HomeMy WebLinkAbout15 - Request to Convert Part-time Librarian II to Full -time Librarian IAgenda Item No. 15
December 14, 1998
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Arts & Cultural - Library - Recreation - Seniors
To: Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Board of Library Trustees
Re: Request to Convert Part-time Librarian II to Full -time Librarian I
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the reallocation of funding within the library budget to convert the part time
Librarian II (R034) position to a full -time Librarian 1 (1180).
BACKGROUND
The Board of Library Trustees has identified service to children as one of its highest
priorities. Since the opening of the Central Library in 1994, the circulation of children's
materials has increased more than 20 %, while the circulation of general materials has
increased by 6 %.
Demographic statistics show an increase in the younger components of the population. The
Newport-Mesa Unified School District projects an increase in enrollment of student
population of 18% from the 1994/95. academic year to 1999/00. The library staff has also
observed increased registration and attendance at all youth programs.
The Central Library children's room is open 71 hours per week; library staff provide 10
programs each week to promote reading and enhance reading skills. It has been staffed by
one full -time Librarian I, one part-time Librarian 11, and two part -time Library Assistants. At
present, there are periods of time when no staff is present in the children's room of the
Central Library.
This staffing structure has created constant turnover. Five part-time staff have left library
employment since 1994 to obtain full -time work at other libraries. Library management has
spent excessive time and expense in the recruiting, hiring, and training of part-time staff for
the children's unit, resulting in less than optimum service to the public.
However, the library now has a cost - neutral option to improve this situation. A long -term
professional employee, most recently working as a part-time children's librarian (Librarian II)
at the Central Library, has just retired. This presents the library with the opportunity to
convert this part-time Librarian II position to a full -time Librarian I position; and thereby
improve customer service, meet increasing demands, and reduce staff turnover.
In the current fiscal year, due to salary savings caused by vacancies, no additional funds will
be required to implement this change. There will be no fiscal impact in the budget for future
years. The funding for temporary salaries will be reduced to cover the approximately
$10,000 annual differential in salaries and benefits.