2016 Strategic plan

Cathlamet Public Library –

Strategic Plan 2016

 

Public libraries are about the experiences customers have with the staff and facilities as a community resource.

 

Goal: To increase customer satisfaction, library usage, circulation of local and e-materials, and perceived value to the community by ________15%.

 

Measurable outcomes of success would include:

 

  • Satisfied customers - measured by survey and testimonials
  • Increased circulation and library usage – measured by statistics and analytics
  • High value to community – measured by support in donations
  • Keeping pace with community needs – measured by survey and filling customer requests for services and materials.
  • Keeping pace with technology available to the public – measured by what tech patrons are asking about, bringing in (as much as we can manage and afford)
  • Adequate and stable funding – measured by increases in funding (levy?)

 

How to measure customer experiences/interests/needs:

 

  • Talk with customers: ask about satisfaction
  • Analyze local data and national trends for small rural libraries
  • Survey patrons and entire community
  • Try new things

 

Enhance user friendliness:

    

  • Welcoming environment. First impressions: Outside of the library, parking, What patrons see as they enter: is it personal and welcoming? Are there smiling faces?  Barriers? Clutter? Exit sign: libraries build communities
  • Materials relevant, organized & simple to find. How does our collection look to patrons? Signage? Visual clutter vs. Weeding? Show some face-out themed displays with signs. Give out bookmarks with room for readers to write why they liked a title for recommended book displays.
  • Enough computers available for patrons
  • Rules of behavior enforced
  • Staff/volunteers trained in customer service. Practice YES, AND…Give more than patrons ask for; direct them to the next level of engagement
  • Making any changes in policies and procedures for the benefit of all

Marketing library in the community: Services and materials available e.g. Advertise Wi-Fi available 24/7

 

  • Newspaper articles
  • Library Website
  • Facebook
  • Special programs
  • Speak to community groups
  • Partner with Community Center and community groups

 

Develop new services:

 

  • Color Copier/Scanner/Fax
  • Services and programming directed at various age groups: Adult, teen, elementary, preschool
  • Research resources available online or print
  • Book reviews
  • New tech
  • ILL
  • New genres

 

 

Current Mission Statement: The mission of the Cathlamet Public Library is to inspire lifelong learning, promote literacy, and improve the quality of life in Wahkiakum County.

 

 

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Made possible with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State.