Privatizing Libraries Idea Put On Hold

Source:By MICHAEL D. BATES, Hernando Today (FL), April 4, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - Talks of privatizing the county's library system are on hold, even as the county mulls a sales proposal from a Maryland-based outsourcing firm.  ealth and Human Services Director Jean Rags, one of three county officials who met with a representative from Library Systems and Services, LLC (LSSI), said the sales material is "a little misleading."  The company claims it can save Hernando County $500,000 annually if it takes over the county's six library branches.  Problem is, the company is a bit vague about how it would accomplish that, Rags said.

...... In a memo, Library Services Director Barbara Shiflett detailed several concerns she has with privatizing, including the public's perception of local taxpayers' dollars going to a private company's profits, additional fees imposed on patrons and less accountability to the public and government.