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one-staff library budgets
3:11 PM EDT 7/22/05
Clare asked this question in another topic:
What are other one-staff library budgets like? Good question (actually, she had several!) - so I thought I'd start a new topic on it and see if we can get some more conversation going.
Thanks Clare!
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Re: one-staff library budgets
4:19 PM EDT 7/25/05
as a reply to Chrystie Hill.
Hi Chrystie-
A good starting place for one-staff library budgets would be "Vermont Public Library
Statistics 2003-04" gather by Marianne Kotch and located at:
http://dol.state.vt.us/GOPHER_ROOT5/LIBRARIES/stats/PLSTATS.HTML
For libraries serving populations of 1,000-2,499 "the average per capita tax support
for these libraries is $14.04, with a range of $0.84 (Concord) to $158.64 (Killington). While
the "average per capita total expenditure is $24.93 for libraries serving 1,000-2,499, with a
range of $1,32 (Cornwall) to $165.96 (Killington) The state average is $23.54
For public libraries serving under 1,000 population the average per capita tax support "is
$14.39, with a range of $0.46 (Windham) to $61.69 (Stamford, a community library). The state average of public libraries receiving tax support is $15.64." The average per capita
total expenditure is $25.43 for libraries serving under 1,000, with a range of $1.14
(Windham) to $86.57 (Greensboro). The state average is $23.54.
How much money is enough is a question that is very much open for discussion.
Any comments?
Michael
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Re: one-staff library budgets
10:56 AM EDT 7/26/05
as a reply to Michael Roche.
Hi all-
Searching around the library pages on the Internet I came across some useful
sites on developing library budgets. The Wisconsin Department of Public
Instruction has a trustee handbook that has some good basic information on
library budgets. The handbook breaks down the budgeting process in four clear
and concise steps:
1)Goals of budgeting
2)Steps in the budget development process
3)Sources of library funding
4)Budget terminology
To read more go to: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/pld/handbook.html
In the Nebraska Library Commission, Trustee Handbook there is another good
chapter on budgeting and funding. The handbooks covers the budget process
from preparation, presentation, implementation, local support, grants, etc.
Find this at http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/trustee/chaptereight/c8toc.html
It's important to remember that the budget process is dependent on your library's
current and long-range plan for services. A board's budget involvement actually begins when it develops and approves a long-range plan. When planning your budget remember
to include both the yearly operating needs and any major upcoming expenses,
such as, capital campaign, automation, etc. The budget process should be a
collaborative effort between the board and director and include all of these major
expenses:
Basic service priorities costs
Collection development-books, videos, CDs, audio, periodicals
Salaries, health care, etc
Building needs, utilities, insurance
Equipment, furniture, telecommunication costs
Staff and board continuing education
Supplies
Finally, try to get your budget prepared in plenty of time so that you can explain it, promote it to town officials and your community.
Michael
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