Library Commission - July 25, 2022

Library Commission Regular Meeting of the Library Commission

Agenda original pdf

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1. 2. 3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION July 25, 2022 – 6 p.m. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill 5125 Convict Hill Rd. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; and Steven Self CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 18, 2022. Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 29, 2922. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by CapMetro, Potential Fare Programs and Free Bus Pass distribution at APL branches, Grace Nguyen, Community Engagement, Capital Metro Presentation by Group 4, Architecture, Research + Planning, Austin Public Library Strategic Plan 5. Discussion of the July Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation in support of the FY23 Austin Public Library budget 7. Approve the creation of a working group on Library Commission Training and Development 8. Approve the creation of a working group on Community Engagement WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Freedom to Read Working Group 10. Update from the Enhanced Library Card Working Group WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 11. Report and possible action on a recommendation from the Enhanced Library Card Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth …

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draft minutes of the June 18, 2022 Special Called Meeting original pdf

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Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 June, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 18 June, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self Board Members Absent: Vice-Chair Lynda Infante and Commission Member Ryan Marquess Citizen Communication: General None 1. Commissioners’ Brief Introductions Commissioners introduced themselves and Chair Smith outlined the process for planning for the day. 2. Discussion of Library Commission long-range objectives, including how to: • Build relationships with the Library’s support groups, The Library Foundation and The Austin History Center Association • Support the priorities of the Austin Public Library (Literacy Advancement, Workforce and Economic Development, Digital Inclusion, STEM and Computer Training, Outreach and Community Engagement, Staff Development, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) The following were discussed: • Workgroups – at future board meeting the Commission will form two initial working groups to address library and/or community issues. o Board Development / Training (including advocacy) o Community Engagement • Chair Smith will attend Library Foundation Meetings. • The Commission will determine ways to become a more activist board on behalf of the Library • Commissioners will host Commissioner Open Houses at their Branches • The Commission will work to define the role of the Library Commission. This could include training from United for Libraries (ALA) or Urban Library Council. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 June, 2022 • The Commission will look at what Nashville Public Library did with Banned Books Library Cards and determine if there is something similar APL can do. 3. Discussion of Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings, July 2022 – June 2023 Library Marketing Homeless Organizations Food Banks Meals on Wheels Google Fiber and Technology Groups Volunteers Facility Issues Strategic Planning Process Hotspots and Digital Access eBook Pricing and Purchasing Equity in Service (how we serve different groups like incarcerated, 20-40 year olds, traffic, homebound, etc) Enhanced Library Cards Library Programming – Program Coordinators and Austin Completely Booked Adjournment: Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 12:02 p.m. without objection.

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draft minutes of the June 29, 2022 Special Called Meeting original pdf

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Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29 June, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 29 June, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S 5th St in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self, Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: General Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library. 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Smith welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the May 23, 2022 Special Called Meeting Public comment was given by Carlos León. The minutes of the regular meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Rosenthal’s second on an 8-0 vote. The amendments were: Public Communication: General: Change “Carlos Leon spoke about library computers and security” to “Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library.” Briefing: Austin Public Library FY23 Budget Overview and Forecast was given by Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II 3. Old Business: none 4. New Business a. Discussion on voter engagement at Austin Public Library Public comment was given by Carlos León. Presentation was made by Bruce Elfant, Travis County Voter Registrar and Valerie DeBill League of Women Voters Austin, Voter Registration & Turnout Director b. Discussion of Enhanced Library Cards. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29 June, 2022 Vice Chair Infante led the discussion. Chair Smith appointed a working group with Vice Chair Infante, Commission Member Dabbert, and staff member Emi Johnson. The retreat will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 10 a.m. to noon, at the Central Library. c. Discussion of the Library Commission Annual Internal Review and Report covering July 2021 through June 2022. Chair Smith will prepare the Annual Review and send to commission members for comment. 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 6. Future Agenda Items Public comment was given by Carlos León. Form working groups for Library Commission Training and Development and Community Engagement Update from Freedom to Read working group Update from Enhanced Library Card working group and draft recommendation FY23 Austin Public Library Budget recommendation Presentation …

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Item 3 CapMetro presentation original pdf

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Potential Fare Programs Library Commission| July 25, 2022 Agenda • Agency Core Values • Potential Fare Programs powered by Amp technology: • Fare Capping: a system to reduce riders’ spending in a day and month • Equifare: a new discounted fare program for income-eligible riders • Community Engagement & Partnerships • Next Steps 2 Agency Core Values INNOVATION EQUITY SUSTAINABILITY TRANSPARENCY SAFETY 3 CapMetro wants to make our fares more equitable. We know that our customers pay for their transit passes one trip at a time instead of taking advantage of the savings that come with day or monthly passes. Proposed Fare Programs powered by Amp technology Fare Capping Equifare Fare capping reduces how much riders pay for their trips in a day or month. An additional discounted fare category for income-eligible customers 4 What is Fare Capping? Fare capping allows riders to earn or contribute towards a day pass or month pass one ride at a time, rather than paying up front. Fare capping ensures that customers: • Never pay more than the total cost of a Day Pass in a calendar day • $2.50 • $41.25 • Never pay more than the total cost of a monthly pass in a calendar month 5 Fare Capping – Daily Cap When you pay for 2 single rides in one day, you earn a Daily Cap and ride free the rest of the day. Your daily spending is capped at $2.50 total! 6 Fare Capping - Monthly Cap When you pay for 33 single rides in a calendar month, you earn a Monthly Cap, and ride free the rest of the month. • Your monthly spending is capped at $41.25 total vs. $75 for 30 days of day passes • Monthly Cap • 33 Paid Rides • 17 Days of Riding • Benefit: ride free up to 14 days per calendar month 7 How to Get Fare Capping: Amp Technology • Get Amp, by physical card or CapMetro App • Load money to your account - this is called stored value! • Re-load money to Amp as needed online or at one of 250+ participating retailers or the Transit Store • Contactless Payment: • Tap your card or scan your app to pay from your stored value, reducing your balance by the cost of a single ride • Amp tracks how many single rides you pay for to give you a …

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item 6: draft FY23 Austin Public Library Budget recommendation original pdf

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LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220725-6: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Seconded By: Date: July 25, 2022 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library FY23 budget request, including increases to purchase new library materials and for salary adjustments to ensure recruitment and retention of library staff. Rationale: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” ― Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress Following the COVID-19 pandemic related shutdowns, APL rebounded to move toward full service for the citizens of Austin by providing access to physical facilities and collections as well as ongoing online access to digital materials. APL continues to provide innovative programming. In the past year, July 2021 – June 2022, APL hosted 680 in-person programs and 264 live virtual programs with 24,676 attendees. 2022’s APL Virtual Summer Reading Program Austin Completely Booked has seen readers of all ages log over 800,000 minutes of reading since the program started in June. In an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the APL continues to offer a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. APL also has a new grant initiative to support digital inclusion awarded by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission / Institute of Museum of Museum and Library Service / American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The grant includes digital navigators and telehealth services and support. The focus and purpose of the grant is for libraries to address digital access and gaps of residents, most impacted by COVID to confidently and meaningfully navigate and access online resources. APL plans to build our capacity and resources to sustain these services at some level over time. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees to provide a welcoming, equitable, and safe environment for customers using curbside and remote services. 1 of 2 APL’s Organizational Development Office is linking staff with online and in-person training opportunities. Examples include: APL Hiring Fundamentals, Mental Illness: How to Handle Problematic Behavior, Introduction to Strategic Planning for Public Libraries, …

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Revised Agenda original pdf

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1. 2. 3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION July 25, 2022 – 6 p.m. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill 5125 Convict Hill Rd. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; and Steven Self CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 18, 2022. Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 29, 2922. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by CapMetro, Potential Fare Programs and Free Bus Pass distribution at APL branches, Grace Nguyen, Community Engagement, Capital Metro Presentation by Group 4, Architecture, Research + Planning, Austin Public Library Strategic Plan 5. Discussion of the July Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation in support of the FY23 Austin Public Library budget 7. Discussion and possible action on creating working groups for Library Commission training and development, Community Engagement, and Enhanced Library Cards Report and possible action on a recommendation about Enhanced Library Cards 8. WORKING GROUP UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 9. Update from the Freedom to Read Working Group ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512-974- 7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov the Library Department, call Sharon Herfurth at

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statistics dashboard original pdf

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KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JUNE 2022 P.1 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Cardholders TOTAL CARDHOLDERS 439,781 441,981 435,826 NEW CARDHOLDERS 2,440 2,791 3,274 ACTIVE CARDHOLDERS 233,479 242,381 283,997 VIRTUAL LIBRARY E -CARDS Re sid e nt v N o n Re sid e nt Virtual Resident 8,461 8,496 4,848 4,715 Virtual NonResident 8,518 4,987 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 A P R- 2 2 M AY - 2 2 JUN - 2 2 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement v.7/19/2022 11:58 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JUNE 2022 P.2 Visitors VISITORS 159,368 160,667 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 139,902 91,245 Branch Visitors Central Visitors 109,224 106,024 54,643 48,657 50,144 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement v.7/19/2022 11:58 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JUNE 2022 P.3 Circulation CIRCULAT ION PHYSICAL CIRCULATION VIRTUAL CIRCULATION 215,596 170,311 230,011 184,818 233,345 222,702 A P R - 2 2 M A Y - 2 2 J U N - 2 2 E - B O O K C I R C U L AT I O N BY A U D I E N C E Children Book Adult Book Teen Book 167,435 99,032 13,686 178,474 110,079 15,224 Apr-22 May-22 205,619 117,998 18,788 Jun-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement v.7/19/2022 11:58 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JUNE 2022 P.4 Express & Holds System Desk v Express 142,846 155,222 EXPRESS DESK 186,524 27,275 29,596 36,178 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 CENTRAL LIBRARY DESK V EXPRESS CHECK-OUTS EXPRESS DESK 21,969 21,460 1,584 1,640 1,967 30,541 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 N U M B E R O F H O L D S P L A C E D BY N U M B E R O F C A R D H O L D E R S Cardholders Placing Holds Holds Requested 59,932 63,452 68,560 21,188 23,014 24,408 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Innovation & Improvement v.7/19/2022 11:58 PM KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FY 2022 TRENDS JUNE 2022 P.5 T E C H D E V I C E C I R C U L AT I O N Hotspots Laptops System Computer Sessions 425 411 511 16,251 18,258 19,530 Technology 142 80 41 Mar-22 Apr-22 May-22 WIFI CONNECTIONS 27,225 28,952 27,102 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Central Computer Sessions 5,397 5,962 6,748 Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Branches Computer …

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item 8: draft Enhanced Library Card Program recommendation original pdf

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LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220725-8: Enhanced Library Cards Seconded By: Date: July 25, 2022 Subject: Establish an Enhanced Library Card program Motioned By: Recommendation Establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that Austin City Council directs the City Manager to establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. When developing the Enhanced Library Card program we further recommend consultation with the appropriate community stakeholders to: • Protect of privacy of individuals who obtain an Enhanced Library Card and prevent fraud and information theft; • Allow a lengthy validity period for the Enhanced Library Card; • Provide for training of library staff to administer the program; • Identify a wide variety of documents that can be accepted when applying for an Enhanced Library Card to provide proof of identity and residence; • Ensure the recognition of the Enhanced Library Card as a form of identification by all city officials and departments, especially Austin Police Department, Austin Energy and Austin Water; and Identify features to make the card attractive to all City of Austin residents, including discounts for entries to museums, and other city amenities. • Rationale: Lack of government issued identification can negatively impact the quality of life for Austin residents, and often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations within our city.1 People experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, and undocumented immigrants often do not have the paperwork required to obtain a state issued photo ID. IDs are often required for housing, education, healthcare, banking, and may deter residents from reporting crimes. LGBTQ advocacy organizations have supported municipal-issued identification as a means of providing government-issued identification without gender classifications, as transgender people may not go by the name, resemble the photo, or identify with the gender marker printed on their photo ID.2 1 of 3 Due to the sensitive nature of the personal information required to obtain an Enhanced Library Card, consideration should be taken to ensure that the privacy of our residents is paramount. This would require time for thorough validation and training, as well as safeguards to prevent the targeting of any communities who might benefit from this form of ID. Features to make this Enhanced Library Card attractive to all residents, such as discounts to museums or park passes, might encourage more widespread adoption of this card, and prevent …

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July Director's Report original pdf

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Director’s Report July 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 9 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 10 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 11 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 11 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 11 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 11 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 12 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 12 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 13 Collections Circulation June _______________________________________________________________ 13 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Completely Booked Join us for Austin Completely Booked, your summer learning experience! The Austin Public Library wants you to read, explore, and create with us this summer! Reading and learning are important all year, but in the summer it is especially important to be an active reader and learner. The Austin Public Library wants you to spend your summer with us. Austin Completely Booked is a great way for us to experience the summer together, and to keep learning. Come Read, Explore and Create with us! Plus, we’re giving away prizes for folks who complete the challenge! (While supplies last.) All ages are welcome, and there are three ways to participate: • #1 – Collect a paper form (available in English and Spanish) and a set of crayons from any library branch to use as your activity sheet. Follow the directions on the sheet and color in your badges along the way to play! • #2 – Create an Austin Completely Booked account at AustinPublicLibrary.beanstack.org! Follow the instructions on this page and join our community-wide challenge! • #3 – Create an Austin Completely Booked account via the Beanstack app from your preferred device. *To download the app, follow these instructions and learn more at Beanstack.com: • Download the Beanstack app on your device • Choose participation "at my library" • Search for and Select Austin Public Library • Create your account (username and password) • Register for Austin Completely Booked • Then, join the fun! How do you complete the challenge? To complete the program and be eligible for a prize you must: • Log 10 hours of reading time over the summer • Complete 5 activity badges by reading, exploring, and creating in your chosen badge categories How do I claim a prize after completing the Austin Completely Booked challenge? *Note: Different prizes are available for youth and adults. There are two ways to claim your prize! • #1 – Bring your completed activity …

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Recommendation 20220725-008: Enhanced Library Cards original pdf

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LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220725-8: Enhanced Library Cards Seconded By: Commissioner Self Date: July 25, 2022 Subject: Establish an Enhanced Library Card program Motioned By: Commissioner Dwyer Recommendation Establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that Austin City Council directs the City Manager to establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. When developing the Enhanced Library Card program we further recommend consultation with the appropriate community stakeholders to: • Protect of privacy of individuals who obtain an Enhanced Library Card and prevent fraud and information theft; • Allow a lengthy validity period for the Enhanced Library Card; • Provide for training of library staff to administer the program; • Identify a wide variety of documents that can be accepted when applying for an Enhanced Library Card to provide proof of identity and residence; • Ensure the recognition of the Enhanced Library Card as a form of identification by all city officials and departments, especially Austin Police Department, Austin Energy and Austin Water; and Identify features to make the card attractive to all City of Austin residents, including discounts for entries to museums, and other city amenities. • Rationale: Lack of government issued identification can negatively impact the quality of life for Austin residents, and often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations within our city.1 People experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, and undocumented immigrants often do not have the paperwork required to obtain a state issued photo ID. IDs are often required for housing, education, healthcare, banking, and may deter residents from reporting crimes. LGBTQ advocacy organizations have supported municipal-issued identification as a means of providing government-issued identification without gender classifications, as transgender people may not go by the name, resemble the photo, or identify with the gender marker printed on their photo ID.2 1 of 3 Due to the sensitive nature of the personal information required to obtain an Enhanced Library Card, consideration should be taken to ensure that the privacy of our residents is paramount. This would require time for thorough validation and training, as well as safeguards to prevent the targeting of any communities who might benefit from this form of ID. Features to make this Enhanced Library Card attractive to all residents, such as discounts to museums or park passes, might encourage more widespread adoption of …

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Recommendation 20220725-6: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed FY23 Budget original pdf

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LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220725-6: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Seconded By: Commissioner Masters Date: July 25, 2022 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Motioned By: Vice Chair Infante Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library FY23 budget request, including increases to purchase new library materials and for salary adjustments to ensure recruitment and retention of library staff. Rationale: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” ― Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress Following the COVID-19 pandemic related shutdowns, APL rebounded to move toward full service for the citizens of Austin by providing access to physical facilities and collections as well as ongoing online access to digital materials. APL continues to provide innovative programming. In the past year, July 2021 – June 2022, APL hosted 680 in-person programs and 264 live virtual programs with 24,676 attendees. 2022’s APL Virtual Summer Reading Program Austin Completely Booked has seen readers of all ages log over 800,000 minutes of reading since the program started in June. In an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the APL continues to offer a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. APL also has a new grant initiative to support digital inclusion awarded by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission / Institute of Museum of Museum and Library Service / American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The grant includes digital navigators and telehealth services and support. The focus and purpose of the grant is for libraries to address digital access and gaps of residents, most impacted by COVID to confidently and meaningfully navigate and access online resources. APL plans to build our capacity and resources to sustain these services at some level over time. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees to provide a welcoming, equitable, and safe environment for customers using curbside and remote services. 1 of 2 APL’s Organizational Development Office is linking staff with online and in-person training opportunities. Examples include: APL Hiring Fundamentals, Mental Illness: How to Handle Problematic Behavior, Introduction to …

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