#FOCUS OSCEOLA PLUS#
By 2019, the Library added cloudLibrary, a user-friendly system providing access to a statewide collection of digital titles, plus Kanopy and hoopla streaming films and music, Odilo Spanish eBooks and RBDigital magazines. In 2012, the Osceola Library System’s only digital materials were eBooks. Investment in new materials formats has paid off. Initiatives include expanding support for job seekers, creating innovative virtual services, enhancing marketing activities and connecting the diverse community. Gathering community and stakeholder input via surveys, focus groups and community meetings and setting clear achievable goals helps library staff focus on key service areas. Key to the Library’s success is executing a strategic plan. LS&S staff worked closely with Osceola County officials to collaborate and recommend interior design and layout. “LS&S has put the power back into our libraries,” she says.įour branches have undergone extensive renovation since the partnership began.
We were very concerned and wondered how would we be able to serve the community.” Eight years later, Amy enjoys the work like never before.
There was a lot of uncertainty and several rounds of layoffs, furlough days and the possible elimination of all part time staff. “We were going through budget cuts because of the recession. Today, the Osceola Library System is at the forefront of service, collection and technology excellence and is known for community impact.Īmy Jones, Osceola Library System Director, recalls the time before the partnership with LS&S. This patron-focused model combines with LS&S’s large consortium discounts on materials and technology to result in significant cost savings and excellent public service. LS&S streamlines and modernizes operations and centralizes back office tasks, enabling staff to focus on front-line service. In the unique public-private partnership model, the Osceola County officials control policy, direction and assets and LS&S employs library personnel and manages day-to-day operations. Existing library staff retained their jobs, received LS&S training and contributed to the successful transition. Eager to provide quality patron service, LS&S embarked on a journey to excellence with a plan from day one.įirst-year improvements were implemented in programs, partnerships and events. LS&S experts were aware of Osceola County’s challenges and focused on the Library’s crucial role in helping strengthen the community.
On January 3, 2012, the Osceola Library System became the first library system in Florida to partner with Library Systems & Services to manage operations. They believed strong libraries were key to community strength. Leaders searched for a solution that addressed budget constraints while providing more services. Job security for staff was paramount, as was local control. Leaders faced a dilemma when it came to the library system: reduce hours of operation and collection size or find a new model for operation. Two years after the recession ended, unemployment was a record high 13 percent and the County budget was under pressure. The 2008 recession hit Osceola County hard and recovery was difficult.
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