Chattanooga Library Report Calls for Major Reforms

The Chattanooga–Hamilton County (Tenn.) Bicentennial Library was slammed in a consultants’ report that said the library “lacks a clear vision for the future,” is underfunded in both its operating and capital budgets, has a problematic governance structure, has buildings that are unattractive and inadequate, and uses outdated technology.

The report (PDF file), prepared for a mayoral task force by consultants June Garcia and Susan Kent, found the Downtown Library and four branches “crowded, unattractive, and poorly laid out,” with inadequate lighting, makeshift furniture, and badly designed computer areas. They called for immediate improvements to the buildings, “particularly on items that affect life safety issues,” followed by consideration of new facilities based on population growth and the possible move of the Downtown Library to another site.

The consultants called the governance and funding structure of the library, which is jointly funded by the city and county, “problematic and confusing,” and faulted the library for not having a fundraising program or a strategic plan.

“One of the critical findings was that it’s underfunded, and we don’t contest that,” Mayor Ron Littlefield said in the February 22 Chattanooga Times Free Press. “But the other finding is that they are not using their financial resources in the best possible way.”

Library board Chairman Bill Robinson said the fact that trustees and staff serve both the county and city made it difficult to get increased funding, with the library getting sandwiched between the two bodies bickering over funding levels. “I think it would be more beneficial for the city or the county to be a sole-governing source,” he said. “It would probably make more sense for the city to take that control.”

Calling the report “tough but honest,” Library Director David Clapp told American Libraries that “We’re glad to be on the same page with the city and county for the first time in a while,” noting that the library has long been in need of an overhaul. Requests for improvements have been on the table for years, Clapp said, but the library has “been at a stalemate between the city and county for a long time.”

Clapp hopes that the board will conduct public speak-outs and meet with officials to maintain awareness of the library’s problems. “My principal fear is that the report will be old news” by the time the next budget process begins, he said.

Posted on March 9, 2009. Discuss.

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