Frequently Asked Questions
When LSSI provides management services for my library or library system, how much control does my city/county and Library Board have to relinquish?
In fact, the city/county and Library Board will have more control of your library because there are more resources available to improve library operations overall. We manage the library for you, but it continues to be YOUR library. Your city, Library Board, and citizens continue to make all policy decisions, drive programs, manage collections, and determine operating hours. The difference is, we can help operate your library with improved service, more efficiently, and more cost effectively.
In fact, the city/county and Library Board will have more control of your library because there are more resources available to improve library operations overall. We manage the library for you, but it continues to be YOUR library. Your city, Library Board, and citizens continue to make all policy decisions, drive programs, manage collections, and determine operating hours. The difference is, we can help operate your library with improved service, more efficiently, and more cost effectively.
Does LSSI own the libraries you operate? Do you own the book collection?
LSSI does not take ownership of any library assets. All property and assets, including the book collection, of the libraries we operate remain the property of the community.
LSSI does not take ownership of any library assets. All property and assets, including the book collection, of the libraries we operate remain the property of the community.
Is it true that current library employees are usually replaced with staff that is brought in from outside of our local area?
Quite the contrary. In most instances we retain all or nearly all current employees; they just become employees of LSSI rather than the city or county. This ensures that your library remains as local as possible to the community we serve. Retaining Institutional knowledge is a top priority for LSSI. We're committed to providing better opportunities for every qualified, committed and engaged staff member.
Quite the contrary. In most instances we retain all or nearly all current employees; they just become employees of LSSI rather than the city or county. This ensures that your library remains as local as possible to the community we serve. Retaining Institutional knowledge is a top priority for LSSI. We're committed to providing better opportunities for every qualified, committed and engaged staff member.
Most library costs are operated on fixed-cost budgets. How can you possibly provide more for less?
We're able to leverage the collective experiences of our many library operations across the nation. We also utilize information systems and automation technologies wherever possible to help relieve our staff members from tedious backroom tasks, and allow them to be out front, engaging with citizens and sharing their knowledge.
We're able to leverage the collective experiences of our many library operations across the nation. We also utilize information systems and automation technologies wherever possible to help relieve our staff members from tedious backroom tasks, and allow them to be out front, engaging with citizens and sharing their knowledge.
Do LSSI managed libraries have shorter operating hours?
In most cases operating hours stay the same or even increase, depending on the agreed contract budget.
LSSI always strives to increase hours of operation as a major component of the LSSI solution.
In most cases operating hours stay the same or even increase, depending on the agreed contract budget.
LSSI always strives to increase hours of operation as a major component of the LSSI solution.