Long Range Strategic Plan 2014-2019

Stephanie Bailey
LIS6409.721F14
October 3, 2014

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Table of Contents
Introductory Memorandum............................................3
Mission, Vision, and Values............................................4
Mission............................................................................................... 4
Vision................................................................................................. 4
Values................................................................................................ 5

The Planning Process....................................................5

Data Collection & Analysis.................................................................5
Decision-Making................................................................................. 6
Plan Completion & Evaluation............................................................6

Strategic Goals and Objectives......................................7

References.................................................................11

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Introductory Memorandum
To the library director:
I am delighted to present you with a five-year strategic plan for the Public
Library. This comprehensive and community-focused plan will serve as a road map for
transforming the library into a 21st century facility and by doing so, transforming the lives
of our patrons as well. In the rapidly evolving world that we live in, not only is the
information landscape constantly changing, but also new technologies are continuously
emerging. In order to stay relevant in this turbulent sea of change, libraries must adapt
and face the challenges that these changes present.
To this end, the strategic plan will be focusing on improving technology services
for our community. Based on the inclusive and thorough research completed for this plan,
it was determined that technology is the area of our library services that needs additional
attention. By following the strategic plan through, we will be able to increase the access
to information, encourage learning, foster literacies and help our patrons improve their
technological knowledge and skills.
Five years from now, this plan will allow the library to become the hub of the
community. We will be a cutting edge library facility that is conductive to research,
learning and entertainment. To achieve this future vision of our library, we should be
devoting our resources and efforts to carrying out this strategic plan. The plan contains
extensive documentation of the planning process and three long-term goals that include
specific objectives, activities, evaluation procedures and a projected timeline for each
activity.

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Sincerely,
Stephanie Bailey
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
The mission statement of this library is to enrich the lives of our diverse
community members by:

Providing exceptional services, programs and resources in order to meet

the educational, recreational and informational needs of the community

Fostering a love of reading and learning in the community
Serving as a community center where we improve the lives of our
community members.

Vision
The library aspires to:

Offer 21st century services for the community by utilizing the latest

technology
Connect our patrons with the tools, resources and information needed to

enrich their lives.

Become the heart of the community by fulfilling our mission statement
and following our guiding values

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Values1
Technology We meet the 21st century needs of the community by
providing up-to-date technology
Proficiency We have a knowledgeable and capable staff available to
assist our patrons.
Excellence We offer high-quality resources, programs and services to
our patrons.
Community We are customer-focused and work hard to serve our
community.
Equity We provide free and equal access to all and defend intellectual
freedom and privacy.
The Planning Process
Data Collection & Analysis
Before developing the strategic plan, data was collected about the library and the
community. A needs assessment and SWOT analysis were performed to uncover the
librarys strengths and weaknesses. Afterward, feedback was collected from patrons and
staff. Community surveys, focus groups and interviews were conducted to identify any
issues and trends within the community. Staff members were also surveyed and
interviewed to find out their perspectives on the librarys future and where they see the
library in five years. The library staff also participated in group brainstorming discussions
about emerging issues that could affect the library. Both the public and staff provided
invaluable insights about the changing information landscape and technological shifts.
1 Adapted from New York Public Library's Core Values. (2014) and Vision,
Mission & Values. (2014).

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Decision-Making
Based on the preliminary research and the data that was gathered, key issues and
trends were revealed. The Strategic Plan Project Management Team, Advisory Committee
and the Library Board of Trustees conducted a series of meetings to discuss these
findings in-depth and hone in on a specific area of focus. After much deliberation, these
groups reached the conclusion that technology was area that the library should be
focusing its efforts on to better serve the public. The mission, vision and values of the
library were updated by the Library Board of Trustees to reflect the changing needs of the
community.
Plan Completion & Evaluation
The Library Board of Trustees approved the plan in Fall 2014. In order to receive
feedback from the public about the librarys plans, a draft was displayed on the librarys
website and disseminated through traditional and online media. An open forum was held
to get comments and suggestions from the public. Based on this feedback, a second
edition of the strategic plan was developed and resubmitted to the Library Board of
Trustees. The strategic plan is evaluated every year in order to ensure the goals are being
met and the various activities are being completed within the plans projected time frame.
Formative and summative evaluation techniques will be utilized to make sure the
strategic plan stays on track. After this plan has been completed, a new plan will be
devised so that our library continues to meet the needs of the community in the coming
years.

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Strategic Goals and Objectives

Goal #1: To ensure that patrons have access to the technological tools they need
#2: To
sure patrons
toGoal
succeed
in make
this digital
age. are receiving high quality technology-based
Objective
Activity
Measure
Timeline
services.up-toProvide
Purchase more public
Number of
Fall 2014
Objective
Activity
Measure
Timeline
Provide
Purchase self-service
Quantity
of and
Spring
date
technology workstations
computers
convenient
for
library and
efficientand
ways for
patrons

machines and transition

machines
available
their usage

to RFID
Install software
a vendingon
Upgrade

statistics
Usage
statistics
Checklist
of for

machine with books and

computers

the
machine
software
upgrades

resources and

DVDs
Revamp
library website
Purchase
a limited
number

completed
Number
Quantityofofwebsite

services

to make it tablets
more and
of e-readers,

visits
and devices
circulation
portable

patrons to access
staff
and use library

2018
Fall2014
2019
Fall

Fall2017
2014
Fall

accessible
and allow
laptops
for checkout
andfor
for statistics
availablefor
and their
access to
useseamless
in instructional
lessons

electronic
resources
circulations

electronic resources
Add
online
registration
Buy
a AV
system
with an

statistics
Number
Numberofofnew

Fall 2014
Spring

fordisplay
new users
the
LCD
andtoprojector

users
presentations held

2016

websiteinand
forlibrary
presentations
the

Number
of patrons
in the meeting

enableroom
patrons to sign
meeting
Upgrade the infrastructure
up for computer time
with stronger Wi-Fi and
and programs online
Develop
a mobile
higher
bandwidth

that
sign up for
room
Measure usage of
library services and
Wi-Fi and internet
programs online
Measure
usage
bandwidth

version of the librarys

capabilities

statistics for the

website and create

mobile website and

Fall 2015

Summer
2015

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phone apps for the

applications

OPAC and reference

services
Goal #3: To ensure that the library staff are knowledgeable and skilled with
technology
Objective
Provide staff

Activity
Offer in house training

Measure
Number of training

with learning

for library staff

sessions held for

Allow staff to attend

staff
Number of staff

technology related

receiving external

conferences,

training instruction

opportunities to

Timeline
Immediately

Twice a year

expand their
knowledge of
preexisting
workshops, and
library
seminars semi
technology and
emerging

annually.
Hire an additional IT

Number of staff

technology

staff member to

members trained to

trends

oversee maintenance

use newly

of technology and train

implemented

library staff members

technologies

on new technology
use.

Fall 2014

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References
Bellingham Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 - 2017. (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/about/strategicplan2013-2017.pdf
Boston Public Library Compass: Strategic Plan. (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.bpl.org/compass/strategic-plan/
Levien, R. (2011). Confronting the Future: Strategic Visions for the 21 st Century Public
Library. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/offices/sites/ala.org.offices/files/content/oitp/publications/polic
ybriefs/confronting_the_futu.pdf
New York Public Library's Core Values. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/mission/core-values
Seattle Public Library Strategic Plan. (2010). Retrieved from
http://www.spl.org/Documents/about/strategic_plan.pdf
Vision, Mission & Values. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/about-the-library/mission-vision-values/