Colton Public Library - Facility needs assessment update

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Colton Public Library: Needs Assessment Study Update 8/25/1999 3. Population Growth While conditions in the Library facility continued to deteriorate during the past decade, Colton's population increased more than 25% from approximately 38,000 to a current estimate of 46,624.This has brought ever-increasing pressure on the Colton Public Library services, resources and staff. While the pace of future population growth may change, its impact on the library will not abate. The projected build -out population for 2030 is 70,633, a possible increase of another 24,000 people according the City's Community Development Department. To meet this challenge, the Colton Public Library's space planning must not only remedy the serious existing space deficits but also prepare it to meet this ultimate challenge. As in 1989, a new census is in the offing. The findings will be of special interest and importance for all aspects of library planning. Library related characteristics such as age, educational achievement, personal income, occupation and ethnic origin will be of particular value in planning future library facilities, services and resources. 4. Demographics Population characteristics that appear to affect library usage most include (1) educational achievement, (2) personal income, (3) occupation, (4) age, and (5) ethnicity. Information is lacking on these important determinants but should be factored into future planning as soon as the 2000 census data is available. Current school achievement scores will be an important consideration in adjusting collections and services for children and young people. Similar attention should be given to the opportunities inherent in serving seniors and other identifiable groups sharing similar occupational interests, etc. 5. Technology Limited space has prevented the Library from adding a sufficient number of computer workstations to meet public demand. Neither has funding permitted replacement of older terminals with PC's capable of offering a fully integrated menu of on-line data bases And Internet access. At present, four terminals provide access to the Library's catalog, two terminals are restricted to use with word processing, three terrzinals are available for accessing the Internet while two others are devoted to magazine index and to use with CD/ROM sources. The tremendous potential represented by the various elements of technology cannot be taken advantage of by Colton Public Library users until adequate space permits full utilization of electronic information services and other aspects of automation. 3