Feedback

My colleagues and I in the Libraries Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) of the American Library Association were heartened to read Jim Blansett's “Digital Discrimination” (LJ 8/08, p. 26–29). It is ten years since the addition of Section 508 (29 U.S.C. 794d) to the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, yet libraries still fall far short of addressing disabilities online. Blansett astutely addressed the serious issue of noncompliance and nonadherence to Section 508 by libraries and library schools in monitoring and implementing accessible online resources for users with print disabilities. I'm writing to let you know that an LSSPS committee has undertaken the task of assisting libraries and library staff with this important issue by creating a tool kit, including a checklist toward electronic accessibility of library resources. Links to these documents can be found at the “Think Accessible” web page: www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclaprotools/thinkaccessible/default.cfm.

—Mike L. Marlin, member, ASCLA/LSSPS Electronic Accessibility Committee & Manager, Braille and Talking Book Lib., California State Lib., Sacramento

There are two sides to privatization (Francine Fialkoff, “The Privatization Threat,” Editorial, LJ 6/1/08, p. 8). I'd like to share our experiences with Library Systems and Services, LLC (LSSI).

In the late 1980s, Shasta County, CA, was forced to close its public library system as a result of Proposition 13.... Faced with severely reduced services, inadequate facilities, and per capita funding near the bottom in the state, citizens worked tirelessly for 20 years to bring full services to our county-owned library.

In a 2002...collaboration among citizens, business, and city and county government, Shasta County raised $9 million to qualify for a state grant to build a new $21 million library headquarters in Redding. A joint city/county library system operated by the City of Redding was created. This improved library funding but left Shasta County in the bottom third of state per capita funding.

To stretch resources and provide services...the City of Redding contracted with LSSI to staff and manage the new library system. The Shasta Library Foundation and three Friends of the Libraries unanimously supported the contract.... It represented a wise investment of tax dollars. Our goal is to provide the best service to the most people at the lowest possible cost. LSSI operates the library at 60 hours for less than the city could provide 40 hours. LSSI has provided professional expertise to run our library more effectively and efficiently than in the past. LSSI strengthened library management, collection development, technology, grantsmanship, marketing, and outreach....

LSSI brought innovation with proven ideas from other libraries. Its focus on patron satisfaction and services addressed a community priority. Our library usage has skyrocketed. In a city of 90,000, over 50,000 visit the library each month, Each month we get 1000 new library card holders and over 10,000 reservations for 80 public computers. We have added a number of new services and seen significant increases in youth and adult programs.

Library responsiveness to local needs has strengthened. With LSSI assistance, our library is completing its first strategic plan and has identified service priorities.... The community relationship with library management is unchanged. We retained every librarian from the old county system. Morale has improved tremendously.... The Redding City Council is the library governing board, while a five-member citizen advisory committee provides local input. Important working relationships with support groups have been retained. LSSI has helped us enhance local public and private funding with grants....

Thanks to public/private partnerships, we have a modern, state-of-the-art public library in Shasta County that has been overwhelmingly and enthusiastically embraced by our community. As with any public service that is provided well, as the demand for library services continues to grow, our ability to provide will be challenged. We believe we are proactively operating our library with fiscal responsibility through the LSSI contract. We don't believe our community, or any community struggling with library funding, should dismiss any option—including private management....

—Peggy O'Lea, Exec. Dir., Shasta Lib. Fdn., Redding, CA

In your otherwise interesting interview with author Tom Piazza (LJ 9/1/08, p. 116) you incorrectly gave the name of the college at which he spoke. It is actually Sweet Briar College, founded in 1901, with a strong record of educating women and, incidentally, a fine library in a historic building. The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, associated with Sweet Briar for many years, has provided many writers with the time and support needed to complete their creative projects.

—Eugenia B. Ryner, Lib. Dir./Unit Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation Lib., Quantico, VA