Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library in Restructuring Effort

-- Library Journal, 02/02/2007

The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) has begun a restructuring effort, titled "Imagine 2010: Collaboration, Community and Service," the first major reorganization since 1989, when the expanded Main Library reopened. Consultants from the Galilee Agency, who have studied peer libraries and other not-for-profit organizations, are holding focus groups with staff members and surveying stakeholders. "The recommendations from the review reinforce our commitment to becoming a more customer-focused organization and major value added contributor to enriching the life of this community," said director Charles Brown.  

 This week, librarians met with several community leaders and, according to the Charlotte Observer, they learned that standalone libraries are a thing of the past. Given the area's growth—approaching Atlanta in terms of population—there's not enough land for isolated libraries. Partnerships, said County Manager Harry Jones, must be part of the library's future. "Look for something that others do not see," he said.