Editorials
Thursday, June 5, 1997THERE is no question that the state library system's book-purchasing agreement with a mainland firm hasn't worked out well. There is a question, however, as to what to do about the situation. A blue-ribbon committee appointed by the Board of Education has recommended cancelation of the contract with Baker & Taylor Inc. after hearing many complaints about its performance and the resulting adverse effects on the library system. Library can’t go back
to the old systemBut as board chairwoman Karen Knudsen points out, the board must make sure that it is acting within its rights in order to avoid a possible lawsuit by the company. She said the board would have to consult with the attorney general's office before reaching a decision on the committee's recommendation to cancel the $11.2 million contract.
The book-purchasing agreement was sought by the much reviled state Librarian Bart Kane as a way to save money and thereby avert drastic reductions in library services that would otherwise have been required by budget cuts ordered by the Cayetano administration. But the arrangement got off to a dismal start because of delays in putting a new library computer system into operation. This resulted in an eruption of criticism by librarians about the books they were receiving and complaints about losing their role in book selection.
Company representatives have since maintained that the problems were being worked out, but the library administration has complained that commitments were not being met. The investigating committee was unanimous in concluding that the deal should be scrapped. Whether that is possible is not yet clear. Alternatives may include a negotiated buyout of the contract and withholding further payments until service improved.
In any case, the concept of farming out book purchasing should not be abandoned in view of the economies that can be achieved. It should be possible to involve state librarians in book selection to ensure that Hawaii readers' needs are met while relying on a private firm to handle the purchasing and shipment. It's a question of better communication. This is a way to make government more efficient -- provided it is done right. The librarians liked the old way, but fiscal reality requires something more cost effective.
HAWAII legislators took great pains to arrive at a compromise to end an impasse over the same-sex marriage issue in the past session. Further action may be needed in next year's legislative session to refine the new system, but a gubernatorial veto, called for by a business alliance, is unnecessary. Same-sex benefits
EDWARD C. Bryan, who died May 27 at age 77, overcame crippling arthritis to lead a life of business leadership and community service. Born in Waialua, he was graduated from Leilehua High School and earned an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines. He rose to manager of Ewa Plantation and chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Overcoming handicaps
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