Performance audit. Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped : Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia / State of Georgia, Performance Audit Operations Division, Department of Audits and Accounts

Russell W. Hinton, State Auditor

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia

June 2002

Performance Audit Operations Division Department of Audits and Accounts

254 Washington St., SW Atlanta, GA 30334

The overall purpose of the Georgia Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (the Regional Library) and its 13 sub-regional libraries is to provide library services to blind and physically handicapped citizens of Georgia. Through these libraries, patrons have access to bookson-tape (talking books) and special playback equipment, Braille materials, and reader advisory services. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) provides the Regional Library and sub-regional libraries with copies of books and magazines in Braille and on cassette and provides the necessary playback equipment at no cost to the state or eligible users. Patrons who are not able to visit one of the libraries in person may obtain talking books and other materials through the mail.
The Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is administered by the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) within the Board of Regents of the University System. The Regional Library, located in Atlanta, serves as the direct provider of library services to patrons residing in 16 counties in the Atlanta area. In addition, the Regional Library is designated as the state's coordinator of library services for the blind and physically handicapped. The state's 13 sub-regional libraries are housed in public libraries throughout the state. The sub-regional libraries provide many of the same services as the Regional Library; however, their collections are generally smaller and primarily comprised of recorded books provided by NLS.
In fiscal year 2001, the Regional Library expended approximately $286,000, all of which was federal funds. The sub-regional libraries are funded through state grants, with each library receiving a base grant of $10,000 plus $32 per registered reader and $.63 per circulation. In fiscal year 2001, the subregional libraries' expenditures totaled approximately $1.2 million. For fiscal year 2002, the subregional libraries were budgeted to receive $1.1 million.
Since 1996 the Georgia Public Library Service has moved from the Department of Education to the Department of Adult and Technical Education and then to the Board of Regents. It should also be noted that the position of State Librarian was vacant from 1995 through September 2001.

Action should be taken by the Board of Regents to implement a more efficient and effective system for providing library services to the state's blind and physically handicapped citizens. Our review of the Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped found a lack of organ-

Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Page 1

izational responsibility and direction, a service delivery system that is outmoded, and a funding mechanism that is ineffective and out-of-date. Each of these areas is briefly discussed below.

Library Management Although the 13 sub-regional libraries are an integral part of the Library Services for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped, they are not organizationally responsible to the Board of Regents nor are they subject to any type of contractual obligation. The sub-regional libraries are answerable only to the library systems in which they are located, with the result that the state has little control over their operations even though it provides all or a substantial percentage of their operating funds (with the exception of the Gainesville sub-regional library which no longer serves patrons outside Hall County and no longer receives state funds). While the Regional Librarian attempts to fulfill the Regional Library's statewide responsibilities, the Librarian does not have the resources to coordinate the development of programs and services among the sub-regional libraries; assist with planning and outreach activities; or develop and coordinate sub-regional and area-wide publicity and public relations efforts.

Library Operations Having 13 sub-regional libraries each maintain extensive collections of books-on-tape and each
fill patrons' requests for books and other materials is unnecessary and inefficient. By taking advantage of available technology, a system could be implemented that would enable eligible patrons to request books online from any library in the state and have them sent to them from a central location. Community outreach efforts conducted by the Regional Library and sub-regional libraries are limited. In fiscal year 2001 there were no reported outreach efforts in 98 of the state's counties. Although the Regional Library is responsible for serving citizens in 16 counties in the Atlanta area, it is located in a warehouse in an area of abandoned buildings, light industry, and other warehouses. For a virtual tour of the Regional Library, please go to http://www2.state.ga.us/ Departments/audit/pao/rlbph.wmv.

Library Funding The current funding mechanism does not ensure that all of the sub-regional libraries provide a
minimum level of service throughout the state. The funding formula, which is not addressed in the Board's polices, has not been updated in at least 12 years (according to a long-time GPLS employee). Absent any voluntary support from their host library system, 10 of the sub-regional libraries would not be able to provide the level of support they currently provide. Four of these libraries rely on local support for 28%-46% of their operating budgets. Almost 90% of each sub-regional library's state-aid grant is based on self-reported data regarding the number of registered readers and circulations. Although this data serves as the basis for allocating $1.2 million in state funds each year, we have no assurance that the data is accurate. The Regional Library is not funded or staffed adequately to carry out its dual role as a 14th subregional library and as the statewide coordinator of library services.

It should be noted that many of the problems discussed in this report were identified in a Study conducted by Himmel and Wilson Library Consultants that was released in June 2000. At the time of our audit, no action had been taken to address the Study's recommendations.
In its written response to the audit report, the Board of Regents indicated that it concurred with the recommendations and was taking corrective action as appropriate.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Audit, contact Paul Bernard at 404-657-5220.

Click here for full report Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Page 2