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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1981/02/10 Item 7A, 7B ., ~ . COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Item 7 a. 7b a. Ordinance 1'1)<,f.- Relating to fines andMeeting Date 2/10/81 lo2li5 fees for the library ITEM TITLE: b. Resolution Allowing the Library to Charge for the Use of Census Mi crofil m SUBMITTED BY: Ci ty Li bra ri an (4/5ths Vote: Yes N02-) There is currently a strong demand for genealogical record information. One very popular source is the United States Census microfilm records which go back to Revolutionary times. For the past year and a half the Serra Cooperative Library System has been responsible for the acquisition of these records for member libraries. This responsibility is now being transferred to local libraries. Therefore, it is my RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the Library to charge $1 per roll of Census microfilm to help alleviate the cost of this specialized service. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: Approval DISCUSSION Just subsequent to the passage of Proposition 13 the Serra Cooperative Library System agreed to take over all of the functions for the orderly acquisition of the Census records for Serra member libraries, including the Chula Vista Public Library. During this period the Federal records were hous ed in La guna Ni gue 1. Recentl y, the Federal Records Cent.er was trans ferred t.o Fort Worth and more extensive and complicated new procedures for their use have been introduced. We have not yet resumed this service. With the new changes the Serra System has determined, and we all agree, that these functions are better handled at the local library level. While the Chula Vista Public Library has not previously charged for this service, the decision to charge $1 per roll was reached fOI" several reasons. The fee will hel p defray the costs of postage, forms, etc., and still make the service available at a nominal cost. Full cost recovery would place an undue burden on our Senior Citizens who comprise the major portion of our patrons who use this service. We believe this is a clear example of reduced levels of service as mandated by Proposition 13. Attached is a random survey of how other local library agencies are dealing I~ith this genealogical research service. The proposed charge is generally consistent with the charges made by these agencies and will provide this service to our residents. It should be noted t.hat some other libraries are considering revising this charge upward. FINANCIAL IMPACT I would expect that instituting this charge will somewhat reduce-the potential usage of Census microfilm from the Chula Vista Public Library. I also expect the accrual of no significant extra income as a result of this charge, but will bring this specialized service closer to being self-supporting. Form A-113 (Rev. 11/79) ) 05<10' _. ~u _ _~_ . Pa ge 2, Item 7a, b Meeting Date 2/1 0/81 Number of Cost Fil m Ro 11 s Ordered Library Per Roll Insured Per Month Chu1a Vista .00 No gO San Diego Pub1 i c .70 Yes 30 Escondido .50 Yes 25 National City .00 Yes 12 Coronado 1.00 No .15 Oceanside 1.00 No 5 San Diego County .00 Yes 300 Car1sbad .25 Yes 20 San Diego Genealogical Library 2.50 All Libraries have indicated that no patron has complained about the charge. Coronado is currently considering changing their fee. (0'3 qt) . Page 3, Item 7a, b Meeting Date 2/10/81 Staff time cost involved in loaning one roll of genealogy microfilm LI B RARI AN Ta kes reques t. Makes appointment to use a reader. Checks film out to patron. Time: 8.5 minutes @ 8.64 = $1.22 CLERK Types request form and mails it. Files carbon copy and request card. Checks for duplication of same roll. Calls patron or sends postal card. Packs fi 1 m in box to return it by ma il . Time: 9 minutes @ 5.54 = $ .84 SEASONAL ASSISTANT Unpacks film. Checks in film and prepared it for patron. Prepares film for return. Time: 3.5 minutes @ 3.57 = $ .21 Grand Total $2.27 .35 $2.62 Total Staff Cost Forms and postage (not insured) ~t~~nCil of Chula Vista, California Dated~-IO-f./ LO 3Qb'