Libraries during hard times

1. Staying Fit
During Slim
Times
Bolivar County Library System
Lynn F. Shurden, Director

2. Status
 Began FY with proposed budget of
$619,590
 As of today, that budget has been
reduced to $614,938
 Traffic in the library is up 50% over
the same period as last year
 Circulation and computer use are
about the same

3. What services have been
cut or modified
 No Services have been cut
 Changes to periodicals purchased
 WorldBook Online instead of
individual sets for branches
 Color copier/printer services
 Costs of printing and faxing reduced

4. Our Focus
 Telling the “good story”
− Newspaper coverage
− Local television coverage
− Appearances at city and county
board meetings
− Going to the schools
 Thanking the funders
− Every possible occasion

5. New Focus
 Open Houses at the branches
 New Print brochures with
information about the individual
branch
 Newsletter
 New activities for Friends
 Speaking at community events

6. Changes made
 Branch managers
 Children’s Coordinator
 Financial Manager
 Cross-training
 Staff training and meetings
 Inmate Labor
 Formed a grant writing committee

7. Costs
 Able to eliminate janitorial costs with
using inmates
 Contract for financial services paying
no benefits
 Combined positions at four branches
and added benefits for employees as
incentives
 Buying supplies on schedule and not
as impulse

8. Anticipated changes
 Branches closing
 Sharing more ideas and training with
neighboring libraries
 Possible application for grants with
one or more libraries in order to
match grants

9. What scares me the most!
 Having to cut staff
 Unexpected costs
 Trickle down effect of state funding