Introduction: Explain the Proposal
“The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library” – in this quote, Albert Einstein emphasizes the importance of libraries because they are the backbone of the education system. The Free Library of Philadelphia plays a pivotal role in the access to information among Philadelphians. However, like numerous public libraries, the library is in an appalling condition due to understaffing and financial constraints (Smith, 2019). Consequently, the library cannot provide high-quality services and meet the community’s needs. Thus, this proposal seeks to enhance the Free Library Philadelphia by adding staff and increasing funding.
Importance of the Change
Enhancing the Free Library of Philadelphia is critical in supporting community development. It will promote access to information since most people in Philadelphia rely on the library. A well-staffed and funded library is a key social infrastructure of modern cities (Latham & Layton, 2019). The change is also necessary since libraries promote creativity and innovation through resource access. Additionally, since Philadelphia is a diverse community, enhancing the library will foster equity and inclusion. Libraries offer services to everyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. Lastly, this proposal guarantees the continued preservation of the cultural heritage of Philadelphia. Therefore, this change is necessary for the Philadelphia community.
Problems Addressed by the Change
This proposal strives to address two significant problems affecting the Free Library of Philadelphia. Firstly, it will address understaffing of the library. The library lost 22% of its staff between 2009 and 2018 (Hoopes & Everitt, 2021). The workforce dropped further in 2020 following the emergence of COVID-19 (Hoopes & Everitt, 2021). The staff has been experiencing burnout in their bid to offer services. According to Miller-Nesbitt (2022), understaffing leads to low morale among librarians, which undermines productivity. Besides, the library only opens for shorter hours due to understaffing. Secondly, the proposal addresses the financial constraints that the library is experiencing. The library directors are juggling maintenance and staffing issues due to inadequate funding (Hoopes & Everitt, 2021). Addressing these problems will significantly transform the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Major Elements
The success of this proposal is anchored on three key elements. A budget outlining the costs for the proposed change is a crucial component. A staffing plan elaborating on how the new staff will be recruited and the needed qualifications is also important. Lastly, the proposal comprises a technology plan outlining how the latest technology will be integrated into the library. This element will also entail an analysis of existing technology infrastructure. These components are vital in the realization of the desired change.
Desired Outcome
The desired outcome for enhancing the Free Library of Philadelphia is ensuring it offers users high-quality resources and services. In particular, four key outcomes are expected after the change implementation. First, increased patron usage is expected with a larger workforce. Second, expanded programming is expected since the library will offer the community a wider array of services and programs. Third, increased accessibility is envisioned since the library will be open for longer hours. Fourth, improved staff morale is anticipated since the workload will be distributed, improving job satisfaction and performance (Miller-Nesbitt, 2022).
Key Factors
A number of key factors will guide the implementation of change in the Free Library of Philadelphia. A needs assessment will identify key areas of the library that need improvement. For instance, areas where a significant percentage of funds should be allocated. Developing a strategic plan for addressing the identified needs is also an important step. Recruitment of additional staff is another critical step in implementing the change. Upgrading technology is a major process, which will ensure the Free Library of Philadelphia is capable of providing digital services to patrons. Additionally, collaboration with community partners is vital to ensure successful implementation of change.
Who and/or What Required for Proposal Execution
The leadership of Philadelphia city is vital in the execution of this proposal. The mayor, with other city leaders, determine funds allocated to the libraries. Thus, the city leadership possess the power to increase funding, a crucial component of this proposal. In addition, they can help increase the workforce at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Leadership of the Free Public Libraries is also necessary in the execution of this proposal. These leaders are better positioned to understand the financial and staffing needs of libraries. The executive director of the Pennsylvania Library Association also has an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting libraries. Overall, these leaders can significantly influence the adoption of this proposal.
Potential Challenges
Political interference is a potential problem that should be addressed before implementing the proposal. The decision to increase funding to the Free Library of Philadelphia is closely linked to the city’s politics. It can hinder change implementation particularly because of the economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Community engagement is another issue that could undermine proposal execution. The community hinder change implementation if they are involved in deciding funds allocation. Thus, it is critical secure community support before implementing the change.
Financial Benefits of the Change
Economic development of the community is one the financial benefits of enhancing the Free Library of Philadelphia. For instance, the new staff will be recruited from the community. Increased economic activity in the area is another key financial benefit of enhancing the library. A well-funded public library is bound to attract visitors, who will spend money while in the area. Cost savings is also a key financial benefit of increasing funding to the Free Library of Philadelphia. The free access to internet and computers reduces the need for purchases these devices (Tsekea & Chigwada, 2020). Besides the financial benefits, the change will also result in non-financial benefits.
Non-Financial Benefits of the Change
First, the change will increase access to information among the city residents. A well-staffed and funded library offers patrons with a wide range of information resources. Particularly, it promotes lifelong learning. Second, the community will experience improved literacy and education. Increased funding and staffing will ensure the Free Library of Philadelphia can offer educational programs and resources to people of all ages. Last, this change will promote community building. When public libraries are well-equipped, they serve as hubs for community building. According to Tîrziman (2018), funded public libraries are an integral part of local communities. Besides, it promotes social connections and fosters a sense of community among Philadelphians. Therefore, improving the library is highly beneficial.
Conclusion
Investing in the Free Library of Philadelphia by increasing funding and staff is a wise decision that will offer multiple financial and non-financial benefits. By approving this proposal, the city council demonstrates its commitment to education, well-being, and prosperity of the Philadelphia community.
References
Smith, M. (2019). Top Ten challenges facing public libraries. Public Library Quarterly, 38(3), 241-247. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2019.1608617
Tîrziman, E. (2018). Contemporary Library and its role in the community. Romanian Journal of Library and Information Science, 14(2), 56-63. https://doi.org/10.26660/rrbsi.2018.14.2.56
Miller-Nesbitt, A. (2022). The causes and consequences of low morale amongst public librarians. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 17(4), 167-169. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30219
Latham, A., & Layton, J. (2019). Social Infrastructure and the public life of cities: Studying urban sociality and public spaces. Geography Compass, 13(7), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1111/gec3.12444
Tsekea, S., & Chigwada, J. P. (2020). Covid-19: Strategies for positioning the University Library in support of e-learning. Digital Library Perspectives, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/dlp-06-2020-0058
Hoopes, E., & Everitt, J. (2021, March 8). Free library is understaffed, undervalued and budget cuts won’t help. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/free-library-philadelphia-budget-cuts-mayor-kenney-20210308.html
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