Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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
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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:
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
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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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machines
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applications
Activity
Offer in house training
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Number of training
with learning
staff
Number of staff
technology related
receiving external
conferences,
training instruction
opportunities to
Timeline
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expand their
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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/