Developing a Vision
For the Media-Upper Providence Library

Agenda
1. Complete environmental scan/gap analysis
2. Discuss technology & libraries
3. Imagine patrons’ needs in 2012 and 2017
4. List key points of emphasis
5. Summarize vision

Ground Rules
No discussing the building!
Keep focus on products, programs & services
Base projections on facts (if possible)

Environmental scan
Tally findings
Where do the greatest opportunities lie?
What products, services & programs should we
emphasize?

Libraries & Technology
Here today:
WiFi
eBooks & digital libraries (e.g., Google Book & Scholar)
RSS feeds, Podcasts, & downloadable media (e.g., MP3s)
Social networking software (e.g., Library Thing, MySpace)
User tagging of catalogue records (e.g., WorldCat)
Ratings & reviews, shareable lists, personal profiles
Recommender/notification services
“Library 2.0”

Libraries & Technology
Coming soon:
Lightweight, high resolution e-readers
(e.g., Amazon “Kindle”)
Rapid expansion of digital libraries
(especially if copyright issues are resolved)
Print on demand (NY Public Library - “POD ATM machine”)

The Paradigm Shift
From: Libraries as “temples to books,” with librarians as
gatekeepers & decoders of catalogue systems (Dewey Decimal,
Library of Congress)

The Paradigm Shift
To: Libraries as “mental gymnasiums,” with librarians as
facilitator-guides, and patrons as contributors & co-cataloguers
of a wide range of print & virtual resources

The Paradigm Shift

Imagining Future Needs
What will our youngest patrons (0-12) need in 2012? 2017?
What will our teenage patrons (13-19) need in 2012? 2017?
What will our adult patrons (20-65) need in 2012? 2017?
What will our senior patrons (65+) need in 2012? 2017?

Our Vision
What products, programs & services to emphasize?
What activities do we want to enable?
(read - connect - grow?)
What’s our niche?