Financial Section

The Financial Report to Stakeholders is near the end of the report. There are no comparisons (to another library or to previous years’ statistics) in this report. This report shows that salaries make up just over 86% of the budget. The report shows raw numbers, but the library community can easily determine the percentage. “The Library’s budget for 2005 included $17 million for staff costs (about 400 positions).” By dividing 17 million by 400 positions, the average salary would be $42,500. Those in non-MLS positions would earn less money, so it appears that the librarians in the Mississauga Library System are well paid. It is sad to see that such a small amount of the budget ($2.5 million), approximately 13% is used for library materials.

Another shocking statistic is that half of $2,000,000 revenue was from fines. It makes me question how the library would raise capital if patrons were to return their materials on time.