[Publib] AP story on library outsourcing

[Robert L. Balliot]

Joe is right, although cutting library services does
not result in savings since we actually pay off at about
8 to 1 for every tax dollar spent.  There are no other
services that provide more value.  If the corporate
model is actually more efficient, then it should be
able to provide more services with better benefits
for its employees at a reduced cost - since it would
be reducing overhead through efficiency.  Eliminating
front line staff is contrary to providing good service -
front line staff should be increased along with hours.

I saw a commercial for a pet hotel the other day that
appears to be essentially a corporate chain of kennels.
It seemed like a great idea, since a set of quality
standards would be in place and an model of efficiency
to create profitability would drive the business.  I
like the idea of being able to predict the quality of 
care of my pets.

I think what you are describing with libraries is similar.
I can look at any library system and see potential for
savings.  I can also say the same thing about school
systems, which consume most of the local tax dollars.
The savings come from consolidating and reducing overhead.
The larger the system, the greater the potential for
savings with redundant services eliminated.

In the smallest state with the longest name - the State
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations - we have
32 school districts
<http://www.schoolmatters.com/app/location/q/stid=40/llid=111/stllid=249/loc
id=40>  serving about 153,000 students.
Each has its own administration and school committee
and negotiates contracts with the unions.  Thirty
two groups employ labor attorneys to negotiate contracts
and operate and construct facilities.  This is for
an area of about 1,200 square miles - where you can
drive from end to end of the state in a couple of
hours unless you get stuck in gridlock. With current
computing, accounting, and communication ability -
the only reason to continue those costs are because
it is the way things have always been done since
horse and buggy days.  The fact is, there is almost
no local control over anything since education is
defined by state and federal regulations.

Eliminating teachers, librarians, or kennel attendants
does not lead to better service, but consolidating services 
and functions can. 

*************************************************
Robert L. Balliot
1-401-441-5763
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
*************************************************

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Joe Schallan
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 3:52 AM
To: Publib Publib Discussion
Subject: [Publib] AP story on library outsourcing

An Associated Press story on library outsourcing -- with
the focus on LSSI and Jackson County, Oregon -- was one of
the lead items in tonight's Yahoo news summary:

http://tinyurl.com/2hkcwe

In other words, the story has hit the national media, not
just LJ and American Libraries.



--Joe Schallan
    Phoenix
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