HomeMy WebLinkAboutKPL - New Projects - 2006-2015 Capital ForecastKITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY '~~ ,~
To: Chair Vrbanovic and Members of Finance and Corporate Services
Meeting Date: November 21, 2005
Submitted By: Sonia Lewis, CEO, on behalf of the Kitchener Public Library Board
Prepared By: Sabina Franzen, Senior Manager, Administration
Ward(s) Involved: All
Date of Report: November 15, 2005
Subject: NEW PROJECTS IN KPL'S 2006-2015 CAPITAL FORECAST
RECOMMENDATION:
That Kitchener Public Library's 2006-2015 Capital Forecast include funding for an
extension to the Book Reserve Fund; an increase in the Technology Upgrade Fund;
and three new projects: a South End Community Library, Customer Needs Surveys
and Radio Frequency Technology.
BACKGROUND:
This report seeks approval to include funding for two existing and three new projects in
Kitchener Public Library's 2006-2015 Capital Forecast. The existing projects are the Book
Reserve and Technology Upgrade Funds. New projects have been identified for a South End
Community Library, Customer Needs Survey and Radio Frequency Technology.
REPORT:
Book Reserve Fund
Initially established in 2000, this fund supported collection development as the library faced
significant publishing costs, high U.S. exchange rates and flat-lined resource funding in the
operating budget. This funding has been indispensable in managing the collection in light of
these challenges. These challenges continue to impact the purchasing power of existing
budgets and therefore, the library is requesting an extension of this funding through this
forecast period.
The original funding is scheduled to end in 2010. This request would extend the funding to
2015 at an additional cost of $550,000 over six years.
Technology Upgrade Fund
This funding was first identified in the 2003-2012 Capital Forecast to recognize the need for
PC replacements and upgrades to software and hardware in support of existing partnerships.
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The funding request was very modest and identified the continued need to review
replacement plans.
In 2005, a full technology review was conducted and a detailed five year technology plan was
developed. This plan incorporates a regular equipment replacement program for over 200
PCs and 16 servers, software upgrades, licences and peripheral equipment. This plan
reflects more accurately the continued technology costs for the library.
The total Technology Upgrade costs in the 2005-2014 forecast were $230,000. In the 2006-
2015forecast, the library is requesting Technology Upgrade funding totalling $1,552,000.
Community Library -South End
Library service will be needed in southwest Kitchener as a result of the significant
development and growth projected in this part of the city. This need was first identified in a
Branch Libraries Review and Cost Benefit Analysis completed in August 2000 by Beckman
Associates Library Consultants. An analysis of demographic trends conducted during KPL's
2005 strategic planning process confirmed this need.
A library facility of approximately 15,000 square feet to be built near the end of this capital
forecast is being proposed. Cost estimates for this library would be approximately $10 million
to be split evenly over two years. Five years prior to the project starting, a full business case
and cost analysis will be prepared.
The first year of funding at $5 million is proposed for the year 2015, the last year in the 2006-
2015capital forecast. The second $5 million funding request would be included in the 2007-
2016capital forecast next year.
Customer Needs Surveys
Funding is being requested to conduct customer surveys and needs assessments on a
regular cycle. Collecting this data is important to the development of special projects,
strategic plans, and short and long term planning for services and facilities which reflect the
community's needs.
For the 2006-2015 Capital Forecast, funding is requested at a total of $90,000 to be
distributed as follows: $20,000 in 2008, $35,000 in 2011 and $35,000 in 2014.
Radio Frequency Technology
The library is requesting funding to implement radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
at each KPL location. This technology provides a method of storage and remote retrieval of
data associated with collections. Libraries world-wide are choosing RFID as the preferred
technology for enhanced security of resource materials and improved inventory management.
This technology is also fundamental to any future consideration to implement self-service
options such as self-checkout or self-sorting check-in of materials.
The funding request to implement this technology amounts to $1,000,000. The
implementation would need to be phased in over several years as follows: $300,000 in 2008;
$240,000 in 2009; $230,000 in 2010 and $230,000 in 2011.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The requested changes and additions to the 2006-2015 Capital Forecast will have the
following overall impact when compared to the previous year's forecast:
Book Reserve Fund Increase of $550,000 over six ears, 2010-2015
Technolo U rade Fund Increase of $1,322,000 over ten ears 2006-2015
Community Library -South End Addition of $5,000,000 in 2015 (additional
$5,000,000 forecast in 2016
Customer Needs Surveys Addition of $90,000 ($20,000 in 2008, $35,000 in
2011 and $35,000 in 2014
Radio Frequency Technology Addition of $1,000,000 over four years, 2008-2011
($300,000 in 2008; $240,000 in 2009; $230,000 in
2010 and $230,000 in 2011
CONCLUSION:
To serve the community effectively Kitchener Public Library has proposed changes and
additions to the 2006-2015 Capital Forecast. Capital funds are requested to extend the Book
Reserve Fund, increase the Technology Upgrade Fund and add new projects for a South End
Community Library, Customer Needs Survey and Radio Frequency Technology. These
projects will strengthen KPL's collections, technology and facilities and will benefit library
users throughout the City of Kitchener.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sonia Lewis, CEO, Kitchener Public Library