Colton Public Library - Facility needs assessment update

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Colton Public Library: Needs Assessment Study Update 8/25/1999 COLTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FACILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT UPDATE By Raymond M. Holt, Library Consultant August 25, 1999 L INTRODUCTION With the public's attention focused upon the new millennium this up -date of the Needs Assessment study completed ten years ago for the Colton Public Library comes at an opportune time. Enthusiasm over entry into a new era has generated a spirit of optimism supported by a vigorous economy. It appears, therefore, to be an unusually favorable time to consider the Library's future including creation of a compelling Vision of the future Colton Public Library that will appeal to the entire community. The Needs Assessment process is, in itself, a vital first step in creating a Vision of future library services which, in turn, affords an opportunity for reviewing and revising the library's goals and objectives. While much of the previous report dated September 20, 1989, remains valid, certain population changes, growth of the City, changing trends in the delivery of library services and other factors provide ample reason for review and reconsideration of library space needs. For this up -date, new information has been collected from various sources including Library Director David Davis, and Andy Soto, Principal Planner, Colton City Community Development Department. The California State Library has supplied recent statistical information. Several references have been included concerning library service in communities of similar size as a further basis for comparison and evaluation. I1. FINDINGS Space related conditions existing in 1989 have not been remedied; instead, the space needs of the Colton Public Library have intensified during the past decade. Therefore, the basic findings of the 1989 study remain valid. The chief modification in service has been the establishment ir.1991 of the Luque Branch Library. Of the combined annual circulation of the Main Library and the Luque Branch, the latter accounts for approximately 10%.