RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
• Replacing T1 circuits at 23 community libraries with 10mbps Opteman circuits.
• Upgrading packet shaper license to shape up to 200mbps.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The network system upgrade is in the Library’s budget and is amortized over three years as follows:
Year 1 – $90,500 (12 libraries upgraded to 10mbps Opteman circuits)
Year 2 – $73,250 (7 libraries upgraded to 10 mbps Opteman circuits.)
Year 3 – $125,900 (4 libraries upgraded to 10 mbps Opteman circuits.)
The monthly charges for the new circuits are eligible for discounts through the federal telecommunications discount program called “Erate”; the Library has already been approved a 61% discount, applying $72,443 discount for Opteman for the first 12 circuits. The state telecommunications discount program, California Teleconnect Fund, provides an additional 50% reduction to the monthly charges. The Library annually applies for telecommunications funds and will continue to do so for the remaining circuit installations and monthly charges.
BACKGROUND:
Providing access to the Internet and offering public access computers are core services of the Contra Costa County Library. To support these core services, the Library requires sufficient bandwidth to provide circulation and reference services while also providing a fast internet connection to support the information needs of customers and that of staff assisting them.
The Contra Costa County Library has 23 community libraries and 3 outlets. All libraries are connected to the Pleasant Hill Administration Computer Room by a single T1 circuit, with the exception of two libraries. Each of these two libraries are connected by two T1 circuits. Each location provides a variety of services that require connection to either the internet or to the servers at the Pleasant Hill site. These services must share the bandwidth of the single T1. The services include:
• Public Internet access via Library owned computers
• Public Internet access via free wireless hotspots
• Public access to the Library website and online catalog
• Public access to print server/printer
• Public self checkin/checkout machines
• Public access to account information and e-commerce
• Staff access to Integrated Library System for checking out and returning books
• Staff access to file server, email server, and other staff services
• Staff Internet access for reference services
• Voice over IP at one location for staff communications
Library Automation has worked with the County Department of Information Technology (DOIT) for the past 15+ years to configure and improve the network. As the needs of the Library have changed and the number of customers and public computers has grown, DOIT has provided recommendations and solutions to improve and maintain network speed. This proposal is a result of their recommendation.
• Purchase and configuration of a PacketShaper.
• Installation of a 100mb Opteman circuit between the Library and DOIT.
• Configure an Opteman network to connect all community libraries
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Library services will come to a standstill as available bandwidth is consumed. Current available bandwidth will not continue to sustain the needs of the library public access computers, library catalog, circulation system, wireless access, and staff reference service. All of these areas are instrumental to the Library Strategic Plan and Library Services.
In accordance with Administrative Bulletin No 611.0, County Departments are required to get Board approval for single item purchases over $100,000. The County Administrator’s Office has reviewed this request and recommends approval.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Library’s services supports all five community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) Children Ready for and Succeeding in School; (2) Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood; (3) Families that are Economically Self Sufficient; (4) Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing; and (5) Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families. Library information, resources, computer access, and programming support children and their families in obtaining these outcomes.