pf_02978 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

In its evaluation process, the Ramsey County Library Board utilized a very sophisticated system of evaluating alternative library sites. The County used a set of 10 criteria to screen prospective sites as follows: The site must... 1. be located in or adiacent to a shoppina or retail commercial area which is a maior center of activity for the people being served. 2. be in an area that is freauentlv visited by all seaments of the community during daily activities which results in hiah pedestrian and vehicle traffic. 3, be located on or immediately accessible from a busy primary street or arterial hiahway with easy access which will result in hiah visibilitv and identification with the area. 4, be of sufficient size and shape to accommodate the appropriate facility so that the result is esthetically pleasing. 5, provide convenient access to adequate parking on or adjacent to the proposed site. 6. be located close to public transportation if available in the municipality. 7. be central or easilv accessible to a larae service population. 8. be located several miles from any other permanent public library service facility. 9. be free of nuisance factors such as excessive noise, odors, etc. 10. be available for library purposes within a reasonable period of time. (Emphasis added) Two of the most important criteria utilized by the Library Board to screen sites, in terms of the weight given each, were shopping center or retail adjacency and a location on a busy primary street or arterial highway. The rationale for such location was given as follows according to the Ramsey County Public Library Facilities Planning, 1986-2000, Review and Recommendations Report dated August 16, 1986, and revised September 12, 1986: "In order to realize the full benefit of the capital and operating investment in a public library, the library should be located prominently in a large commercial area which attracts a great deal of retail traffic." -r