By Tony Burchyns/
Posted: 06/12/2011 01:01:02 AM PDT
To help raise money, Solano County libraries should make it easier for people to buy books online at Amazon.com, a grand jury report released Friday recommends.
That's because a small portion of the purchase price is donated to local branches when patrons connect to Amazon through the library's website, the Solano County Grand Jury said.
"As our society moves from printed page to electronic media, libraries have struggled to remain relevant to our citizens," the report says. "Many librarians have chosen to modernize their facilities, bringing in computers and electronic card catalogs. Some have even taken the step of providing ebooks for their patrons who have electronic book-reading devices."
The Solano County library system enhanced its ebook service earlier this year, expanding the number of titles and making downloads compatible with many handheld devices.
Patrons wishing to purchase materials online can access Amazon through library website links to help raise money for library services. However, the grand jury found that purchasing ebooks online was difficult because the links were not prominent.
The grand jury also said the library should work through its community partners to maintain current funding levels as public funding dwindles.
Lynne Williams, the library's deputy director, said Friday that library staff members are still reviewing the report and had no immediate comment.
The grand jury said the report was part of an effort to inform the public of available library resources and provide options for residents to help support the library.
Library funding has dropped by $12 million in the last three fiscal years, the report found. The system is funded by state funds, county property taxes and county and city sales taxes.
A $2.5 million structural deficit is projected for fiscal year 2011-2012, but will be absorbed by a $6.2 million contingency fund.
Meanwhile, library officials are planning to further streamline personnel and operating costs to maintain current service levels through June 2013, the report said.
The grand jury also found that local school districts have eliminated funding for their own libraries, resulting in many students across the county relying more on city and county branches.
County libraries serve five of the county's seven cities: Vallejo, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City and Vacaville. Benicia and Dixon maintain independent libraries.
Contact staff writer Tony Burchyns at tburchyns@timesheraldonline.com or (707) 553-6831.
http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_18258446
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