Board Backs Sacramento Plan To Overhaul Library Services

Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 01/28/2009

Following the retirement last September of Sacramento Public Library (SPL) director Ann Marie Gold, in the wake of a grand jury report bashing the library, SPL's governing board has unanimously approved a comprehensive plan (PDF) to revamp library operations. 

Submitted by interim director Phil Batchelor, the plan includes more than 300 changes to the system’s current modus operandi. The recommended actions came from three sources (and are correspondingly identified): employee input, Grand Jury findings, and a performance audit. The actions are part of a plan that will be executed over the next 18 months.

Batchelor characterized SPL as a “divisive, painful, and highly unproductive working environment [that] must be assuaged.” Thus the recommended actions begin with an “overarching goal” to “create an atmosphere of integrity.” 

Also included, “hire a library director who.... will foster an environment of civility integrity, and respect, and who possesses business and government experience as well as the required library science educational background.”

Strategic plan needed

Batchelor, with more than 30 years experience in public service, but is not a librarian, more recently has served in interim senior administrative positions for neighboring Yolo County. He was hired in November to take over after Gold’s resignation.

First among the general recommendations is the need to develop a system-wide strategic plan that “implements industry best-practices, establishes a shared vision, and engages all staff.” SPL should consider establishing a standing committee to provide direct financial oversight of library operations as well as the addition of a CEO and other management positions, according to the plan.

Considering SPL’s financial oversight problems--two staffers were convicted of hiring of a maintenance company that inflated invoices for more than three years; more than $5 million in uncollected fines--the report includes more than 50 recommendations for financial oversight.

One recommendation urges the creation of a comprehensive fraud policy. Another is to implement and enforce the budget control feature of the purchase order and requisition system.

Among other recommendations: create a training strategy; develop internship program, adopt formal IT governance, policies, and procedures; implement self-service technologies at branches; issue RFP for collection agency services; and perform an energy audit for all facilities. 

Moving forward

Capital projects aren’t ignored; four new and one expanded facility are scheduled for 2009-10. Four more facilities are scheduled for 2012-16.

Redesigning SPL’s web site is number one on the list of marketing recommendations. Advertising new services, marketing SPL’s business resources, developing a Spanish-language brochure, and streaming the library’sprogramming process via a web-based solution are other points on the wish-list.