STATEMENT OF NEED: The Contractor shall administer and operate the public library system (“Library”) on behalf of Warren County, Virginia (“the County”), delivering full-service public library functions to the residents of Warren County in a cost-effective, transparent, and professionally managed manner. All services shall be provided in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, and in alignment with policies adopted by the Warren County Library Board (“the Library Board”) and the County Board of Supervisors. 1. Library Operations Management: The Contractor shall be responsible for daily operations of the Library Facility and shall ensure the provision of reliable, high-quality public library services to all patrons under the oversight and governance of the Library Board. The Library shall be open to the public a minimum of six days and 54 hours per week, including evening and weekend hours as appropriate. Contractor shall provide adequate staffing during all open hours. Contractor shall comply with guidance set forth in Virginia Code 17VAC15 et. seq applicable to enabling the receipt of state and federal aid and the certification of however many library professionals as are required to run the Library in accordance with law. The Library may be closed on Federal Holidays, and may be closed on additional days at the discretion of the Library Board or when remaining open is unsafe due to weather or other events. The Contractor shall develop and maintain an Emergency Response and Continuity of Operations Plan, to be reviewed annually with the County and Library Board. In collaboration with the Library Board, the Contractor shall assist in developing policies covering all operations of the library, including, but not limited to, the following: Child Safety Policy; Computer & Internet Use Policy; Meeting Room Policy; Personnel Policy; Social Media Policy; Conflict of Interest Policy; and others, to be jointly determined. 2. Staffing and Human Resources: The Contractor shall recruit, hire, train, supervise, and retain qualified staff sufficient to carry out all responsibilities under this contract. Contractor shall: • Integrate the existing resources and work processes of the library into a structure that enables all existing or newly-hired staff to accomplish their work, either independently and/or through teams, with clarity, specificity, necessary resources and within a supportive environment that encourages achievement and professional. • Employ a qualified Library Director. • Ensure sufficient staffing for various roles, which may include Youth Section, Adult Section, Community Outreach, Volunteer Liaison, Technical Services, Reference Desk and Circulation; such roles may be held by more than one person, or one person may hold several roles. • Support a robust volunteer program with a plan for retention, training and management, including coordination with the Friends of the Library and similar support organizations. • Provide job descriptions for all roles. • Ensure all employees undergo appropriate background checks. • Maintain compliance with federal and state labor laws. 3. Collection Development and Management: The Contractor shall develop and manage a well-rounded, diverse and up-to-date collection of physical and digital materials responsive to the needs of the Warren County community. Responsibilities include: • Selection and acquisition of books, media, periodicals, and electronic resources. • Cataloging and processing. • Weeding and inventory control, particularly replacement of worn or obsolete materials, or materials that have not been sufficiently utilized by patrons. • Overall modernization of current holdings. • Usage-based collection review and development policies. • Proposing cost-effective interlibrary loan arrangements. 4. Programming and Community Engagement: Contractor shall offer a diverse calendar of educational and cultural programs for all age groups. Required services include a combination of: • Early childhood literacy programs. • School-age and teen activities. • STEM/STEAM/STREAM and Maker programs, particularly aimed at youth and teens. • Home School Programs and other activities. • Book clubs and similar groups. • Adult education and lifelong learning. • ESL, technology training, and local author events. • Annual public surveys covering topics that shall include usage, overall satisfaction, engagements, collection adequacy (physical and digital), and visioning. • Program evaluation surveys and other feedback opportunities. • Additional services may be offered, including: o Specific programs for seniors and older adults, including tech help, memory cafes, or wellness programs. o Workforce development and career readiness programming, including resume workshops, job search assistance, and small business resources. o Civic literacy local history programs, such as sessions on local government, voter registration, or historical talks in partnership with local museums. o Digital literacy instruction, such as how to use online government services cybersecurity basics, or social media safety...
