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Hackley Public Library Case Study

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Need Many people in Muskegon do not have computers, printers or internet access at home. They rely on their public library. Students without home computers rely on the library for class work when school is closed. Adults rely on the library’s free public access computers for job searches and applications, resumes, college class work, small business startups, social security and social service contacts, medical records, email, leisure interests and much more. The community’s need for up-to-date technology came to the forefront in the summer of 2015 when a diverse group of citizens developed a Strategic Long Range Plan for the library for 2016-2020. The library’s mission statement, the Strategic Long Range Plan and the Technology Plan all …show more content…

-- Replacement and expansion of digital signage to let people know what is happening and what is being offered at the library. Implementation Since 2008, property tax revenue for the Hackley Public Library has dropped by over 30%. Library revenue is projected to drop another 10% in 2016-2017. Property taxes provide 80% of the library’s revenue The large library budget reductions have resulted in cuts of every kind, including failure to make general technological improvements in order to insure capability and security for the public and Library systems and staff. The library has laid off over a third of the staff, reduced open hours, cut back the purchase of books and materials, cut supplies and trimmed maintenance. Funds to implement this plan for upgrading Library technology are available in the Public Library Improvement Fund. The Public Improvement Fund was established jointly by the Hackley Public Library and Muskegon Public Schools for the purpose of paying for Library improvements and major repairs. There are ample funds in the Public Improvement Funds to pay for this technology improvement without dipping dangerously low. (There was over $250,000 in the fund in

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