A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the complexities of digital content licensing and its financial implications. The library must navigate the high costs of digital materials due to licensing agreements with publishers through third-party vendors like OverDrive. A stark example was provided with the mention of a popular Kristin Hannah book, which costs libraries $60 for a digital copy compared to $14.99 for consumers. This pricing disparity is not limited to e-books but extends to audiobooks and other formats, with year-over-year price increases from publishers posing additional challenges.

The board expressed concern that these financial burdens could restrict the library’s ability to maintain a diverse and current collection, potentially affecting projects like the popular read-along programs. Unlike physical books, digital content is subject to restrictive licensing agreements, meaning libraries do not own the content in the traditional sense. This creates further complications in responding to community needs and evolving demands.

There was an acknowledgment of the demographic variability among digital users, with younger patrons potentially more inclined to use digital resources. However, a lack of concrete data due to restrained tracking capabilities was noted. The Library Go initiative, a partnership with St. Paul Public Schools, provides students access to digital content on school-issued devices, showing a broader use of digital resources.

The board also explored strategies other libraries might be employing to address the rising costs of digital collections. While some libraries are exploring innovative purchasing strategies to maximize budgets, obtaining DRM-free collections remains a challenge. The board members expressed shared frustrations with the digital acquisition landscape and the difficulties of balancing budget constraints with service delivery.

A resolution was passed to maintain purchasing power for library collections, emphasizing the impact of budget constraints on services. The board recognized the importance of ongoing support from the Friends of the Library, which is important for sustaining services in the coming years. The discussions underlined the need for strategic planning to ensure collections remain relevant and meet the community’s evolving needs.

In another part of the meeting, the board addressed the ongoing budget issues affecting library materials. Director Hartman and Jeff Schaffer presented an update on the library’s materials selection and budget proposal, noting a 3% decrease in the materials budget. However, the Friends of the Library have pledged a fundraising effort to raise $40,000, reducing the impact of the budget cut to about 2.4%.

The challenges posed by budget constraints on the library’s ability to provide a diverse range of materials were discussed. Hartman detailed the materials budget, which includes a $175,000 competitive grant and contributions from the Friends of the Library, totaling approximately $1.067 million with other revenue sources.

A focus on digital and physical materials revealed a shift in circulation patterns. By 2020, the balance between physical and digital circulation shifted to approximately 60% physical and 40% digital, influenced by the pandemic. Despite stabilization in digital borrowing, overall circulation has increased since 2020. Board members inquired about future trends, with Hartman noting that while digital borrowing has stabilized, physical circulation faces ongoing challenges in maintaining a diverse and up-to-date collection.

The meeting also highlighted community engagement efforts, particularly in rebuilding the Hamlin Midway Library collection. The library employs multiple platforms for patron access to materials, with the Libby app serving as a primary tool for digital content. Discussions centered on the balance between physical and digital collections, with acknowledgment of budget allocations impacting digital circulation. While some urban libraries allocate a significant percentage of their budgets to digital collections, St. Paul’s library has maintained a static funding level, which may explain the stabilization in digital usage.

Further discussion touched on the physical collection’s maintenance and relevance, guided by a collection development policy. The library conducts periodic purges to remove outdated or damaged materials. The board acknowledged the challenges in achieving equilibrium between materials added and removed while striving to maintain relevance for patrons.