Can Utah's public libraries keep pace with increased demand over the next several decades?
According to a new Utah State Library Division report released last month, the "21st Century Library Needs Assessment," library circulation is growing in Utah at a faster rate than the state's population growth.
The study concludes that Utah communities will need 1.7 million more square feet of library space — the equivalent of seven more new Salt Lake City libraries like the one now under construction downtown — by the year 2010 to meet population and service projections. Cost estimates to meet these growing needs range from $145 million to $327 million.
"Many of Utah's 107 public libraries are operating at or beyond their design capacity," Amy Owen, director of the Utah State Library Division, said. "This results in inadequate service and in some libraries may present safety hazards for patrons. New technology is placing great demands on library buildings, and Utah residents expect public library use to continue growing in the future."
Other highlights in the report are:
While Utah's population increased 23 percent in the past decade, library circulation rose 73 percent.
More than half — 57 percent — of Utah's households use the library on a monthly basis.
63 percent of Utah's public libraries were built before 1980 and 24 percent prior to 1930.
More than half of Utah residents surveyed believe the state is spending too little to help local governments cover library costs.
Jim Cooper, director of the Salt Lake County Library System, said he wasn't surprised by anything in the survey.
"I think it's a good study," he said, explaining it reaffirms the challenging condition of library facilities.
"Many people do not have Internet access at home," Cooper said, and thus they're flocking to use the library's free net access. "They're a different kind of library user that we haven't attracted before."
More worn-out chairs in particular, he said, are resulting from this library computer usage where long lines form to get online, especially in the afternoon.
He said Salt Lake County libraries have had double digit growth in circulation for the past few years and that trend is likely to continue.
Plans for three new county libraries in Draper and South Jordan, plus a limited-use library in Herriman, are proceeding.
Also, Salt Lake City's new main library, now under construction, has been designed with 21st century technology in mind.
Some libraries have had to cut back on book budgets to fund additional online access. However, Cooper said county libraries have been able to spend more on materials than salaries.
"It's a continual challenge to balance our limited access," he said. "We are continuing to develop our technology plan."
Cooper said teaming up with other library systems on a statewide basis, not just other area systems, may end up being the best way to combine limited resources and serve Utahns better.
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com