Focus
on the future of the library

Research to zoom in on
our patrons . . .
Who you are
What you like
– and don’t like

What you want from your library
going forward

Broad-based community
planning process
Focus groups
Public forums
Community leaders
Community survey

Set goals for the library,
and take concrete steps
to reach those goals.

How do the people of Monroe
County use the library?

66% use the library
at least once
per month

Check out a book

Spend time in a quiet placeMeet a friend
Find information
Attend amagazine or newspaper
meeting
Read a
Attend an adult program
Pick up Ask a librarian hold
material on
Use a copier
Check out a magazine
Use wireless access
Check out a book
Do online research Attend a teen program
Check out audiobook Work on school assignment
Volunteer
Use a computer
Check out a movie
Found info for work
Attend a children’s program
Check out music Receive help with reading
Get tax forms

Target Audiences

Target Audiences
children, families and
caregivers
frequent users
leading edge
technology users

Target Audiences
underserved audiences
taxpayers
staff

Strategies
listen and respond
to community input

Strategies
strengthen community
partnerships

Strategies
provide enriching
and engaging experiences

Strategies
maintain functional
and attractive public spaces

Strategies
attract and develop
top quality staff
attract and develop
top quality staff

Strategies
improve processes

Strategies
broaden the
funding mix

5 interrelated goals

Strengthen support for
literacy and lifelong learning
Children
pre-literacy skills
reading and language skills
volunteer homework help

Strengthen support for
literacy and lifelong learning
Adults
more learning opportunities
volunteer tutoring
teach technology skills
21st century literacy skills
partner with the community

Expand access
to information
access for people with
disabilities
grow Web and CATS services
open second branch
replace bookmobile
consider changes to hours

Deliver exemplary
service
foster staff development
maintain and improve facility
and technology
creatively improve processes

Deliver exemplary
service
facilitate transportation and
parking options
Ellettsville Branch children’s
addition
create engaging library
experiences

Maintain high quality
collections
new titles
new formats
increased satisfaction
children’s collection
endowment

Optimize stewardship of
the library’s resources
be an inclusive and attractive
employer
make better use of volunteers,
interns and work-study

Optimize stewardship of
the library’s resources
efficient use of tax support
embrace green, reduce energy
develop maintenance and
replacement schedules
fundraising

ROI
Return
On
Investment
The Valuation Study confirmed that
Monroe County residents
received
$1.68
in value for each $1 invested in the Library.

2,496,313
items circulated

1,148,201
visits to a Library facility

1,568,906
visits to the Library website

289,000
uses of Library public computers

82,066
Library card holders

43,551
participants in Library programs

92-95% are satisfied with staff
knowledge, courteousness and
reference services

96% rated the Library important
to the future of our community

Our library is
regularly
acknowledged to
be one of the finest
public libraries in
the country.
We are ranked
number two
nationally for
libraries of our
size.

Our vision for
the future of
the Library

We have looked at the actions
and opinions of the people that
our Library serves.

We have sought to understand
the role of the Library in the
community.

In order to form
a clear vision . . .

. . . of what this Library
can become . . .

. . . in the years ahead.

Our Vision:
We aspire to be a
dynamic library,
essential to thoughtful,
productive community life,
and always meeting our
community’s evolving needs.