In this past year, a comprehensive study was done of the Northwest Regional Library which included a survey of library users. This is to share results in regards to funding. The following information is included in the consultant's final report.

It's apparent that the public that responded to the web survey presents heavy users of library services. More than thirty-eight percent of the public responding said they visited the library at least weekly while ninety percent visit the library at least monthly. These individuals are enthusiastic about their libraries. Library services are highly valued and the public receives high value for every dollar invested in public library service

However, the surveys show there is little awareness of how libraries are funded or the fact that the regional library is facing an uncertain future due to inadequate funding. They're unaware funding has essentially been flat for multiple years and when asked how the system could operate more efficiently, survey respondents gave solutions that in some instances have already been implemented. In many other instances, "solutions" were very general and failed to recognize that the regional library has already pared most service to the bare bones.

The NWRL Board responded to this section of the study by implementing several mechanisms to reverse flat funding rather than reduce public services. They include the following:   1. Implement an NWRL Endowment Fund.

2. Implement in-house delivery.

3. Transfer some operating costs to cities and counties in the preliminary 2013 budget.

4. Reverse trend of bare-bones materials budget by increasing line item in 2013 budget.

5. Balance 2012 budget with fund balance to offset reductions in public services for one year.

6. Implement funding formula and new Joint Powers Agreement in 2013.

7. Decide the "what-if's" for NWRL if additional funding does not materialize.

The NWRL Board has taken a pro-active approach and it's made all the difference in the world.

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OverDrive, in cooperation with the American Library Association, is interested to learn more about library customers' eBook and digital audiobook use. In particular OverDrive is looking to learn how library customers' eBook usage with Library Digital/Virtual collections impacts the number of eBooks that are purchased by library users. The results of the nationwide survey will help American Library Association as well as OverDrive continue to dialogue with the publishers about the value of having their eBooks available for library lending.   

The Survey will be available on NWRL's Virtual library through July 31, 2012. No identifying information will be captured, and all data will be reported at an aggregate level. The results of the survey will be posted on the OverDrive Digital Library Blog later this summer.

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