Computer Room Staffing

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: March 15, 2000
Author/Local: Brian Campbell

331-4070

RTS No. 01356
CC File No. 1380

Council: April 4, 2000

TO: Vancouver City Council

FROM: Vancouver Public Library Board

SUBJECT: Computer Room Staffing

RECOMMENDATION

THAT an additional System Support Technician Position estimated to cost $47,900 annually (including benefits) be established with source of funding to be from the Library's existing operating budget.

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The City Manager RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.

COUNCIL POLICY

City Council approves the establishment of new positions and has directed, whenever possible, that they be funded from existing budgets.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this request is to seek support for an additional System Support Technician Position in the Systems and Technical Services Department of the Vancouver Public Library.

BACKGROUND

A report on Computer Room staffing was received by the VPL Library Board in July 1998. In that report, it was pointed out that the current ratio of systems staff to microcomputers is much higher than similar library and municipal operations.

A second report was done comparing the costs of outsourcing our current computer equipment maintenance with doing it in-house. The report concluded, and the VPL Board agreed, that in-house maintenance and upgrading of equipment was more economically efficient.

Since that report, two positions have been transferred to the computer room to support our telecommunications and networking functions through re-organization of priorities and reallocation of funds from within the Systems and Technical Services area.

An Organization Review of the Systems section was conducted in the Fall of 1999. The review concluded that the Systems section was under-staffed for its workload when compared to other libraries.

200 terminals will be upgraded to microcomputers this year. A total of 77 new workstations are being added this year based on the requirements of VPL Public Service and funded through the Gates Foundation grant and the Industry Canada Urban CAP program. In addition, more complex systems infrastructure including a Firewall and an upgraded wide-area network are increasing the demands on staff. The City of Vancouver requires the Firewall to protect any public access to the City network. The Canadian Health network which is funding a considerable portion of the Firewall, also requires the Firewall as part of their project. Greater telecommunications bandwidth is an ongoing priority of the Board and Library Management to relieve poor response time at the branches.

VPL is investigating "thin Client" architecture which centralizes the administration and security of Internet, and perhaps Public Access Catalogue workstations, which will reduce overall staff maintenance requirements. Initial investigation indicates that, at best, it will only be a partial solution. However, it is clear that in addition to whatever technical efficiencies can be achieved, additional staffing is necessary.

Funding for this position is being provided from several non-staff efficiencies within the Systems and Technical Services Department.

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