Long-Range Plan
This document summarizes a nine-month planning process with the purpose of assessing the needs and expectations of the Acushnet community on appropriate library services.
The long range plan contains the goals and objectives for library development in the next five years that reflect this process. The plan seeks to place the library in the context of cultural and educational changes in Acushnet and to recommend appropriate additions of library programs and services, primarily in the area of adult programming and library services for youth, as well as addressing the inadequacies of the facility.
The planning process was undertaken so that we can clarify our role in the community and define the needs of our users.
Goals, Objectives and Activities (FY2012-2016)
The goals describe the result or the outcome that the library is trying to achieve. The objectives are ways in which progress towards achieving those goals will be measured. Specific activities are tasks to be performed in pursuit of the goals and objectives.
In order to ensure that the plan is a living, changing document, activities will be reviewed on an annual basis and will be changed and modified as needed.
Goal 1: Users will have a library facility that is welcoming, responsive and accessible to all.
Objective: To provide a fully accessible building that meets the current and 20-year service, collection and staffing needs (contingent on receiving and accepting a MPLCP grant in 2011.)
Activities:
- Petition the Board of Selectmen to form a Building Committee.
- Secure local funding match.
- Hire an OPM.
- Review/revise working drawings and construction documents.
- Interior design development.
- Architect develops final plans and specifications.
- Select and hire contactor.
- Complete pre-construction conferences and negotiations; sign contracts.
- Ground-breaking ceremony.
- Construction (9 months).
- Accept completed facility after inspections, commissioning of major systems and occupancy permit granted.
- Execute plans for moving the collection and equipment.
- Hold Grand Opening to dedicate & celebrate.
Objective: To ensure that the Library is open sufficient hours to provide all segments of the community with the ability to fully utilize services and programs.
Activities:
- Conduct a survey of community members to collect information on library availability to meet their needs and schedules.
- Collect data on library circulation at various times of the day.
- Collect data on number of patrons using at various times of the day.
- Collect data on library circulation in late afternoon/evening hours in neighboring communities where the library is open additional evenings.
- Report findings to the Board of Trustees.
Goal 2: Users will be made aware of and take advantage of the services the library provides to assist them in their personal lives, at work or at school.
Objective: To develop and implement a marketing plan designed to increase awareness and understanding of library resources and services.
Activities:
- Assess the library market and determine the value to the community
- Gather and analyze library data
- Develop the marketing strategy
- Create the marketing brand and materials
- Implement and evaluate the campaign
Objective: Increase the number of library card holders in the community by 10%.
Activities:
- Sponsor at least one high profile event each year to promote library services.
- Promote national “library holidays” (I.e. Banned Books Week, Library Card Signup month, etc.)
- Investigate having road signs directing people to the library.
- Investigate offering public workshops on areas of library’s collection and services.
- Schedule two visits per year to speak to local groups about the library.
- Develop a protocol for reaching new residents and connecting them with the Library.
- Propose a regular library guest column in the Advocate Newspaper.
- Investigate the use of radio and television public service advertising.
Objective: Total annual circulation will increase by at least 5% per year.
Activities:
- Publicize interlibrary loan service in newspapers, newsletters, etc. to increase interlibrary loan circulation.
- Improve outreach to the home-bound, elderly, or those unable to visit the Library.
- A chart/display explaining how to determine age appropriate reading materials will be displayed in the children’s area to assist adult patrons in choosing materials for their children.
- Increase orders of books on current topics of interest.
- Make new books lists available in selected town locations.
- Explore the option of purchasing video “courses”.
Goal 3: Users will have an inviting place to meet and interact with others in the community.
Objective: To expand programming and services that can effectively target and engage previously underserved populations by establishing programming for the growing “baby boomer” population and seniors.
Activities:
- Offer at least 6 programs each year, etc. on a variety of topics (i.e.: gardening, travel, etc.) hosted by library and led by local residents, organizations and businesses.
- Encourage adult participation in the summer reading program
- Explore the option of establishing a “Meeting of the Minds” lecture/discussion series targeted to the mature self-learner.
- Sponsor at least one fine arts program each year.
- Establish regular communications with the Acushnet Historical Society in order to develop plans for co-sponsored programs and activities, resource sharing and information exchange related to local history.
- Schedule some adult programs during daylight hours for people unable/unwilling to drive at night.
- Seek funding from the Friends and other sources to cover project costs.
- Promote these programs through the media, library website and newsletters.
- Program attendees will be surveyed regularly for suggestions of topics, speakers and improvements to programs.
Objective: To increase the participation in established library programs by 5% each year.
Activities:
- Continue to offer “Reader’s Group” and “Knitters Circle”
- Continue to offer programs for youth during school year vacations
- Host informational programs on current local or national topics of interest
- “Family” programs will be offered several times each year.
- An author for youth and an author for adults will be engaged to speak once a year. (Total two authors, one spring, one fall.)
- Seek funding from the Friends and other sources to cover project costs
- A “bookmark” of each upcoming event will be added to the materials of each person at checkout.
- Promote these programs through the media, library website and newsletters.
- Evaluate programs and seek feedback from participants
Objective: To increase the number of non-library sponsored meetings taking place at the library by 5% each year.
Activities:
- Letters and copies of meeting room policy and application will be sent regularly to area organizations notifying them of availability.
- Director will speak to at least one organization’s meetings to promote the library’s services and meeting room availability each year.
- Hold a mixer for local organizations and businesses to familiarize them with library as a resource and way to reach the community on their issues.
- Create binder with information on the groups using meeting room for referral.
Goal 4: Users will have access to a collection of materials and services that will meet their needs for recreational and educational reading, viewing, and listening.
Objective: To refine, develop and expand the informational and reader’s advisory services.
Activities:
- Enhance regular, rotating book displays, and additional innovative book promotions.
- Genre lists, best sellers and suggested reading lists for all ages will be made available monthly.
- Develop pathfinders or bookmarks to assist library users in learning about specific subjects and/or frequently used electronic sites
Objective: Ensure that users receive holds on popular titles within 30 days of request.
Activities:
- Identify areas/authors of interest to consider for automated ordering.
- Multiple interlibrary loan requests for an author or title will be flagged for consideration of purchase.
- Book orders will be placed bi-monthly to bring in bestsellers as quickly as possible.
Objective: To develop a variety of early literacy and reading readiness programs targeting young children in Acushnet.
Activities:
- Seek grant funds to plan and develop a project using the material developed for Mother Goose on the Loose.
- Send at least one library staff member to training offered by the MBLC staff.
- Purchase high quality developmental toys, musical instruments, furniture and accessories to be used with young children, as well as appropriate library materials including board books, picture books and support materials for parents.
- Offer programs to parents about the developmental needs of children.
- Promote these programs through the media, library website and newsletters.
- Evaluate programs and seek feedback from participants.
Objective: With input from a Teen Advisory Board (TAB), develop creative programming strategies and services that will reach out and meet the needs of middle and high school-aged users and potential users.
Activities:
- Conduct a preliminary needs assessment including focus groups with teens, interviews with community leaders, parents and teachers.
- Form a Teen Advisory Board.
- Sponsor at least 3 young adult programs per year.
- Seek funding from the Friends and other sources to cover project costs.
- Promote these programs through the media, library website and newsletters.
- Evaluate programs and seek feedback from participants.
Goal 5: Users will have access to current information technology.
Objective: To evaluate subscription database use and determine patrons’ needs for existing or new online services, including an interactive homework help service.
Activities:
- Collect data on patrons’ use of subscription databases.
- Conduct a survey of patrons’ needs for existing online services or new subscription database services.
- Coordinate a trial period for an interactive homework help service.
Objective: According to commonly accepted practice, all computers in the library will be replaced or upgraded every three years to meet staff and community needs.
Activities:
- Explore and acquire new technology that may be useful to customers and staff.
- Identify and secure funds for computer replacement and/or expansion.
- Continue to implement rotation plan.
Goal 6: Users will find proficient staff support and assistance for meeting their informational and recreational needs.
Objective: To hire a part-time Assistant for Youth Services.
Activities:
- Develop a job description.
- Seek funding for this position from the Town.
- Advertise the position and conduct interviews.
- Hire and train new employee.
Objective: To provide opportunities for staff development for professional growth and to maintain a high level of customer service.
Activities:
- Encourage and facilitate staff awareness of local issues, news and events by disseminating information received through town departments, reading local newspapers, attending meetings, etc.
- Each year staff will receive information on off-site training conferences and classes and be encouraged to attend at least one.
- Once a year an in-house staff retreat will be organized for additional training on a variety of reference and/or resource topics.
- Staff meetings shall be held every quarter, or as needed to keep staff members informed and promote communication.
- Staff will be asked to share relevant educational experiences at staff meetings.
- Excellence in customer service will be the focus of at least one staff meeting.