This is a message from CTLS-L. Selecting "Reply" will send a message to the originator. Selecting "Reply to All" will send a message to the entire list. ---------------------------------------------------------
-----Original Message----- From: Jamison, Collette Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:50 AM To: Langenkamp, Stephanie Subject: FW: Bedford: Library Board unanimously recommends city not hire Maryland firm to run the public library Collette Jamison Director of Administrative Services City of San Marcos, TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] 512.393.8104 -----Original Message----- From: Lewis F. McLain, Jr. [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:49 AM To: Jamison, Collette Subject: Bedford: Library Board unanimously recommends city not hire Maryland firm to run the public library Posted on Thu, Dec. 14, 2006 Board opposes library firm By JESSICA DeLE"N STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER BEDFORD - The Library Board unanimously agreed Wednesday to recommend that the city not hire a private company to run the public library. What happened: Part of the recommendation said the board was not convinced that Library Systems and Services, a Maryland company, could save a worthwhile amount of money and still provide the services and selection Bedford residents are accustomed to. Pros: Councilman Charles Orean brought up outsourcing this fall, saying a private company could run the library for longer hours and lower costs. The city would still own the building and the collection and would maintain the right to manage or establish library policies. Officials with Library Systems, which manages dozens of libraries around the country, said it could provide resources to Bedford that smaller libraries wouldn't have, such as computerized systems and the ability to buy books in bulk. Cons: Many residents protested the idea, saying the quality of services and the community focus could decline if the library is run by an out-of-state, for-profit company. What's next: Library Board Chairwoman Dona Weisman will present the recommendation to the City Council on Tuesday. Online: www.ci.bedford.tx.us/Departments/administrative_ services/library.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------
