Library Board 2014-2018 Strategic Plan

Transcription

TEMISKAMING SHORES PUBLIC LIBRARY
STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-2018
Prepared by the Temiskaming Shores Public Library Board, Library CEO and
Consultants from Ontario Library Service North
Strategic Plan 2014-2018
Temiskaming Shores Public Library
Today’s public library users expect library service to be convenient and easily accessible. They
expect a library facility that has a welcoming atmosphere, is comfortable and is technologically
state-of-the-art. Today’s users wish to have assistance from well-trained library staff members who
are committed to excellent customer service. They require access to wide range of resources,
including up-to-date collections of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and audio recordings, as
well as a high level of access via the Internet to a full range of electronic resources and e-books
offering reliable and timely information.
Public libraries are much more than repositories of collections. Libraries offer a level playing field
to people of diverse backgrounds and socio-economic sectors, and strive to offer services in a nonjudgemental manner to all, regardless of beliefs and values. They are increasingly seen as places
“to be” – places to spend time in pursuit of individual goals and interests, as well as places to meet
and interact with others. At the same time, libraries are growing as a virtual presence, offering a
wide array of services and resources online and through social media.
To meet community expectations and deal with future challenges, the Temiskaming Shores Public
Library Board has developed this four-year strategic plan.
Les Liseuses French Book Club, New Liskeard Branch
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Mission Statement:
The Temiskaming Shores Public Library provides access to timely information, opportunities for
personal enrichment and lifelong learning, and adapts to the changing needs of the community. To
provide effective service to the City of Temiskaming Shores, the Library melds the community’s
needs and expectations with its services and resources.
Vision Statement:
“A good library is the heart of a community and very important to
the citizens of the community.” –Patron comment in Survey, 2012
Temiskaming Shores Public Library is the best free community resource for informational,
educational, leisure and cultural needs.
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The Library continues to expand its extensive collections of materials, programs, and
services, and provides public access computers with access to the internet and Wifi.
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Temiskaming Shores Public Library provides free access to a number of online services,
including an online catalogue, research and information databases and e-books.
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The Library has a friendly, well-trained and helpful staff, and provides a free, comfortable,
safe, and welcoming place for everyone in our community.
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The Library strives to be barrier-free and
accessible, with large meeting areas for
individual or group use. Community and
business
organizations
will
be
encouraged to use the library’s space
and resources as relationships with those
organizations and the municipalities
grow and develop.
Typing Cyber Camp at the Haileybury Branch
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The Library will provide training and access to enhanced online services for seniors and
residents of all ages and levels of expertise. Programming will continue to encourage
literacy and will include book clubs in both official languages, as well as programming that
is cross generational.
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Library facilities will have ample room for staff to set up work areas dedicated to all of the
tasks carried out “behind the scenes”: book purchasing, cataloguing and processing,
program development, inter-library loans processing and other tasks.
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The library staff and board will continue to be highly-trained, ambitious individuals with a
strong commitment to public library service in our community.
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Library policies and procedures will continue to reflect the commitment of the board and
staff to streamlined and efficient delivery of programs and services.
Fancy Nancy Tea Party at the New Liskeard Branch
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As part of the Public Library’s Strategic Planning process, the Temiskaming Shores Public
Library carefully examined its environment by way of analysing its Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). The board also carefully examined Political, Economic,
Social and Technological (PEST) factors which impact the operations of the public library and
the programs, services and collections delivered to the community. The results appear below:
SWOT Analysis
Library’s current Strengths:
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Dedication of staff
High levels of staff education and
training (MLIS, Excel courses) and
experience
Positive relationship with municipal
council and staff
Cooperation and sharing between
branches
Materials that are up to date, new
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Access to the provincial inter-library loans system
Comprehensive collection between both branches at little cost to public
Customer service: from reader’s advisory to programs
Community involvement
Enhancement of the public good
Involvement with children and promotion of reading
Services that satisfy everyone—meeting the needs of patrons in any way we can
Partnerships with many local organizations
Local organizations consider the library an essential part of a thriving community
Access to internet and online resources
Programming
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March Break Spy School, Haileybury Branch
Library’s current Weaknesses:
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Insufficient staff numbers to implement all necessary programs and services
Limitations of existing infrastructure in older facilities
Limitations of Accessibility and space
Lack of sufficient space for the growth of the collections
Lack of funding for multiple formats of titles—audio, e-book, DVD, large print,
paperback
Insufficient advocacy to mayor and council—need to reemphasize the Library’s
relevance and contribution to the city—could create a subgroup including board
members to advocate to mayor and council
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Library’s current Opportunities:
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Technology trends (Developing, implementing and testing new applications in the
library)
Resources to bridge the technology gap for residents, especially seniors
New programming can bring people into the library who wouldn’t normally visit
Library e-books—faster and easier access to books, guaranteed on-time returns
Outreach to homebound residents
Resources to give children the love of reading
Unique programming
Many of the services available
in the library are not available
elsewhere
Opportunity
to
promote
library to residents and
organizations
Library’s current Threats:
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Funding—sustainable funding
for operations is difficult to
maintain, lack of funding to
hire permanent staff members
to teach seniors computer
courses/technology help and
exchange books in nursing homes.
Lego Contest, New Liskeard Branch
Technology
Value of library not understood/embraced
Becoming obsolete—reading material is found online now
People and organizations are not aware of what services the library offers
“C'est de mieux en mieux pour les livres francais.”
PEST Analysis
-Patron comment from Survey, 2012
Political impacts
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Amalgamation: some intercommunity rivalry still exists
Provincial annual contribution to libraries flat-lined since 1996, however special funding
from province received in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Bilingualism: library must serve two major linguistic groups
Downloading of many services from province to municipalities without an increase in
funding
Aging population unable to get to the library for face to face contact
Young people leaving the community
Local funding priorities focussed on municipal infrastructure
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Lack of meeting space for community groups
Economic impacts
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Decreasing job opportunities for young people
Economic downturn in forest products, but upturn in mining
Mixed economy (industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public services, tourism,
commercial)
Social impacts
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Online socializing and games compete for time with reading
Decline in circulation of books, audiobooks and DVDs
Perception of the library as a community gathering place is starting to occur
Library as place for meetings, informal gatherings, quiet study, reading, computer and
laptop use
Technological impacts
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New media formats continually evolving (downloadable talking books, e-books, online
music and reference resources)
More private information providers to compete with libraries: Wikipedia, Google, online
bookstores, virtual libraries
Trend for provincial government to distribute more and more of their services online and
see libraries as a distribution point with no further funding (EI benefit help to those with
computer literacy challenges)
Growth of internet in terms of information available and number of people able to access
it
Role for library in training public to use technology: seniors computer courses, help with
tablets and devices
Provincial funding for a wide range of online resources available to public through their
local public library
Seniors’ Computer Course, Haileybury Branch
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The Temiskaming Shores Public Library also undertook a comprehensive survey process to reach
out to both Users and Non-Users of the Public Library’s programmes, services and collections.
The overall responses received from the public and loyal library patrons were integrated into all
aspects of this planning process. A summary of the key ideas, suggestions and requirements follow.
Expectations of library users (from surveys)
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E-books
More computer help
More help for seniors
More books
A variety of programs for children and adults
Convenient hours
Efficient library service (tax dollars)
Expectations of funders
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Economize
Streamline services
Maximize return on investment
“We consider the library to
be an essential part of a
thriving community and the
services offered contribute
greatly to the overall appeal
to entice new residents to the
area.”
-Chamber of Commerce
comments in Survey, 2012
The provision of efficient and effective Public Library services in our vibrant community cannot
be accomplished without the direct or indirect support of our community partners. The
Temiskaming Shores Public Library wishes to acknowledge all of the groups, agencies,
committees and participants in our public libraries core services, including:
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Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario (ACFO)
Le Centre culturel ARTEM
Athabasca University distance education exams
Canadore College distance education exams
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Program exams, Dalhousie University
City of Temiskaming Shores
Festival Folies de Franco-Fun
Friends of the Library groups
Haileybury Heritage Museum Ghost of the Hardy Boys Story Committee
Leave a Legacy Temiskaming
Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum
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Local School boards: District School Board Ontario Northeast, Northeastern Catholic
School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes-Rivières, Conseil
Scolaire Public du Nord-Est de l'Ontario
NEONet/Northern Tel
North Bay and District Multicultural Centre
Northern College Continuing Education
Northern College Employment Options
Ontario Early Years
“I'm quite satisfied with the
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish
library and the services
Post-secondary exam invigilation for other organizations provided…the staff are very
Quantum Xpress Computers
helpful.”
Spring Pulse Poetry Festival
-Patron comment from
TechSoup
Survey, 2012
Temiskaming Art Gallery
Temiskaming Genealogy Group
Temiskaming OPP Outreach program
Temiskaming Palette and Brush Club
The Ontario Library Service Agencies: Ontario Library Service – North, the Southern
Ontario Library Service, the Joint Automation Server Initiative
The Temiskaming Foundation
Timiskaming Child Care
WSIB Client meetings
Yardstick Invigilation Services
Summerfest, New Liskeard Branch
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Based on the input received from the community, the diligent work of our public library board
members and a cohesive and comprehensive view of our collections, programs and services, the
Temiskaming Shores Public Library Board has selected the following Strategic Priorities to move
our public library board forward.
Strategic Priority #1 – Space Enhancement
Goal—Examine the space challenges within the New Liskeard and Haileybury branches and
propose financially feasible and attainable solutions for overall improvements
Objective—Address immediate physical space issues and challenges faced at both Library
Branches
Action plans 1. Develop a proposed renewal/improvement framework based on the four key solutions:
a. expansion of current facilities
b. renovation of alternative existing facilities
c. propose newly designed library facilities
d. participation in a multi-use facility in partnership with other community
organizations
2. Present to the Municipality a summary of immediate physical needs/concerns which
hinder effective, innovative and reliable library services to citizens of Temiskaming
Shores.
a. Assess and record limitations to program and service delivery in both branch
libraries
b. Assess and record effects on participation in program and service delivery in
both branch libraries
c. Seek out the assistance and expertise of Ontario Library Service-North to
identify our public library’s space planning needs
d. Report back to the Municipality, providing statistics and empirical data to
demonstrate the effects of limitations of physical space on collections and
effective delivery of programs and services
3. Collect, analyse and address feedback from the community on a regular basis regarding
both library branches
a. Meet and discuss with Municipality on a regular basis ways to fulfil
accessibility requirements through the Accessibility for Ontarians with
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Disabilities Act (AODA) and other practical space solutions while keeping in
mind fiscally responsible planning
b. Conduct focus groups to further elaborate and explore the key issues identified
in Public Library User Survey data collected in 2014
c. Explore best practices from other libraries in other jurisdictions, serving
communities of similar size to bring forward ideas for consideration regarding,
renovation and building renewal that will suit our public library system
4. Approach Mayor and Council to form a building committee made up of members of
the Board, City Council and the public to bring the proposed building project or
renovations to fruition.
Strategic Priority #2 – Facility/Building Renewal
Goal – Examine the facility challenges within the New Liskeard and Haileybury Branches of our
Library System and propose financially feasible and attainable solutions for physical
improvements.
Objective – Determine the true physical state of the buildings of both branch libraries within the
Temiskaming Shores Public Library System.
Action Plans – Consider budgetary resources available to the library system to improve its physical
structures
Short Term
1. Use the Building Audit process as a starting template to plan and move forward with future
renovations/building renewal options, specifically based on pre-determined budgetary
considerations or limits.
a. Ensure the Public Library Board actively participates in assisting the Municipality
to form a working committee to address building needs
b. Provide the committee with all tools, public library resources and standards and
best practices available to assist in informed decision making
c. Maintain an open dialogue with all community partners involved in the committee
work, and report back frequently to the board, council and the citizenry.
2. Address the concerns raised by recent incidents including a flood and a leak in the roof at
the Haileybury Branch, and the pre-existing structural concerns that impair library service
at the New Liskeard Branch.
a. Document the leaks and floods and other obvious structural issues worthy of
investigation and analysis.
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b. Co-operate with the maintenance department to identify concerns and known
problems and propose investigative methodology to address other worries and
concerns regarding both facilities given the age of both library branch buildings
Longer Term
1. Encourage the Municipality to address immediate building concerns via the municipal
capital budgeting process, and to channel appropriate funds to improve the library’s
physical assets.
a. Publicize long-term building needs by working with community partners and
the municipality to address future need of patrons
b. Lobby the municipality to set aside funds for long term solutions to public
library space
2. Determine suitable granting opportunities which support the physical renewal of the
library’s buildings and apply within the designated timelines.
a. Research funding opportunities from local and regional sources
b. Stay in contact with the Ministry of Culture and other government agencies to
fund potential projects
c. Consult with Ontario Library Service-North regarding potential funding
opportunities and design solutions, reference best practices and ideas for our
public library’s building initiatives
Strategic Priority #3 – Enhance awareness of library services
Goal- Increase the visibility and raise awareness of programs and services offered at both branches
of our public library
Objective - Develop a marketing plan and communications strategies reaching out to our
community to raise awareness of services, programs and collections
Action Plans – Improve marketing of library services
1. Create a marketing plan to raise awareness.
a. Recognize that all library employees are ambassadors of a positive and exciting
public library story
b. Empower our staff team to champion the library’s message in the community
c. Partner with our community (individuals, organizations, and businesses) and across
branch locations, to ensure the sharing of resources (talent and expertise) that create
timely and relevant programs and services, and attractive spaces
d. Work in collaboration with all citizens to promote a thriving library.
e. Actively participate in the municipal cultural planning process with other
community partners and organizations
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2. Develop strategies to make better use of the media to inform the general population of
programs and services available at the public library.
a. Create a standardized brand for the public library, including a new logo,
promotional material, mission, and vision statement
b. Increase the library’s media presence both through traditional and electronic
approaches.
3. Inform and champion to library users and non-users the availability of technology and
technical support.
a. Identify marketing and promotion of technology services, programs and collections
as a priority in the public library and allocate funding accordingly.
b. Develop and grow the library’s virtual presence
c. Explore the trend and best practice of creating a “ 24/7 virtual branch” to support
public library services
Strategic Priority #4 – Assess the library’s role in the community
Goal – Obtain feedback through different avenues to allow the library to better serve the needs of
the community
Objective – Determine the community’s awareness of current services and evaluate requests for
additional services, programs and collections
Action Plans1. Survey the population’s needs on a regular and ongoing basis
2. Consult the patrons through town-hall style public meetings
a. Schedule annual or semi-annual open public meetings with members of the public
library board
b. Develop a comprehensive strategy for engagement through social media
3. Consider the Community-led Library model:
a. Access the Library’s deep relationships with a diverse set of community
individuals, groups and organizations
b. Assess whether existing community assets may be used to expand programs,
services and collections
c. Develop concise criteria based on the suggested strategies
d. Develop a noticeable presence of library services in community spaces (nursing
homes, schools, etc.)
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THE STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM
Temiskaming Shores Public Library Board Members
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Donald Bisson
Jack Dent
Cam Locke
Mike McArthur
Theresa McGrory
Brenda Morissette
Roger Oblin
Brian Thornton
Helen Whittome
Temiskaming Shores Public Library Chief Executive Officer
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Rebecca Hunt, MLIS
Prepared with the assistance of:
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Steven Kraus, Ontario Library Service-North
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Library Board 2014-2018 Strategic Plan

Transcription

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