HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07242007 - C.76 L Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Anne Cain, County Librarian0. ; ;, -;x
Costa
DATE: July 24, 2007 �o�-_ =r-_ .,�v County couiz►�
SUBJECT: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Contra Costa County Librarian to Accept $50,000
from the Bay Area Library and Information System (BALIS) Innovations Fund
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
• 6
RECOMMENDATION
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Contra Costa County Librarian to Accept $50,000 from the Bay Area Library
and Information System (BALIS) Innovations Fund Program to introduce an automated book dispenser, a new
technology not previously used in the United States.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The County Library will'match the BALIS grant on a dollar for dollar basis. These funds are included in the
County Library's 2007/08 budget.
BACKGROUND
The Contra Costa County Library received $50,000 from the BALIS Innovations Fund Program to introduce an
automated book dispenser, a new technology not previously used in the United States. The technology will
support self-directed use of the library, involve collaboration with the Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART)
and allow the library to reach beyond its walls to provide and promote its services. The project will reach
underserved or disadvantaged residents, representing diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic
backgrounds. The new technology to be tested is a Book Dispenser. Library staff has met with the vendor of
one such product, the `Bokomaten", widely used in Sweden. The Book Dispenser is a,freestanding machine
that allows customers to.borrow books and media using a library card. A touch screen, similar to an ATM
screen, allows customers to select among the 800 titles which are delivered through an opening in the front, and
the materials are returned in a similar way. The machine will connect to the library's automated circulation
system. The test site will be a BART station in Contra Costa County, possibly the Pittsburg/Bay Point Station.
This project supports all four of the key initiatives identified in the Contra Costa County Library's new strategic
plan: reading, information for lifelong learning,branding, and collaboration. It also carries out the strategic plan's
goal to change the way the library operates, including:
o A focus outward toward target audiences
o Changes in techniques of library service delivery
o More library services delivered off-site
o Expansion of technology use, availability and complexity
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: ❑ YES SIGNATURE: �� -
[�<ECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ❑ RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
'PROVE ❑ OTHER
SIGNATURE(S): I '
ACTION OF BOJ D N �I APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED ® OTHER ❑
;V TE OF SUPERVISORS: I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF
NANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
AYES: NOES:
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTESTED �LL JQn
Contact: Anne Cain,County Librarian JOHN CULL N,CLERK F THE BOMD OF
(925)646-6423 SUPER I RS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
cc: County Library Administration
County Administrator
County Auditor By l ,Deputy
0:\B0S\I'Y 07-U8\13omd OrdemBALIS Innovation gram.doc