NE Valley Times

An audit of library operations, released on May 22, 2024, identified several areas for improvement. The report highlighted an increase in hold fulfillment times and returns of lost items, potentially linked to patrons keeping materials longer due to the absence of late fees. However, it noted that performance metrics to evaluate the Fine Free program and other initiatives had not been established, and data for assessing these programs is limited.

The audit found that hold requests taking more than 90 days to fulfill have doubled between FY 2018/19 and FY 2022/23. Additionally, auto-waived charges for items returned after being marked "lost" have more than doubled during the same period. Auto-renewals may be contributing to longer checkouts, but data on checkout durations and other metrics are impacted by routine deletions of inactive item and patron records.

The report suggested that strategies to increase visitors and library use could improve the Library’s revenues and operating budget. It emphasized the need for stronger asset management controls to protect library assets. Library revenues decreased by about 30% between FY 2018/19 and FY 2022/23. Increasing library visits could enhance certain revenues such as those from the library shop and facility rental fees.

Controls over the removal and disposition of library materials were recommended, along with periodic inventory verifications. The audit also suggested further developing the staffing model to include basic operational needs, which could allow the Library to better evaluate its service efficiency, including its ability to resume pre-pandemic operating hours.

The report noted that a staffing analysis to determine optimal staffing needs has not been conducted. While authorized staffing hours are similar to pre-pandemic levels, branches are open fewer hours.

Library management agreed with the audit recommendations and provided an action plan for addressing them.