Ames Public Library Strategic Plan
Today is 11/21/2008
The Agora of Our Community >>
Summary of Community Needs >>
Summary of Current Library Conditions
Library Staff
The 44 full time equivalent (FTE) employees is about average for “peer” libraries. Over a ten-year period, staff has grown by only 0.4%. The proportion of library staff reflecting diversity is slightly lower than the community demographic. About one third of the staff is either fluent or has a degree of familiarity with a language other than English.
As one of the most active public libraries in the United States, the operations of the library are enhanced by an active volunteer program. More than 500 volunteers contributed nearly 15,000 hours of service in the past year. Volunteers have done much to help make the library an inviting public space not only in support of tasks but also as community advocates for the value of public library service.
Library Building
The original library was built in 1904 with additions in 1941 and 1985. The library now covers 50,000 sq. ft. of space. The interior is showing signs of wear. The last addition was constructed prior to the library technology boom. With the installation of public access workstations, the interior is cramped with no area for growth. Meeting rooms are at a premium. Parking is nearly all metered and is inadequate for a building of its size and activity level.
Library Collection
Despite a 23.3% increase in “per capita library circulation” funding
for the acquisition of library materials, the collections budget is 2% below the expenditures five years ago. Growth has been experienced in the non-print formats, but all categories of the collection have experienced increased usage during the past five years. The “per capita” circulation is the highest in Iowa and is significantly greater
than the national average.