St. Charles Public Library Strategic Plan 2003-2008

MISSION STATEMENT

The St. Charles Public Library is a place for all residents and taxpayers of the Library District that is dedicated to open and equal access to information; independent learning; the joys of reading; the building of a sense of community; and the promotion of cultural awareness.

SERVICE RESPONSES

In order to achieve our mission:

A. We will provide a well-qualified, knowledgeable, and service-oriented staff who receive on-going training and meet established competencies.

B. We will provide information services, programs and a collection of sufficient scope and depth to meet current and anticipated needs of the community.

C. We will house the collection, services and programs in first-rate facilities that are planned to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community.

D. We will ensure community awareness and use of these resources.

E. We will partner with other community organizations to strengthen services, programs and resources.

GOALS

I. QUALITY OF SERVICE

A. Provide and maintain high quality collections.

2003-2004

1. Enhance NetLibrary electronic books.
a. Add new titles.
b. Explore more effective ways to link to our catalog and website.
c. Encourage use through an expanded publicity campaign.
2. Create a one-search or cross-database search capability for Library resources such as catalog and subscription databases.
3. Purchase more titles and more duplicate copies of in-demand and popular works.
4. Expand popular DVD and CD collections. Allocate additional funding for more titles and purchase duplicate copies.
5. Place limit on DVD checkout until collection is larger. Limit to be determined.
6. Expand sign language collections.
7. Highlight the collection with more displays and features on the website.
8. Increase awareness of Literacy Volunteers of American (LVA) collection.
9. Purchase more Latin music audio.
10. Reconsider textbook policy.
11. Ensure easy access to collection through quality cataloging and processing.
12. Continue digitizing materials of local interest, such as directories and yearbooks.
13. Continue regular, periodic evaluation of collection.
14. Continue regular maintenance of collection through weeding and repairs.
15. Consider separate selectors for different AV types.
16. Consider acquiring educational learning games for small and large motor skills

2004-2005
Consider expanding resources for early childhood educators in Youth and Adult Services.

2005-2006
1. Offer more genealogy electronic reference resources.
2. Purchase more Spanish language audio books.
3. Consider acquiring a basic Spanish reference collection.

2006-2007
1. Begin a popular Spanish fiction collection.
2. Expand resources in Spanish from board books through non-fiction, print and audio-visual.

B. Attract and retain a highly qualified staff.

2003-2004
1. Encourage every staff member to be aware of daily activities in the building.
2. Hire/promote Spanish language competency among staff, especially public service staff.
3. Continue to encourage communication among Departments and foster interdepartmental relations.
4. Continue to provide pleasant and comfortable staff work environments.

2004-2005
Offer more interactive/workshop training that is focused on and directly tied to duties.

2005-2006
Encourage staff to obtain further education if position requires or opportunities for advancement exist.

C. Provide a user-friendly environment.

2003-2004
1. Update initial phone message (e.g., less information to begin with, not more than 3 choices).
2. Enable patrons to be more self-sufficient in locating materials.
- Prepare bookmark explaining call designations and locations in the Library.
3. Maintain comfortable, inviting and sufficient seating.
4. Consider Information Desk/Receptionist in prominent location as first point of contact.
5. Consider allowing patrons to bring covered drinks into Library.
6. Consider leaving all study room doors unlocked.

2004-2005
1. Provide simple, concise, accurate directional signage in all areas, with special attention to foreign language and Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA).
2. Evaluate self-checkout station use and location. Consider moving them to a place where it will get more use (e.g., closer to circulation desk or in lounge area so patrons standing in line may notice and use it.) Research use studies and success stories.
3. Review use patterns, demands at YS circulation desk. Consider staffing with two people at all times.
4. Offer comfortable seating in a quiet area (west of Tech Center).
5. Provide more YS public computer catalogs.
6. Consider having phone answered by a person and routed accordingly.
7. Consider additional copy machines, (e.g., color also in Adult and upgraded B&W near circulation desk; or public copier center.) All public copy machines should be the same.
8. Consider more comfortable chairs in the meeting room.
9. Consider fourth computer at Adult circulation desk.

2005-2006
Consider a coffee/refreshment area as space becomes available.

D. Provide information, community education and training.

2003-2004
1. Evaluate and consider expanding 24/7 reference service to be a true round the clock service in cooperation with other libraries or networks.
2. Offer specialized computer orientations such as: investment, travel and health information; email; digital pictures.
3. Provide ongoing formal and informal patron training in use of iBistro computer catalog,
(e.g., ability to access their records and place reserves.)
4. Continue to offer computer training directed at seniors. Investigate cooperation with Park District in relation to their new senior center.
5. Continue to increase Readers Services hours as necessary.
6. Consider offering Library brochure in Spanish.

2004-2005
1. Improve local database and search capabilities for our local digitized materials currently with Illinois Digital Archive (IDA).
2. Increase specialized computer orientations.

E. Maintain and continuously upgrade technology.

2006-2007
1. Add more computer catalogs and computers.
2. Consider computer stations with educational games for preschool children.

F. Provide for new technology as affordable/usable.

2003-2004
1. Evaluate use of new technology by patrons.
2. Explore wireless Internet access for patron use throughout building with their laptops or PDAs.

2005-2006
Consider self-check-in stations (RFID technology).

II. GOVERNANCE

A. Acquire and allocate funds in best possible manner to achieve goals and objectives.

2003-2004
1. Continue to utilize grants as often as possible.
2. Continue to monitor relationships amount various costs.

B. Respond to legislative mandates.

C. Maintain mutually beneficial relations with other library organizations.

(Friends of the St. Charles Library and the Library Foundation)

D. Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with other units of local government

2003-2004
Continue to work closely with schools to be aware of current topics for school projects. Work in partnership with schools to facilitate use of the Library as a research tool for local students.

III. GROWTH

A. Provide more convenient access to services throughout the district.

2003-2004
Better advertise existing book drop locations.

2004-2005
Install more book drops as need indicates (e.g., consider high school locations).

B. Respond to changing demographics.

2004-2005
Consider working with Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) to serve as clearinghouse for Spanish support agencies.

C. Investigate serving unserved areas and non-users.

2003-2004
1. Examine expanding District to include all schools in Community Unit School District 303.
2. Examine ways to communicate accurate information to non-residents.

2007-2008
Consider bookmobile service, branch or remote storefront to provide accessible service to patrons on northwest and west sides of the District.

IV. OUTREACH

A. Refine & enhance current marketing efforts (target market).

2003-2004
1. Target information to individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations.
2. Market more to north and northwest areas of District. Utilize circulation, registration and demographic information to target areas of low use, etc.
3. Better publicize homebound services for temporary situations, (e.g., surgery.)
4. Utilize service agencies such as Salvation Army and food pantry for outreach marketing.
5. Consider changing size and format of Info to Go. Consider shortening articles or length of publication, with consideration of shorter versions such as postcards or flyers. Short and simple is more readable.
6. Consider sending Library information packets to all new residents (the Library already sends a welcome letter to all new City utility residents and information packets via the Welcome Wagon).

2004-2005
1. Explore modest cable marketing program, focusing ads to specific programming.
2. Consider hosting a fair to feature community resources at the Library (health, social, special needs, etc.).

2005-2006
Consider enhancing Info to Go – possibly changing frequency from quarterly to bi-monthly.

B. Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with community service organizations and businesses.

2003-2004
1. Encourage staff to participate in community events by reminding staff to check notices posted in Library.
2. Consider regular targeted mailing to businesses (e.g., via Chamber fax service) with lists of new/most used/top 10/ etc. business materials.

C. Enhance contemporary relevance.

In addition to goals stated elsewhere:
2003-2004
Serve as a meeting location for Home School parents; host annual open house.

2004-2005
Expand staff knowledge of special needs resources in the community

D. Provide literature-based programs and cultural events.

2003-2004
Provide additional preschool story times; consider weekends and evenings.

2004-2005
1. Consider offering program registration online and email reminders of programs.
2. Consider offering orientation to Library services with Spanish translator.

2005-2006
Consider offering same program more than once to accommodate growing demand and limited meeting room capacity.

C. Provide access to services beyond Library walls.

2003-2004
1. Investigate providing lists of Library Resources at Park District and other units of government.
2. Continue adding Spanish language web links to the Internet Quick Reference sites.

2004-2005
Explore the possibility of acquiring a second vehicle to serve as a “Program Van.”

V. FACILITIES

A. Maintain safe, clean and accessible environment.

2003-2004
1. Continue to address air quality of building. Evaluate amount of fumes that enter building through air intakes.
2. Select better DVD storage/display units.
3. Reconsider installing walkway along 6th Avenue parking lot.

2005-2006
1. Consider Library map to hand out to patrons or directory in lobby.
2. Consider moving reference desk closer to entrance.

2007-2008
Consider drive-through for pick up of materials.

B. Continue to address parking needs.

2003-2004
Consider to continue acquiring adjacent property as it is available.

C. Continue to maintain physical plant.

Implement Major Systems Maintenance/Replacement Schedule

D. Use existing space efficiently.

2003-2004
Weed periodicals collections and shift reference materials before proceeding with rearrangement of Adult area.

2004-2005
Examine Youth Services bathroom issue to eliminate need for circulation staff to monitor.

2005-2006
Consider taller shelving for the Young Adult area to accommodate more materials in the same space, or expand into the study area with additional shelving.

E. Explore needs for additional space (space limitations).

2003–2004
1. Begin to explore facility space expansion: need for a larger building/additional building. Explore methods to expand floor space with consideration given to the following areas.
a. Consider centralized circulation.
b. Consider expanded building that addresses storage needs.
c. Consider expanding Technology Center capacity.
d. Examine YS floor plan to consider separation of reference/quiet area from preschool area.
e. Examine addition of study rooms in Youth Services.
f. In any extensive remodeling of present facility, consider putting elevator to mezzanine closer to main entrance.

2004-2005
1. Improve Reference /Outreach Workroom to provide adequate staff workspace.
2. Consider updating phone system.