January 18, 2006

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Palo Alto Online

Library survey results due

by Bill D'Agostino

Tentative results from a highly-anticipated telephone survey concerning the Palo Alto library system could be available as soon as the end of January, and some residents are concerned the information will be used to close branches.

This month Godbe Research, the city's research firm, is polling approximately 600 residents about Palo Alto's five-branch system. The Library Advisory Commission could review raw data at its monthly meeting on Jan. 26. The results will help the commission determine in coming months which new and ongoing library services are most in need, Commissioner Valerie Stinger said. "We want some objective feedback representing a good cross section of the community," she said. The commission plans to possibly forward a recommendation to the City Council in the spring on how to best upgrade the city's ailing and aging libraries. Library Director Paula Simpson said she would not reveal the survey's questions because the researchers at Godbe told her doing so would inappropriately alter the results. Residents' fears about the vulnerability of branches stem from an earlier debate on the subject. In 2004, Simpson recommended shutting smaller branches -- or turning the buildings over to other uses while keeping part of the spaces available for lesser library services -- to improve conditions at the larger, more popular sites. The City Council voted against that recommendation but asked the library commission to gather input for a new plan. Hard feelings still linger from that discussion. At the time, Simpson argued the city had enough funding for only two-and-a-half branches and said keeping all five branches open was hindering the city from providing all the amenities of a modern library. Some members of the Friends of the Palo Alto Library board are concerned recent similar public statements from the director and other librarians could bias survey responders. "I just want people to know we do have a choice between two and five libraries," Friends board member Ellen Wyman said. "It does depend on how you spend your money." The library director said the city made it clear to Godbe that the poll shouldn't advocate a particular position but get an accurate reading of the communities' needs and desires. "It's objective as we could possibly make it," Simpson said. Stinger refused to comment on the controversy, saying the debate was polarizing and detracting from more important questions. "The issue isn't how many bricks and mortars," Stinger said. "The issue is how do we get good services."

Staff Writer Bill D'Agostino can be e-mailed at bdagostino@paweekly.com.

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