiUGETED: 'y'es 1\0
COST TO COU~TY: SOllRCE OF FU\nS:
REVENt:E PRODt:CI~G: 'Iles-=-X \Jo A\HH.I:"IT PER Year S XO,OOO,OO
A.PPR,OVED Ill': County Att) _ O\1B,iPurehasing _ Risk \lanagement
nOCU.\IE~TATION: Included X \Jot Required_
I>ISPOSITIO:"l: AGE~DA ITE\'1 #
R<:vist:d I I 06
MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
ANNUAL PLAN OF SERVICE
2009
SUBMITTED BY
NORMA KULA
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARIES
OCTOBER 28,2008
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A NOTE ON THE
LONG-RANGE PLAN
2008-2010
When originally presented, this long-range plan was seen as the first of a senes
of steps forward for the Monroe County Public Library System. Successful
programs from the past would be expanded, less-successful programs would be
re-examined for value and appropriateness and determination would be made as
to whether or not they would be worth sustaining or re-building, and new
programs would be considered, planned, and implemented as best possible with
the investment of staff and funding available and anticipated.
With the financial and funding changes that have taken place within the past two
years and those that are now expected within the next few years, the outlook for
Library planning has also substantially changed. The new and expanding goals
that might have been addressed through enhanced allotments of funding and
staff time must are instead being re-evaluated, prioritized, and situated in the
continuum of established goals already on record and already in progress.
The prospect of funding itself is contmually being re-examined and considered in
a new light with a view to a more thorough consideration of how to maintain
maximum services possible with minimal expense, in terms of both financial and
personnel investment, especially in light of reductions in funding, staffing, and
hours of service.
For these reasons, the Long-Range Plan for the Monroe County Public Library,
onglnally covering the years 2008 through 2010, while stili aimed at moving us
forward in meeting community needs and prOVided those essential services
essential to our miSSion, is also re-visiting the plans and services of the past few
years. Lacking funds for expansion, we must review what we currently are doing
and seek out ways to continue current services at less cost. If we cannot
implement new services, we must concentrate on enrichment of present
activities. If we are unable to increase staffing, we must focus on making the best
possible use of, and expanding upon. the capabilities of our current staff, already
proven to be the outstanding asset of our Library system. Our plan for FY2009
approaches these challenges in terms of continuing to do our best for our
communities, while seeking new ways of assessing our priorities and new
avenues for meeting our goals.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
In May of 1513, explorer Ponce de Leon sighted the Florida Keys and claimed
Florida for Spain. The Spanish sailors gave this area of mangroves the name of
"Los Martires," or The Martyrs. On later maps, vanous Keys were Identified as
Cayo Hueso (Bone Key), Islamorada (Purple Island), and a host of other names
that changed with the identifier and mapmaker.
When Florida came under British control in February of 1763, many of the local
Indians moved to Cuba. Twenty years later, under the second Spanish Reign in
Florida, Loyalists left for the Bahamas and other Bntlsh possessions. Flonda
became a U.S. Territory in 1821, with the ratification of a treaty between the
United States and Spain, and later that year Juan Pablo Salas, who had received
Key West as a Spanish land grant in 1815, sold the island to John W. Simonton,
a Havana merchant, for the noteworthy sum of $ 2,000.00. Simonton then sold
parts of the island to fellow businessmen Whitehead, Fleming and Greene.
in 1821 Spain ceded East and West Florida to the United States PreSident
James Monroe appointed General Andrew Jackson as Military governor, and
instructed the General to set up a new government. Jackson's first action toward
this goal was to organize Florida into a single territory composed of two counties.
Thus West Florida became Escambia County with Pensacola as its county seat,
and East Florida became St. John's County, with St. Augustine as the county
seat.
On July 3, 1823, Monroe County became the sixth county in the State, when it
was formed out of St. John's All of the mainland areas now known as South
Florida, as well as the Florida Keys, were included in this formation. This large
area remained one county until 1836, when Dade County was formed, through a
series of political maneuvers Its borders included the eastern half of the
mainland and the Keys north of Bahia Honda. Those Keys from Bahia Honda to
Old Rhodes Key were not returned to Monroe County until 1866.
The original formation of Monroe County was divided over and over agam
through the following years. From its initial boundaries came Dade, Lee, Hendry,
Collier, Broward, and a part of Palm Beach Counties. Key West was established
as the County seat a year after the Island's first settlers arrived; that same year it
was made a port of entry. The few Keys settlers were scattered across the
islands-probably not more than 150 Europeans in all. No accurate population
data eXists from that period
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The Florida Keys have played a major part in Flonda's growth, both historically
and economically. There are 822 Keys large enough to be shown on government
charts; many of their names have changed over the years. Indeed, a large
number of them have changed names with almost every generation of
mapmakers. (An extensive study of this history has been earned out by Library
staff: the fascinating results are available on the well-praised and popular
website: http://kevs.fiuedu/gazetteer/lndexhtm)
It is noteworthy that there are only five incorporated areas in all of Monroe
County: Key West incorporated in 1828, Key Colony in 1955, Layton in 1963,
Islamorada in 1998, and Marathon in 1999.
HISTORY OF THE MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
In 1835. a young attorney, originally from Kentucky, wrote to relatives from his
new home in Key West 'The society of the place is, of course, small, but there
are many families from the Atlantic States now our residents, that would be very
deSirable acquisitions were they to return to the places of their nativity. There is
the same taste. luxury, and display that you find in the large cities in their dinner
and evening parties. More good books, reviews and late publications are found
here than you have the most distant ideas of." In 1835, a Sunday School library
circulated books among the people of the community. Old records of that year
explain that on "Saturday, April 4. 1835, on suggestion of the Mayor and
unanimously resolved, the fees paid by members of board absent during the
year, $ 12.00 in amount, be presented to the Sunday School Library of Key
West "
The Monroe County Public Library has a unique place in history as the oldest
library in South Florida. Its beginnings can be dated as far back as 1853. The
first written record of the Key West Library Association is mentioned in the diary
of William R. Hackley, who writes that he had paid his dues to that Association in
July of 1853. A microfilm copy of that diary is now held in the Florida History
Room at the Key West Branch of the Monroe County Public Library, while the
onginal can be found in the collection at the Florida State University. The
Association stored its book collection within a wire enclosure, and upon selection
by patrons, the books were passed through a wire wicket. The Library was
housed in a variety of locations on Duval Street and guided by various civic
groups over the next sixty or so years, until in 1915 the Key West Woman's Club
assumed the operation of the Library Association as its foremost project.
The Key West Branch, which became the Headquarters Library, moved into its
present location in 1959, with a major expansion in 1992. The Key Largo Branch
began In the Key Largo Civic Club BUilding in 1962, moving once in 1967, and
taking up its current location In 1989. The Marathon Branch began in 1962 and
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took up its present location in 1982; Islamorada's Branch opened in 1966, with
expansions in 1983 and 1997. The most recent Branch was established in Big
Pine Key in 1995, with an expansion there In 2003.
Over one hundred and fifty years have passed since those earliest steps toward
a County Library system: today the Monroe County Public library IS a Vital part of
the fabric of its communities. Each branch reflects its own area, and each area
reflects its own people, with distinct characteristics, interests and needs library
service is ad valorem tax-based, funded by the General Fund of the Monroe
County budget The five branches, with staff totaling forty employees, provide on-
site services six days and four evenings each week. Our Library card-holders
number more than half the population of Monroe County. Our website now
provides 24/7 access to the full Library catalog, including renewal and request
services. Our collection has grown from the 10,000 books of the Key West
Branch in 1959 to over 190,000 items in a variety of media, including digital
databases The Library has grown and developed through its history, and
continues to do so, as services and patron usage increase yearly.
INTRODUCTION TO THE ANNUAL PLAN
In order to remain a viable and living institution, the Library must grow. Without a
long-range plan, growth becomes unmanaged and unmanageable. A long-range
plan provides a framework for future growth, and becomes a blueprint for
decisions regarding all aspects of library development and operations. It is
important to set goals over a several year penod as an effective procedure for
sound planning and for making cost-effective budgetary decisions. This has
become even more vital with the current fiscal uncertainties. Goals and
objectives laid out in this plan will complement the Library's mission and service
responses to meet the needs of the communities which it serves. Such a plan
must be a living document, subject to regular measurements and review. It must
be open to modifications in its objectives and In the activities that may be needed
to carry out its intent, as well as being designed and able to adapt responSibly to
resource availability. Again, this more true today than ever before. This annual
plan is extrapolated from the Long-Range Plan previously presented and
approved for the years 2008-2010, With emphasis on goals and activities for the
current year.
CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS/NEW COMMUNITY NEEDS
Monroe County is in the process of undergoing a number of changes, which will
have great impact on its communities and their service needs. The rate of growth
has been and probably always will be a major factor in community planning; it IS
a topic which lends itself readily to much debate Economic changes have been
matters of great concern since the tragedy of 9-11, and the impact of those
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events on the State of Florida have come to rest heavily upon this tourist-driven
area. The incorporations of Islamorada and Marathon have likewise affected the
economic life of the unincorporated areas. Although many of the services for
these cities are provided from within, the Library still operates as a Countywide
service provider-there is one public Library system for the whole of Monroe
County.
Changes In the makeup of County population are other factors that are to be
considered In Library planning-as the population ages or more young families
move into the area, as literacy rates increase or decrease, as language barriers
become more or less prevalent-all these variations create new challenges for
the Library, and all must be included in our plans to meet future needs.
Collections, programs offered to the public, all the services that the Library offers
need to be geared to adaptation and modification
Among the demographic changes in Monroe County between 1990 and 2000
are:
Decrease in number of children under 5 years of age, from 5.7% to 4.3%
of the population
Decrease of adults between 25 and 44 years from 35% to 31%
Increase of adults between 45 and 54 years from 12% to 18.4%
Increase of adults between 55 and 59 years from 5.5% to 7%
Decrease of adults between 65 and 74 years from 10.5% to 8.5%
Increase in Hispanic population from 12.1% to 15.8%
Increase In non-family households from 38 7% to 419%.
The Increase In school registrations that was noted last year has apparently been
reversed this year All of these changes may have a bearing on community
needs and interests, and should be taken into consideration when planning
collection development, programs, and other services to be offered
As we study our communities and their changing natures, and begin to plan for
the accompanying changing needs and service demands, a VISion takes shape
for the future of Monroe County and its Library System In relation to Its people.
()
VISION FOR MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY
The people of the Monroe County community will:
. Have the information they need to succeed at school, at work, and in their
personal lives;
. Discover the joy of reading and develop an appreciation of learning:
. Enjoy a high level of access to electronic information resources, through the
latest Information technologies in the provision of Library services;
. Develop the technological, information seeking, and information evaluation
skills needed in an increasingly complex world:
. Use the resources of the Monroe County Public Library in a way that will
improve the quality of their lives and that of the community as a whole.
SERVICE RESPONSES
With this vision in mind, we have identified the following as the service responses
that are our commitment to our community:
. General information
. Current titles and topics
. Lifelong learning
. Local history and genealogy
From these service responses the mission of the Monroe County Public Library is
formed:
MISSION STATEMENT
The Monroe County Public Library will meet the changing needs of our
communities for information, education and recreation in a variety of materials
formats and technologies. The library responds to the needs of users of all ages
by providing equal, easy and open access to materials and services delivered in
an efficient. timely and professional manner by staff who are friendly, helpful and
knowledgeable, In buildings that are inviting, comfortable and fitted for
technological growth and development.
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
SERVICE RESPONSE 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
GOAL: The Monroe County Public Library will provide timely and accurate
information in print and electronic formats for residents of all ages.
OBJECTIVE: The Library will maintain a collection of printed materials
that are current, organized, and accessible, covenng a broad variety of
topics.
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Continue to establish benchmarks through
organized weeding and inventory of the print collection; set in place
a plan for collection development In deficient areas as observed
during the weeding process
OBJECTIVE The Library will expand a collection of materials in a variety
of formats to meet the users' needs for information
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Continue program of training for staff in use of
current databases and those being added to the collection through
the State Library; all staff should be trained by end of year to
enable patron education in use of databases currently under
subscnptlon. Investigate electronic database availability, content
and costs; all current databases should be studied with focus on
cost and value analysis; research potential partnerships within the
community and explore other possible sources of database
subscription funding
GOAL: The Library will offer reference service through phone and on-site
access, and explore potential for technological expansion
OBJECTIVE: Staff will be trained in the reference process and the use of
print and electronic reference sources
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Continue program of basic reference training and
review for all staff who will be working with the public, all staff will
have a training session in each database currently in use as well as
new additions throughout the year. Explore expansion of reference
services through technology, such as the State-based "Ask a
Librarian"
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OBJECTIVE: Patrons will receive timely and accurate reference service
Achievement/Measurement Plan"
FY 2009: Using informal dialogue with patrons, determine
patron satisfaction with reference interactions. to determine areas
for additional training and/or collection enhancement
SERVICE RESPONSE #2: LIFELONG LEARNING
GOAL: Library users of all ages will find the means to continue to learn
throughout their lives and to access, evaluate, and use Information in a variety of
formats
OBJECTIVE: Programming for children, both in-house and outreach, will
be designed to reach a broad audience of children and their caregivers
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Analysis of current collection of children's literature
and parenting materials; evaluate needs and sources for
enrichment of collection
OBJECTIVE: The youth of Monroe County will be targeted as a part of
the community not yet fully served
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Continue with 2008 plan to add a Teen Page to
the Library website, offering items, information, and links of special
interest to that age group; branches will coordinate a review of Y A
materials; move forward in process of evaluation and development
at each branch in terms of collection and physical space dedicated
to the Young Adult reader; benchmarks will be established
OBJECTIVE: The Senior Citizens of Monroe County will find sources of
information and entertainment at the Library reflecting their particular
needs and interests.
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Ongoing analysis and enrichment of the Large
Print and audiO collections; a program of presentations
geared to the interests of Senior Citizens will be prepared for
each Library community and at least two such presented
annually
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SERVICE RESPONSE #3: CURRENT TITLES AND TOPICS
GOAL: Patrons of the Monroe County Public library will have access to the
high-demand popular materials that they want through their local branch Library.
OBJECTIVE: Branch Managers will coordinate efforts to ensure that
copies of high-demand print materials are available to all patrons, while
over-duplication of these materials is avoided.
AchievemenVMeasurement Plan:
FY 2009: Readers' Advisory Services will be studied and
staff training provided in these services
OBJECTIVE: The library will use technological advances as well as
traditional means as tools for ennching information services
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009. Web usage will be expanded to provide more in-
depth information on available materials for all patrons
GOAL: Library programming will be presented for education and entertainment
for patrons In all age groups.
OBJECTIVE: The Library will form partnerships with local groups to
enable a forum for public presentations on various topics
Achievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Partnerships will be explored with at least one
community group in each area for interest in and
commitment to local needs In concert with the Library
miSSion
OBJECTIVE: The Library will work with support groups already
established. such as the Friends of the Library, to initiate a new series of
joint activities
Ach ievement/Measurement Plan:
FY 2009: Branches will coordinate jomt ventures with
Friends groups for community attendance and enjoyment;
each branch will regularly prOVide publicity for such
endeavors on their website and through the pnnt media
SERVICE RESPONSE #4: LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
GOAL: The unique features of the Florida Keys will be highlighted in
special collections in a variety of formats and ephemera.
OBJECTIVE: The collections of materials relating to Keys History
natural history, and genealogy will be expanded and publicized,
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encouraging use and appreciation of the unique nature of this
Island chain.
AchievemenVMeasurement Plan:
FY 2009: The special local-interest collections will be
analyzed with a view to broader staff training in the access
and use of these collection: staff members in each branch
will be involved in this project so that all staff will be made
aware of collection holdings In order for broader publicizing
of these valued resources through, displays, news outlets.
and the library website, use of these collections will
increase throughout the system
GOAL: The Florida History collection will be made more widely accessible to
promote formal and informal research on all levels of interest and scholarship.
OBJECTIVE: Branches with specialized holdings will Implement a system
of organizing, indexing and cataloging non-traditional format materials.
with a view to improving access without endangering the preservation
aspect of frail matter.
AchievemenVMeasurement Plan
FY 2009: Preservation efforts will be explored. especially
through the area of grants that become available in this field:
priorities for preservation of materials will be established
Although not mentioned specifically in the outline of activities listed above, one
new element has been added to every goal. objective, and activity that is a part
of the current Library long-range plan: we will aggressively seek out new and
re newed sources of funding to supplement our budget. We will pursue
partnerships within our communities and beyond, we will investigate potential
funding sources such as grants and foundations. we will work closely with our
Friends groups who have proved so generous in their gifts of time and money in
the past Every opportunity for reducing expenses will be explored and every
possible Instance of coordination of resources within the system will be
Implemented and expanded. We are fully cognizant of the vitally Important part
our services play in the lives of our communities and we do not hold our
obligations to our patrons lightly
CONCLUSION
This plan for the coming year is an outline only-a map of where we would like to
go and how we hope to get there. based on the longer view described in the
Long Range Plan for 2008-2010. Many elements must come into play in unison
for the success of thiS plan-some of these are already In place and need merely
to be fine-tuned; others will be new to us and we will need to learn how best to
bring them together into the developing events Some basics remain at the heart
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of this plan-the mission and goals of the Library are a constant. It is the work of
the Library to support the growth and development of individuals, families, and
groups, as is pledged in the Mission Statement of Monroe County Government.
The Library serves as a constant link between the people of the County
community and their sources of business information, educational support, and
cultural development, and it is our job to assist the people in realizing their goals
in these areas The Library is a tool by which the community is enabled to
survive, to recall its past, and to grow In order to accomplish this, we must look
to our own resources: technology, with its potential for enhanced service delivery,
is essential to maintaining our role as service provider, and the Library staff, the
most vital element in this plan, must be given the opportunity for traming to
enhance their skills and develOp their capabilities. Effective planning for the
future requires the blending of both the personal and technological elements,
along with a constant examination of what we are doing, how well we are doing
it, and how we can do it better. With this plan, we must unite these factors with a
willingness to adopt new ways of thinking, learning, and dOing. We must be
always open to change, to adaptation, and to improvement, so that our pledge of
service to our communities may be not just kept, but constantly renewed
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