COUNCIL AGENDA: 12/10/15 ITEM: d(3)

CITY OF LSs SAN JOSE Memorandum CAPITAL OF

TO: HONORABLE MAYOR FROM: Jill Bourne AND CITY COUNCIL

SUBJECT: 2014-2015 ANNUAL LIBRARY DATE: November 23, 2015 USAGE REPORT

Approved Date

,

COUNCIL DISTRICT: Citywide

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Neighborhood Services & Education Committee accept the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Report on Library Usage.

OUTCOME

The Committee will be informed about FY 2014-2015 achievements and service trends at the San Jose Public Library.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the 2014-2015 fiscal year, San Jose Public Library (SJPL) demonstrated a commitment to enriching lives with a vast array of collections, programs, and services that foster life-long learning, make innovative use of technology, expand access to ideas and information, and value a culturally diverse community. By expanding service to six days per week at Branch Libraries in 2015-16, SJPL will build upon its legacy of successful services to the people and communities of San Jose.

SJPL's services are anchored by eight Strategic Priorities: Open more Library hours and Online Services; Increase access to collections and try new methods to access content; enrich life-long learning for all ages; Ensure Libraries are safe, welcoming, and up to date; Connect people to current technology; Strengthen and seek partnerships that enhance services; Engage staff and volunteers with opportunities for growth and development; and Boost public awareness of Library services and value. HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 2

BACKGROUND

The report is prepared annually for presentation to the Neighborhood Services & Education Committee.

ANALYSIS

San Jose Public Library is one of the busiest library systems nationwide, with more than 6 million visits and 9.88 million items checked out in FY 2014-15. More than 400,000 residents possess library cards, and each customer checks out an average of 10 items per year, well above the national average of 6. Attendance at library programs in FY 2014-15 increased by 4.4% over the previous year. However, limited open hours at Branch Libraries contributed to a 5% decrease in circulation and overall visits during FY 2014-15. The San Jose Public Library is guided by eight strategic priorities that reflect a commitment to innovation and learning.

1) Open more Library hours and online services Residents of San Jose affirmed their support for libraries by passing a 25-year extension of the Library Parcel Tax in June 2014. With stable funding in place, the Mayor's March 2015 budget message set forth a clear vision to open branch libraries six days per week. The Library developed a new, efficient staffing model based on the 2014 Audit of Library Hours and Staffing that would increase open hours by 38% at all branch locations with the addition of 36.83 FTE. With unanimous support from City Council, the Library recruited and hired 92 new staff and promoted 60 staff from March to June 2015, for a total of 152 personnel transactions. On July 11, 2015, the Library launched six day service with celebrations at Branch Libraries across the City. During the first month of expanded service in July 2015, SJPL welcomed close to half a million customer visits, over 40,000 more than in July 2014.

2) Increase access to collections and try new methods to access content

California Room Since joining SJPL in January 2015, the new Room Librarian/Archivist at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library has enhanced access to the digital repository of historical artifacts, maps, journals, and images held in the Library's historic collections. The California Room website logged 32,026 visits in FY 2014-15. Since January of 2015, the contents of 143 items (books, journals, maps, and yearbooks) have been uploaded to the website and a total of 1,858 new digital images have been added to the digital repository. Three dedicated volunteers HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 3 are engaged, along with staff, in scanning, uploading, and describing maps, yearbooks, and City Directories, as well as transcribing portions of the Pueblo Papers, a collection of documents that represents the issues and events in and around the Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe and its adjacent mission, Santa Clara de Asis. In February 2015, the California Room participated in Code Across, a weekend of civic hacking events timed to coincide with both the last weekend of the Code for America Fellows' residency and International Open Data Day. In addition, the California Room hosts guest speakers on First Wednesdays, with topics ranging from local architecture to the history of Japantown.

Language Collections San Jose Public Library provides items for loan in more than 20 languages and dialects. Eighteen locations offer collections in at least four languages (Chinese, English, Spanish, Vietnamese). Other languages collected include Tagalog, Korean, Russian, , Japanese, Persian, , Punjabi, Gujarati, Kannada, , Marathi, Tamil, Telegu, and . With over 440,000 language materials at SJPL, language collections represent almost 21% of total physical holdings and account for 20% of all materials checked out by library customers in FY 2014-15.

Lucky Day Lucky Day collections launched in March 2015 and feature the newest, most in demand fiction, non-fiction, and DVD titles. Items in the collection have shorter loan periods and cannot be renewed or requested, increasing the likelihood of finding a bestseller or new release DVD on the shelf when visiting the library. Since March, Lucky Day items have been checked out 68,655 times, representing as much as 4.3% of total checkout at some locations.

Science Kits Library collections include more than just books. SJPL also loans science-related kits such as Makey Makeys, an invention kit that turns everyday objects into computer touchpads or keyboards; Squishy Circuits, a design kit with activities to create circuits and explore electronics using play dough; and Finch Robots, an engaging introduction to the art of programming with support for over a dozen programming languages and environments for students as young as eight years old.

Online Services In FY 2014-15, the Library website, www.sjpl.org, and the new events database, events.sjpl.org, together logged 2,875,034 visits. Categorically, locations and hours are the most popular sites, with 1,138,708 page views, while Library programs and events register a close second with 914,176 views. The Library continued to expand digital resources in FY 2014-15, balancing entertainment, recreation, and self-directed learning options. Hoopla was added for PC, tablet, HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 4 and mobile app, enabling streaming and downloading of thousands of popular titles, including movies, television shows, music albums, comics, ebooks and eaudiobooks. In turn, Library customers checked out half a million ebooks and eaudiobooks (a 26% increase over the previous fiscal year) and downloaded emagazines from Zinio 48,667 times (up 153%). In total, customers explored online resources on topics ranging from business to homework more than 10.6 million times. New offerings included Pronunciator, a tool for language learning, and Beanstack, with reading recommendations for parents. Treehouse (an online interactive education platform providing courses in web, mobile, and technology business development) exploded in popularity in FY 2014-15, with 13,245 video views, 1,751 quizzes taken, and 1,268 badges of accomplishment earned.

Library Cards Anywhere In May 2015, the Library launched a remote access service to increase accessibility and enhance ongoing outreach activities. Remote access allows staff to register new library customers using a laptop and issue library cards anywhere in an instant, thereby providing immediate access to the Library's resources and online services. Since inception, laptops have been taken to 34 events, such as festivals, Farmer's Markets, schools, and other community gatherings, expanding Library service beyond the physical buildings. There are currently two laptops available for booking, with plans to deploy the same setup on a laptop at each branch.

3) Enrich life-long learning for all ages

Early Education SJPL undertook an extensive environmental scan of the early childhood education field, local parents and caregivers, and library agencies in summer/fall 2014. This work resulted in a comprehensive approach toward developing an Early Learning Education Strategy that capitalizes on the Library's strengths and resources and brings the Library further into alignment with community efforts surrounding early learning. The Strategy is based on four themes: provide early learning experiences, support parents and caregivers, support early educators, and serve as a community resource. During the past year, the Library increased access to play-based learning with Wee Play San Jose toys and play centers at seven locations. Each month, more than 8,000 visitors attended one of 50 weekly storytimes to engage in language and learning activities that develop pre-reading skills. The Library actively promotes 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a reading challenge that encourages families to share books and reading. Families read together, record their progress and then return to the Library for a certificate and school supply kit upon completion. The Library started the program in April 2015, and in the first quarter, over 1,300 children ages 0-5 registered and recorded hundreds of books. The Library provides paper logs for families to record their books or parents may download the app provided by the 1,000 Books HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 5

Foundation. For the 2015 Summer Reading Challenge, the Library worked closely with 49 preschools.and family childcare homes to expand participation to an additional 2,000 early learners.

Summer Learning The Library's Summer Reading Challenge encourages students to read every day throughout the summer to retain skills and return to school ready to learn. In 2015, over 18,500 individuals participated in the challenge, and 94% of participants surveyed reported reading for an average of 20 minutes per day. For the second time, the Library participated in the California Summer Meal Coalition to offer free summer lunch in neighborhoods that experience food insecurity. Offered in conjunction with the Summer Reading Challenge from June 15 through August 14, 2015, a total of 7,156 meals were served to adults and children at Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock, Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Hillview, and Tully Community branch libraries. The Tully Community branch was by far the busiest site, with over 3,000 meals served. The Library partnered with YMCA, which served as the agent and coordinated the summer lunch program with the USDA. As required by the USDA, the locations selected are in areas of San Jose where a majority of the population meets income criteria for the federal free school meals program. Second Harvest Food Bank provided produce for families twice a week and packaged snacks for afternoon distribution.

Adult Literacy The Library provides services to adults with low literacy skills through the Partners in Reading program. In FY 2014-15, more than 350 adult learners worked one-on-one or in small groups with volunteer tutors to improve their reading and writing skills. The learners set goals that relate to their lives, like learning to read medicine labels or learning to write an email. Tutors and learners meet in libraries throughout the City with support provided by Partners in Reading staff located at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

ESL and Citizenship The Library provides English as a Second Language (ESL) services throughout the City. All branches and the King Library hold weekly ESL Conversation Clubs, which are small group sessions led by trained volunteers. Many branches and the King Library also provide formal ESL classes. On average, 30 classes are offered each week, with a variety of levels and skills addressed. In any given month, roughly 2,800 people attend ESL programs in the Library. Students also have access to a variety of books, audio materials, DVDs, and online resources for improving their English skills. HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 6

The Library works in partnership with community organizations like SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network) and the Center for Employment Training to help with citizenship matters. These and other groups help immigrants pass the citizenship exam by connecting community members with legal assistance; citizenship information in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Vietnamese; and mock citizenship interview sessions. All libraries offer citizenship materials such as books and DVDs that are available for checkout, as well.

War Comes Home In fall 2014, the Library administered a grant from Cal Humanities to engage the community in discussing the topic War Comes Home. Library users were encouraged to participate by reading the book What it is Like to Go to War and attending Library events and panel discussions of veteran-related themes. The grant also included a cross-generational oral history project, in which Library staff trained teen volunteers to interview local veterans and then edited the resulting interviews into a movie. Community screenings were held and followed by opportunities for attendees to meet the veterans and their teen interviewers. A donation drive for personal care items provided another opportunity for community involvement. Items like toothbrushes, socks, and deodorant were collected at all library locations and then distributed by a local community partner serving homeless veterans.

Silicon Valley Reads Silicon Valley Reads is an annual community program that selects books focused on a theme and offers free events throughout Santa Clara County. SJPL continues to be an active partner in this program, and the 2015 theme of "Homeland & Home: The Immigrant Experience," was personal for many library users. Over a period of two months, 62 programs were presented at libraries throughout the city, with a total attendance of 1,694. Books for all ages were highlighted, and programs included readings by the authors, fdm screenings, book club discussions, and celebrity storytimes featuring San Jose City Councilmembers and local news personalities.

4) Ensure libraries are safe, welcoming, and up to date

The Library's prioritization of patron and staff safety is reflected in Capital infrastructure and maintenance efforts, application of appropriate policies and procedures, and use of equipment and technology. SJPL is dedicated to serving all customers equally, with the goal of making information available to every person in a secure, relaxing, and pleasing environment. Key efforts in FY 2014-15 included revisions to the Library's Customer Conduct Policy, developing a Visitors Guidelines for Personal Belongings, converting the East Branch Carnegie parking lot HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 7 lights to LED, and piloting additional contract security services at joint facilities in partnership with Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS).

Village Square In April 2015, City Council approved the name of the Village Square Branch Library for a new 16,000 ft2 facility located in southeast San Jose. With the grand opening of the Village Square Branch slated for early 2016, SJPL will complete the final construction project undertaken in connection with the 2000 Branch Library Bond Program.

5) Connect people to current technology

Privacy Toolkit Working with partners at San Jose State University (the Game Development Club) and the International Computer Science Institute's (ICSI) Teaching Privacy Team, the Library utilized a $35,000 Prototype Grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to develop a video game to teach users about online privacy. The project was featured on National Public Radio's On the Media and in San Jose's Metro newspaper. An interactive website in multiple languages is now live and delivers custom privacy recommendations, quick tools, in depth research on the current state of online privacy, and information on how the Library protects patron privacy.

Public Computers In FY 2014-15, the Department replaced all public access desktop computers in Branch Libraries. The Library currently has 1,538 computers available for public use, which also includes recently purchased laptops (64), Chromebooks (20), and tablets (4). For security, the Library deployed a product which provides a freshly imaged, clean and safe desktop every time a new user logs onto a public computer. Instruction tablets (both Apple and Android) are available at all locations and for the roving Electronic Resources staff team to demonstrate how to access and use ebooks, elearning, and the Summer Reading Challenge app, in one-on-one and group sessions. To meet increased demand for WiFi connectivity for Library and personal devices, SJPL has nearly completed an upgrade to 100 Mbps AT&T switched Ethernet at all Branch locations, which will pave the way for an upgrade to 1000 Gbps (1 Gigabit) in 2016.

6) Strengthen and seek partnerships that enhance services

Local Business The Library continued its successful partnership with eBay on two distinct fronts in FY 2014-15. SJPL worked with five volunteers from eBay, commencing with eBay's Opportunity Hack day and concluding with SJPL and Code for San Jose's Code Across event on the National Day of HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 8

Civic Hacking. Volunteers contributed 125 hours of design and coding efforts to prototype and develop enhanced digital access to the California Room Digital Collection of historic primary sources. The ideas and working prototypes generated will help the Library to improve the collection's digital interface, contributing to future access enhancements for this and other digital collections. For the second year, eBay engineers helped the library to develop a 2015 Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) website, administration dashboard, and Apple and Android mobile apps. The online and mobile offerings were more successful than last year, despite a drop in overall program participation, and the Library's work with eBay on SRC over the last two years has led SJPL to be regarded as a leader in summer reading technology development for Libraries. SJPL is now lending expertise on a new, shared, open source platform to be used by SJPL and other libraries in 2016.

Funding Partners The Library secured a $15,000 Innovation and Technology Opportunity grant from the Pacific Library Partnership to work with a consultant (formerly of Make Magazine and author of the MakerSpace Playbook for schools) to facilitate a design process for a mobile maker space and technology learning lab called the Maker[Space]Ship. The design team included a Teen advisory board, with the goal of producing not only a design for a new 38-foot Library vehicle for hands- on STEAM learning, but also a design guide that may be used by other Libraries interested in pursuing similar projects. Prototype programs included two pop-up events: one at the Mayfair skatepark, using action cameras and laptops for media creation, and one at Alpha Public School, using a simple electricity learning activity. The vehicle completion and launch is anticipated in 2016.

7) Engage staff and volunteers with opportunities for growth and development

Volunteers The Library continues its commitment to working with volunteers to provide enhanced services. Last year, 2,669 volunteers contributed 77,300 hours of service. Through their volunteerism, 7,400 participants improved their ability to speak English at ESL Conversation Clubs, more than 7,900 children took part in important early literacy experiences through Reading to Children, 4,750 customers received one-on-one tech mentoring, and nearly 8,500 hours were logged by 708 teens supporting the Summer Reading Challenge. A Side Letter Agreement between the City and the Municipal Employees' Federation, AFSCME, Local 101 (MEF) on April 22, 2015 identified additional responsibilities for the role of Library Services volunteers. The initial goal established for the expansion is that volunteers will shelve 10% of returned materials, or 3,130 items daily, an activity that would have the greatest direct impact on the Library's ability to HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 9 augment staff roles and expand service hours. Implementation activities are scheduled to begin in fall 2015. .

The expanded role of Library volunteers enables volunteers to work independently throughout the Library, including areas for children and teens. As providing for the safety of its customers is a top Library priority, all current and potential volunteers under age 18 are now required to complete the fingerprinting process prior to beginning service. Previously, only those Library volunteers who worked directly with youth were required to complete the fingerprinting process. This transition will be completed in FY2015-16.

The Auditor's 2014 report also recommended that volunteerism be increased at those branches with the fewest volunteers. In response, six branch libraries developed and implemented individualized volunteer plans to enhance localized volunteer program efforts. During the fiscal year, these branches doubled their volunteer hours from 3,407 hours to 6,768 hours. The Library also began using a number of new online recruitment outlets during the year, including All for Good, the All for Good Facebook app, Nextdoor, Idealist, Create the Good, and TeenLife. These recruitment streams have proven effective and a good fit with VolunteerMatch, the City and Library websites, and offline recruitment activities. To support the growth of the volunteer program, the Library filled its vacant volunteer coordinator position in January 2015.

Employee Engagement Professional development opportunities and engagement efforts are key to maintaining positive and highly trained staff. Each year, the Staff Development and Training Committee hosts four major all staff in-service events. In FY 2014-15, the Library hosted a September mini- conference, featuring multiple informational and educational workshops; a December all staff training focused on Earthquake preparedness for both work and home; in April, the Library hosted its annual staff appreciation event; and, in June, an informational and celebratory event was held regarding re-organizing the Department to implement the new six-day service model. Alongside the Library's continuing training and development efforts, the Department also focused on improvement through the Citywide employee engagement process. The 2014 Citywide Gallup poll showed that, as an overall organization, the City's employee engagement "GrandMean" (average of the 12 elements of Gallup's metric) was 3.56, which is noted as 40% higher than the sample of public sector agencies. The Library's specific "GrandMean" was 3.95, placing it in the 70th percentile of all public sector agencies. Each unit within the Department has developed team goals and actions based on their team engagement results. HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 10

8) Boost public awareness of Library services and value

SJPL Bound The Library continues to look for innovative ways to increase awareness of Library services. In June 2015, the Library published its first quarterly publication, SJPL Bound. The 12-page booklet highlights events, services, news, and opportunities offered at libraries across the city. The first issue covered nearly 100 events offered during the summer months (June through August 2015). The booklet featured the Library's annual Summer Reading Challenge, online services, programs and services offered in international languages, and back-to-school resources. The publication was distributed to all 23 Library locations and 13 community centers, while also being made available online at sjpl.org/SJPLBound. The magazine was created by the Library's marketing and communications team in collaboration with the Instructional Programming Services unit. Incorporating feedback from Council and stakeholders, subsequent issues have been improved with event locations and translation of information into Spanish and Vietnamese.

SJ FestivALL On Saturday, May 16, 2015, the Library teamed up with PRNS to present SJ FestivALL, a one- day outdoor festival held at the Discovery Meadow Park, in downtown San Jose showcasing programs, classes, and camps offered over the summer. Approximately 2,000 attendees had the opportunity to explore various activity booths, enjoy cultural performances, watch and participate in fitness demonstrations, and learn about the City's summer programs.

Translation Services The Library continues to encourage its staff to become certified translators with the City. Currently, the Library has 100 staff members certified to provide oral translations in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Of the 100 translators, 17 translators are certified to provide written translations in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Written translators provide translations primarily in Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Utilizing these in-house resources, the Library is able to translate promotional materials, announcements regarding service changes, and general information about the Library.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

This is a regular Library report to the Neighborhood Services & Education Committee which will be updated annually. HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL November 23, 2015 Subject: 2014-2015 Annual Library Usage Report Page 11

PUBLIC OUTREACH

This memorandum will be posted on the City's Council Agenda website for the December 10, 2015, Neighborhood Services & Education Committee Meeting.

COORDINATION

Not applicable.

CEOA

Not a Project, File No. PP10-069(a), Annual Reports that involve no approvals of any City Actions.

JILL BOURNE Director, Library Department

For questions, please contact Heidi Dolamore, Assistant Director, at (408) 808-2151. 11/24/2015

2014/15 Annual Library Usage Report San Jose Public Library

Open More Library Hours and Online Access

Six day service v wv r;. Wt m ' v«*r- increases hours L -A i i 1 .m» by 38%

Addition of 36.5 full-time equivalent employees

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Increase Access to Collections and New Methods to Access Content

California Room • 32,025 visits •1,858 new digital images

languages Collections • 18 locations offer 4+ languages • More than 20 languages and dialects ° 21% physical holdings ° 20% checked out materials

Online Services • Users logged in 2,875,034 visits to Library's website and event calendar • 26% increase to digital checkouts

Enrich life-long learning programs and services for all ages

Early Education • 8,000 monthly participants • 50 weekly storytimes • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten registered 1,300 children during its 1st quarter

Summer Learning • 18,500 participated in Summer Reading Challenge • r • 7,156 meals served to adults and children

Adult Literacy • More than 350 adult learners worked to Our Veterans, Our Communit improve literacy skills • On average 30 ESL classes offered each sjpi.org /veterans week with 2,000 people attending

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Ensure libraries are safe, welcoming, and up-to-date

Village Square Branch Library

East Branch parking lot lights switched to LEDs Extra security services at joint PRNS facilities

Connect people to current technology and tools • metroactive Hem* Uiisk A Out* itorirt Acts R*s>axzrts & CoVrrr/s 1,538 new public Features & Columns computers Video Game Teaches Online Security 13 64 New Laptops rt iirjr.rontMn e m CPfl! fitw Cf.Ap»* OA rt 20 Chromebooks RHS k-j'7 4 Tablets Wi-fi upgraded to herax crirt [ri3(rKi(cnikadtmdatv»rxtf»tjStct}ivt^'Fccp( rlrm! In VJB tw otnr •1/1, PHr.t t tl '3 j tfmj rem »:

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Strengthen and seek partnerships that enhance services

eBay • Opportunity Hack day • CodeAcross • Summer Reading Challenge website and app

Pacific Library Leadership • $15,000 grant for Mobile Maker[Space]Ship • Teen Advisory board • Estimated completion in 2016

Engage staff and volunteers with opportunities for growth and development

2,669 volunteers logged a total of 77,300 hours

Volunteer Impact

• 7,400 participants improved ESL skills • 4,750 children took part in early literacy experiences • 8,500 hours logged by 708 teens supporting Summer Reading Challenge • An increase of 99% volunteered hours in branches with fewest volunteers

Staffing

• The Library scored 3.95 in the Citywide engagement survey (top 70th percentile)

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Boost public awareness of library services and value

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Look forward to another great year. Thank you for your continued support!

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