In January, the Long Range Planning Committee met to review staff’s recommended updates to our existing Strategic Plan. A red-lined version of those proposed updates is included in your packet. Page 2 of that document shows the actual Strategic Plan. There were a few minor updates to this portion of the plan, but most of the plan remains unchanged. This is to be expected, as we view this plan as an “ever green” document. We will continue to evaluate the wording of the plan and make any changes as needed over the years. But we anticipate most of this plan remaining relevant for the foreseeable future. Our Management Team spent a lot of time over the past year reviewing this plan and proposing potential updates for your consideration.
Two notable proposed changes pertain to Objectives E and F. Objective E used to state, “Incorporate technology in maker programs for library users of all ages.” Staff felt that the focus on technology in maker programs was more restrictive than we want to be, so they propose expanding that to say, “through outreach.” We believe this broader wording will push us to focus on a bigger audience for technology access and training. The added wording to Objective F is intended to do the same, to push us to be on the lookout for new technologies that enhance how we do our work and that can enhance the lives of our patrons. All of this comes from recognizing that an enduring part of the library’s brand needs to be a place where people can get access to technology. These are the changes to the Strategic Plan that you are being asked to vote on.
Pages 3 and beyond of this document shows specific initiatives that are not part of the Strategic Plan proper. These are the things that staff have identified as the concrete actions we can take in the coming months to put the Strategic Plan into action. I include these so that everyone who looks at the Plan can see how we are translating it specific ideas for moving the library forward. The first four of these initiatives are focused on more effective marketing for the library, which is the first overarching goal of the Strategic Plan. Other initiatives include enhancing our outreach to various groups and maintaining the kinds of physical spaces that we our community wants and needs from us. While these initiatives aren’t what is being voted on in the Strategic Plan per se, your feedback on them is valuable.
Recommendation: I recommend that you approve the updates to the Strategic Plan as recommended by the Long Range Planning Commmittee.