Commission and Committee Agenda 2003
explanatory documents

Memorandum

To:       Library Commission

From:    Susan Hildreth, City Librarian

Re:       Reconstitution of Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) Advisory Committee

Date:    May 31, 2003

I have prepared a draft revised charge for the reconstituted BLIP Advisory Committee that I am recommending for your consideration. I would like to address several issues mentioned in discussion on this matter on May 20th.

• Concern was expressed that the committee was too large. At 21 members, I think it is highly unlikely that we would have 100% regular attendance and would be working with a group of about 15 people at any one meeting. The Civil Grand Jury has 19 members and functions well. I believe that with clear cut agenda and effective meeting management, this size group would function well.
• Concern was expressed that neighborhood interests, specifically the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods, should be represented on the body. I feel that several current and proposed members, the Council of Neighborhood Libraries, San Francisco Tomorrow and representatives appointed from each Supervisorial district, will provide effective representation of neighborhood interests. Having said that, I do think that representation of the Committee should be flexible and able to be modified by the Library Commission.
• The role of the Committee was discussed. I see the work of this Committee will be informed by active involvement and discussion of each neighborhood as projects are developed over the life of the program. Although there was some discussion about broadening the scope of the Committee, I believe that most aspects of the library service program will be addressed through reviewing all the issues surrounding facility renovation and construction.

I would urge the Commission to approve this recommendation. This is an exciting time for the branch bond program. I look forward to reconstituting the BLIP Advisory Committee and sharing the excitement and wealth of information about the program with the current and new members.


Attachments

In November 2000, the voters of San Francisco approved Proposition A, the Branch Library Improvement Program, a $105.9 million bond to support the renovation of nineteen branch libraries, the construction of four new branches to replace branches currently in leased facilities and the construction of a new branch in Mission Bay.

In October 2001, City Librarian Susan Hildreth recommended that the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) Advisory Committee be convened in response to the Library Commission’s concern that there be broad-based oversight in place for the Branch Library Improvement Program. The Committee was convened and included members from stakeholder groups and City staff.

In June 2003, the Committee was reconstituted and expanded as a committee of the Library Commission, with representatives from each Supervisorial district, appointed by the district Supervisors, a representative appointed by the Mayor, and representatives of various stake-holder organizations with an interest in the bond program. All City staff and appointed officials from the previous committee serve in an advisory, resource capacity. The duration of the appointment of a representative is flexible, but generally lasts at least two years. The Committee meets at least bi-monthly and is staffed by the Commission Secretary. A chair is selected annually from the Committee membership. The Committee reports to the Board of Supervisors and the Library Commission.

The Committee serves as a review panel and sounding board for the Branch Library Improvement Program to the Library Commission and the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors. Issues considered include:

• schedule of the bond program and specific projects
• financial reports on bond expenditures
• service and program issues relating to allocation of spaces and facility design
• collection make-up, size and maintenance in new and renovated facilities
• design issues relating to historic preservation and accessibility
• potential partnering opportunities for projects
• planning for services while buildings are closed for construction

The work of the Committee will be integrated with extensive community involvement as projects are developed in each neighborhood over the life of the program.