|
Local library service in California is authorized in the Education Code, and communities may use one of several approaches provided in law. Using Education Code Section 18300 et seq. ("Unified School Districts and Union High School Districts Public Libraries"), the Library District was established by vote of the citizens in June 1911; this vote additionally established a library services tax on property owners within the boundaries of the new Library District. The original name was the Dixon Union High School District Library District of Solano County, California.
As provided for in the law, the Library District uses the same geographic boundaries as the school district, and encompasses 196 square miles in eastern Solano County (map). The law also stipulates that those individuals who are elected to the governing board of the school district must also serve as the Governing Board of Library Trustees.
Only three library districts organized under this section of the Education Code still exist: Dixon, Vacaville and Coalinga. These special district libraries are independent of any city or county, and are not part of the school district; all financial, personnel, operational and organizational aspects are separate and independent. The law has also been changed to allow these districts to choose a more appropriate legal name; in 2006, the Dixon Unified School District Library District of Solano County, California was changed to Dixon Public Library District.
Another change in the law allowed the Governing Board of Library Trustees to appoint a five-member Library Commission to which most of the powers and authority of the Board are transferred. The Library Trustees still retain the powers for final budget approval, land and building decisions, and appointments to the Library Commission. The five-member Commission now has oversight responsibility for operations, policies and procedures, initial budget development, etc. The Commission also hires the District Librarian.
The District Librarian serves as the chief executive officer of the Library District. He or she is responsible for the implementation of Commission decisions, directives and policies and provides the day-to-day administration of the library. The District Librarian represents the Library District in local and regional consortia as well as at the state level and with the California State Library. Since 1913 there have been 11 District Librarians.
|
