Genesee District Library's Strategic Plan
2006 - 2009

Materials and Services:

Goal No. 1: We will anticipate and satisfy the needs of our diverse community by providing a wide variety of materials and services.

Objective 1-1: Review collection development policies and procedures annually.

• Action 1-1-1: Expend more of the library’s budget each year on materials to satisfy demand.
• Action 1-1-2: Continue to subscribe to the OCLC Collection Analysis in order to fill gaps in the current collection.

Objective 1-2: Provide faster turnaround time to fill requests.

• Action 1-2-1: Provide more deliveries between branches.

Objective 1-3: Continue to add to books by mail program for the homebound.

Objective 1-4: Develop at least 3 different methods to educate patrons about library services and programs.

• Action 1-4-1: Develop a Powerpoint presentation on general library services for use by trustees and staff.
• Action 1-4-2: Offer a “quick start” sheet on how to use the library.

Objective 1-5: Explore a system for paying fines, lost card fees, and photocopying fees by credit card.

Objective 1-6: Develop a special service program for businesspeople, including commuters and retailers.

• Action 1-6-1: Explore options for developing relationships between the library staff and local business owners and employees.

Programs:

Goal No. 2: We will provide high quality programs on diverse topics to patrons at every age level.

Objective 2-1: Offer more programs and services for teenagers.

• Action 2-1-1: Consider offering an exhibit/author festival.
• Action 2-1-2: Increase the number of teenagers in the advisory and volunteer programs.
• Action 2-1-2: Offer “how to use the library” tours led by teenagers.

Objective 2-2: Continue to offer more programs and services for persons lacking computer literacy at the smaller branches.

Objective 2-3: Offer programs to appeal to adult book readers.

• Action 2-3-1: Offer festivals on poetry, ethnic issues, etc.

Objective 2-4: Sponsor a series of major author appearances every year.

Objective 2-5: Offer programs that appeal especially to seniors.

• Action 2-5-1: Consider sponsoring a seniors’ advisory group.
• Action 2-5-2: Consider early morning, early afternoon program times.

Objective 2-6: Highlight special programs for all ages during National Library Week.

Objective 2-7: Sponsor more arts and crafts programs.

• Action 2-7-1: Partner with Arts Councils and other professional organizations.

Objective 2-8: Provide several methods to solicit patron feedback about library services and programs, such as focus groups, exit interviews and online surveys.

Technology:

Goal No. 3: We will harness informational and instructional technologies for our patrons’ convenience and improved staff productivity and convenience.

Objective 3-1: Notify patrons of options for library information— e-mail, phone, or mail.

• Action 3-1-1: Make every effort to acquire the materials requested in lieu of canceling a hold.

Objective 3-2: Develop a procedure for maintaining and adding computers for the public.

• Action 3-2-1: Dedicate at least one computer in every branch as a catalog-only terminal.
• Action 3-2-2: Complete wireless access at all branches
• Action 3-2-3: Provide laptop computers whenever possible
• Action 3-2-4: Provide staff with tablet P Cs for improved service on the floor.

Objective 3-3: Continually update and improve the library’s home page and website.

Staff

Goal No. 4: We will employ a staff that responds efficiently, courteously, and professionally to our patrons.

Objective 4-1: Continue to emphasize the importance of staff attitudes and behaviors during recruitment, orientation and supervision of new hires.

Objective 4-2: Continue to offer library-wide staff development opportunities.

• Action 4-2-1: Upgrade staff skills in telephone service.
• Action 4-2-2: Upgrade staff skills regarding computer upgrades.

Objective 4-3: Create desk schedules to allow staff time for collection development and support work flow.

Objective 4-4: Educate staff and empower them to promote library services and programs.

Objective 4-5: Explore options to solicit staff input into programs and events sponsored for specific age and interest groups

Marketing

Goal No. 5: We will make the library well-known, well-used, and well-respected by the community.

Objective 5-1: Advertise the library’s resources, services and programs to targeted audiences.

• Action 5-1-1: Advertise the library’s online services and the advantages of a 24-hour service.
• Action 5-1-2: Review the automated phone messages and add new messages frequently.
• Action 5-1-3: Review the distribution and cost effectiveness of the GDL newsletter (residents, patrons only, etc.) and consider timeliness, frequency of issue, features, and distribution channels (e-mail, html, paper copy, etc.)
• Action 5-1-4: Publicize the library’s events on other media besides newspaper and flyers.

Objective 5-2: Continue to partner with local businesses, civic groups, and municipalities with mutual missions to share program sponsorships.

• Action 5-2-1: Educate patrons about the library’s funding and leasing agreements for the branch outlets.
• Action 5-2-2: Network with local businesses to distribute library publicity.
• Action 5-2-3: Promote reference services to local businesses and community groups.

Objective 5-3: Promote the library’s services to nonusers.

• Action 5-3-1: Advertise the benefits of using the library for book borrowing, DVDs, CDs, and current magazines.
• Action 5-3-2: Work closely with newspaper editors and feature story writers to increase coverage of GDL events and services in the newspapers.
• Action 5-3-3: Develop cable television programming.
• Action 5-3-4: Increase the number and opportunities for partnerships with schools to promote pleasures of reading, academic achievement, and extra-curricular activities.

Objective 5-4: Sponsor a program to enlist and monitor the performance of volunteers to assist with library services and programs.

Facilities

Goal No. 6: We will work with local governments as they provide library buildings that are clean, attractive, comfortable and easy to use and review, revise and rewrite the contracts with the municipalities in regards to health and safety concerns for staff and patrons.

• Objective 6-1: Expand hours whenever possible at the branches.
• Objective 6-2: Review options for convenient book returns for patrons at all branches.
• Objective 6-3: Allocate/screen off separate spaces for quiet study wherever possible.
• Objective 6-4: Constantly review exterior signage and make it consistent throughout the district as much as possible.
• Objective 6-5: Allocate a portion of space in appropriate branches for teen appeal and use.