There are nine tasks that need to be completed during the assessment phase of a library districting process.
- Task One is to determine whether there is a perceived need for a library district through informal conversations with members of the community.
- Task Two is to form an exploratory group of supporters to plan and carry out the assessment phase.
- Task Three is to create a written vision statement of what a library district could provide.
- Task Four is to assess potential costs for the district.
- Task Five is to make formal presentations about library districting to community organizations.
- Task Six is to identify and contact potential supporters of a library districting effort.
- Task Seven is to identify potential opponents of a library district.
- Task Eight is to create a formal committee to pursue the library districting process.
- Task Nine is to make preliminary decisions about what geographical area will be covered by the library district and about how the district will relate to any existing public library entities within or near this area.
While we have shown each task as distinct, they often overlap and may not be completed in this order. For example, if an existing library is considering a districting effort, Task Six may be completed in the form of the library board before any other task has begun. For the sake of clarity, however, we will treat each task separately and in an order that is likely to be pursued if the districting effort is beginning with a community group rather than with an existing library board. This would be the most complicated scenario.
Reality Checks
In addition to the tasks listed above, throughout the process, the proponents of the library district will need to perform reality checks to determine whether it is still feasible to pursue the creation of a library district. These reality checks, while not a distinct task, need to be planned throughout the project. They need to be scheduled periodically during the assessment phase and, indeed, throughout the entire project.
When conducting a reality check, the list of tasks that should have been completed is reviewed. At each reality check meeting, the group needs to ask whether the tasks have been completed and whether the information gained indicates that a districting effort is likely to be successful. Documentation that has been developed as part of the process should be examined. In addition, people should be asked about their own energy level and enthusiasm for the project. It is especially important to check with library board members to determine their level of commitment.
If a reality check is positive, then it will encourage the group to continue with the project. If the reality check indicates there are problems, then it may indicate that the group needs to change direction or slow down. At worst, it may indicate that a district library is not a possibility under present conditions. It is best to find this out now, during the assessment phase, before pouring a great deal of time, energy, and money into the effort.
If the assessment phase makes it clear that a districting effort is likely to fail, the group should discuss other options for obtaining or improving public library services. These options can be explored with your ICfL public library consultant.