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In this episode of ClackCo Works, Rick Peterson, the library network manager, reveals how the LINCC system connects all 13 libraries in Clackamas County, giving residents easy access to millions of books, e-books, and even unique items like tools and board games. Rick highlights how the libraries work together to share resources, save money, and create a smooth experience for everyone. He also talks about special programs such as the Library of Things, cultural passes, and interlibrary loans that add even more value for the community. Tune in to discover how Clackamas County libraries are vibrant hubs for learning, sharing, and community connection—offering much more than just books.
Transcript
Dylan: Welcome to ClackCo Works. We have chats with the people who make Clackamas County work for their community. I'm Dylan Blaylock with Clackamas County Public and Government Affairs. Today we are joined by Rick Peterson, the library network manager of LINCC, the libraries in Clackamas County. Rick, thanks for being here.
Rick: Absolutely, happy to join you.
Dylan: First off, what is LINCC exactly and what is its purpose?
Rick: LINCC stands for Libraries in Clackamas County. It's a consortium of the 13 libraries in the county. Our program, Library Network, also known as Library Support Services, provides centralized services to all those libraries. We handle things like cataloging, IT work, daily delivery of materials, and a variety of other services to help the libraries function smoothly.
Dylan: What would the libraries in the county look like without LINCC? What are the benefits?
Rick: The biggest thing is sharing materials. If each library was independent, you’d only have access to the items in that one location. With LINCC, we move items between libraries every day—almost 2 million items a year. When you look at the LINCC catalog, you’re seeing everything available at all the libraries, and you can get those items quickly. We also share online resources like databases and e-books. Sharing makes everything more efficient and saves money for all the libraries.
Dylan: So when I go to my Oregon City Public Library, I get access to all the books that other libraries have, like Molalla, Milwaukie, or Wilsonville, and they have access to mine. We share DVDs, CDs, kids’ books, and whatever, and LINCC takes care of it?
Rick: Exactly. For the patron, it’s really easy because you don’t have to think about which library owns what. We also try to keep procedures and fine structures consistent, so patrons don’t have to worry about differences between libraries.
Dylan: Is there a central hub for LINCC where all the books come in and go back out?
Rick: Yes, there is. Our offices are at the Red Soils campus in Oregon City. We pick up materials each morning, bring them to our central hub, and use a large automated materials handler to sort items to the right libraries, whether they’re on hold or going back to the shelf. Our team works every day to process and send out materials to the libraries.
Dylan: Does the county run the libraries within Clackamas County?
Rick: That’s a good question. Two of the libraries—Oak Lodge and Gladstone—are run by the county. The other 11 libraries are run independently by cities. We like to say they’re autonomous libraries. We work together for efficiency, but each library can make its own decisions based on community needs, especially for programs and events. Our office, Library Network, is the hub that supports all the libraries.
Dylan: Is the LINCC system unique, or is it similar to what our surrounding counties have, like Multnomah or Washington?
Rick: Each system is a little different. Multnomah County is one library with multiple branches, so all decisions are made centrally. Washington County is closer to our model—they have independent libraries but a few more centralized services. Our system gives a lot of flexibility to each city while maximizing cooperation.
Dylan: Where does the funding for LINCC come from, and where does the funding for the independent libraries come from?
Rick: Funding comes from the library district, which was established in 2008. All the money from that—about $0.39 or $0.40 per thousand dollars of assessed value—gets distributed to the cities that run the libraries. Every penny goes back out to those cities. Our program is funded entirely through general funds—property taxes from people throughout the county. All the centralized services are funded through the general fund.
Dylan: Are the libraries in Clackamas County only about books, or what else are they doing nowadays?
Rick: We’re still about books, but there’s a lot more. E-books are big—people like to read on their Kindle or iPad. Audiobooks are almost as popular as print materials. Our program handles purchasing and coordination so everyone has access to those titles. We also have the Library of Things, where you can check out tools, crockpots, board games, and other nontraditional items. It’s great for things you only need once or twice, and it helps reduce waste. Some libraries even have unusual musical instruments you can borrow.
Dylan: What else is there?
Rick: Cultural passes are another great offering. You can check out a pass for free admission to venues like the Japanese Garden. We have over a dozen venues, and we’re adding the Bigfoot Museum soon. Some libraries also have seed libraries, where you can get seeds to plant and ideally bring some back to share. Those are really popular.
Dylan: What’s one thing you wish residents or library patrons knew about the library system that they might not know?
Rick: One of my favorite things is interlibrary loan. If you can’t find what you need in our libraries, we can get it from another library system—even from across the country or the Library of Congress if needed, usually at no cost to the patron. Last year, we got over 5,000 items from other libraries in the country. We encourage patrons—if you don’t find it in the catalog, talk to the library staff. Librarians are very helpful and will do their best to get you what you need.
Dylan: Rick Peterson is the library network manager of LINCC, the libraries in Clackamas County. Thanks so much for being here.
Rick: Happy to be here. Thank you.