The Santa Cruz County Grand Jury is not happy with the way the county’s libraries are being run. A report released yesterday noted that the technology infrastructure is outdated, buildings are aging, and the collections are not being updated as necessary. Its conclusion: local libraries will no longer be able to meet the needs of their patrons in an age where technology is changing so quickly. As an example of the problem, the Grand Jury noted that the system is the only one in the country to still use an outmoded computer system.
County libraries are among the first services to feel the brunt of ever-increasing budget cuts. In 2008, the system’s budget was $12.6 million, while this year it is under $11 million. According to the Grand Jury, the deficit is expected to swell to $4 million by 2014.
Among the solutions that have been suggested are closing existing branches and postponing the opening of new branches. The Grand Jury would also like to see the library create a cash reserve, even if this means cutting staff. Library Director Teresa Landers says that the system is looking for solutions, but considers closing branches an extreme measure that should not be taken lightly. Read more at the Mercury News.
