By Staff
Suggestions focus on service, staffing and financial issues
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
A feasibility study of Brown Library joining the Beaufort-Hyde-Martin Regional Library makes several recommendations concerning such a merger, but it does not say if Brown Library should or should not join the regional library system.
Brown Library in Washington is owned and operated by the city. BHM Regional Library’s operations are overseen by a board of directors. It has branches in eight locations, with its headquarters in Washington.
In recent years, city officials and BHM Regional Library representatives have discussed the possibility of merging Brown Library with BHM Regional Library. That discussion, in part, has focused on how such a merger could financially benefit both parties.
The study, conducted by RB Software &Consulting for BHM, recommends the decision as to whether Brown Library should join BHM “is a local matter and should be left to the local individuals who would be most affected by that decision.” The report was written by Robert Burgin, a library consultant with more than 30 years of experience in library education, library consulting and library administration.
Mayor Judy Meier Jennette said the study provides a “frame of reference” for discussions with Burgin on Wednesday. Burgin is scheduled to meet with some council members, county commissioners, MJ Carbo and Gloria Moore, Jennette said. Carbo is chief librarian of the BHM system. Moore is head librarian of Brown Library.
Jennette said she has some concerns with the study because it “doesn’t address any long-term benefits” in regard to merging the libraries.
The city is looking into the merger possibility because it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the city to financially support Brown Library at the level its needs to be supported, Jennette said.
Mayor Pro Tempore Doug Mercer, in an interview Saturday, said he’s read the study once. He plans to read it again. Mercer said he, the mayor and other council members need to review the study carefully. Mercer said he did expect the study to make a conclusive recommendation on whether Brown Library should merge with BHM.
The study does show there would be “some advantages” for both libraries if they merged. Those advantages would include financial ones, he said. Mercer does have some concerns regarding the study.
The study concludes that if the city determines it is in the best interest of Brown Library and its users to join BHM, the city should propose to the BHM board that Brown Library be allowed to join the BHM system. The BHM board would decided to accept or reject the city’s proposal, reads the study.
Having Brown Library become part of BHM would provide advantages such as more-efficient operations, increased resources, increased staff expertise, a positive impact on state aid, increased staff and cost savings, according to the study.
Disadvantages of such a merger include effects on BHM’s funding from the state, reliance on cost shifting, additional costs, a potentially negative impact on state aid, loss of autonomy for Brown Library and complexities and uniqueness of the situation, according to the study.
If Brown Library joins BHM, the study recommends the following:
The study concludes there do not appear to be any alternatives that would provide substantial benefits to either Brown Library of BHM. Most of the alternatives provide minimal benefits, particularly with respect to cost savings.
For additional information on the study, see future editions of the Washington Daily News.
ttttttttttt