The mytown public library strategic plan aims to enhance services for a diverse community, improve technology accessibility, and expand electronic resources over the next three years. Key initiatives include staff training, community outreach, and upgrading library technology, all centered on fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for all patrons. The budget emphasizes substantial initial investments to rapidly improve library facilities, anticipating increased patronage and satisfaction.

1. Mytown Public Library Strategic Plan and Budget Library Director: Krista Ainsworth Head of Reference: Sue Liacos-Dix

2. Goal #1 To better serve a diverse community as a center for lifelong learning Plan services to meet the needs of diverse individuals and groups. Survey and assess community demographics and identify potential needs. Research programs and models that may be applicable to this library. Educate staff about information literacy needs and instruction methods.

3. Goal #1 To better serve a diverse community as a center for lifelong learning 2. Gain community support for services and programs. Research and identify community partners. Plan and facilitate community discussions to identify community needs and potential methods of cooperation and collaboration.

4. 3. Promote and implement services and programs. Using results of community discussion and input, develop community forums/speaker series to foster inclusion and understanding within all segments of the community. Advertise programs to the community. On a regular advertised schedule, provide open programs and services. Goal #1 To better serve a diverse community as a center for lifelong learning

5. Goal #2 Expand technology services to the community Invest in staff training Assess current and predicted technology use. Assess staff levels of knowledge and comfort in technology. Provide training specific to technology needs of library/staff.

6. Goal #2 Expand technology services to the community 2. Offer library users increased access to the library’s resources. Articulate commitment to outreach to all citizens of the community. Survey needs and expectation of community. Educate the public through a series of workshops and outreach programs. Create and offer ongoing information sessions/updates.

7. Goal #2 Expand technology services to the community 3. Further develop electronic resources within the library. Provide increased access to current technology and resources. Increase access to online databases and resources.

8. Goal #2 Expand technology services to the community 4. Expand and improve the Internet homepage and website. Evaluate current website to identify purpose, ease of use, currency and accuracy. Consider adding a library blog or other social networking tool. Update and improve relevance of website to library mission. Commit human and financial resources to keeping website current and vital. Set and achieve goal of increasing number of resources for all users of library: children, YA, adults and special needs (i.e. Spanish-speaking population, senior citizens.)

9. Initiatives over the next 3 years… Add an Information Literacy Librarian to offer a human connection to the new technologies available – both to patrons and staff Add a support staff member in anticipation of increased patronage Update and add computer systems, software and licensing Provide a systematic approach to staff training – tuition reimbursement for 3 credit ALA accredited courses New and relevant programming for our community – taking into account our many users and their diverse needs and interests

10. Budget Explanation 2010 Breakdown 9% 5% 3% 3% Annual Budget Amount ($M)

11. Library Staff New Position in 2007

12. Increased Public Computer Availability 2.3X increase in available public access computing by 2010

13. Justifying the large initial increase… While the town may be leery to provide such a large increase initially, Krista and Sue will have masterfully enlightened the town manager and selectpeople that this tactic is the “give them what they want” approach. Patrons don’t want to slowly wait for all the changes to take effect. They don’t want to see one or two new computers a year. They want to see the bang for their tax payer buck – shiny new computers and software and a helpful, experienced librarian to assist them. Better programs for young and old. A more vibrant learning environment.

14. What Success Looks Like…. Today Patrons are often unaware of our many online databases Our programming, while thoughtful and exciting, may be lacking diversity Staff feels technologically unprepared for the 21 st century ~ and our staff’s comfort level has direct bearing on our patron’s success 2010 Patrons have had 3 years of introductory and advanced computer skills courses offered monthly Our programming is better focused and better attended Our staff have continued to remain lifelong learners, embracing technological changes and the new “look” for the library of the future. Training has been empowering and morale is at a high. The energy in the library is infectious. The community loves using this modern space to gather, learn and express themselves.