| Rockford
Public Library Strategic Plan
Goals
and Objectives Prepared by Strategic Planning Committee
October
2001 – March 2002
Facilities
Goal
1: Improve signage at all facilities
Objectives
- Create
a unique design for exterior signs.
- Install
exterior signage first for Montague and Rockton Centre Branches;
then plan
further signage for the remaining locations.
Goal
2: Renovate, expand and relocate its facilities
Objectives
- Establish
a new branch facility within the boundaries of Alpine, Perryville,
State and
Riverside Boulevard.
- Relocate
the current Northeast facility to create a service point strategically
located
and more accessible to residents halfway between the additional
-
facility and the Rock River Branch Library.
- Renovate
and reconfigure the main library to strengthen its position as
the cultural center of downtown Rockford and to support the library's
new role in community programming.
- Expand
the web page to serve as a virtual library and additional service
facility. Review the Lewis Lemon Branch location, explore sites
along West State Street and look at the Shopstead facility.
Services
Goal
1: Improve signage at all facilities
Objectives
-
Create a unique design for exterior signs.
- Install
exterior signage first for Montague and Rockton Centre Branches;
then plan further signage for the remaining locations.
Goal
2: Renovate, expand and relocate its facilities
Objectives
- Establish
a new branch facility within the boundaries of Alpine, Perryville,
State and Riverside Boulevard.
- Relocate
the current Northeast facility to create a service point strategically
located and more accessible to residents halfway between the additional
facility and the Rock River Branch Library.
- Renovate
and reconfigure the main library to strengthen its position as
the cultural center of downtown Rockford and to support the library's
new role in community programming.
- Expand
the web page to serve as a virtual library and additional service
facility.
- Review
the Lewis Lemon Branch location, explore sites along West State
Street and look at the Shopstead facility.
Goal
3: Review and enhance services in all departments to ensure
growth in all facets of library operations to the community.
Continuously
assess hours and usage to maximize customer satisfaction.
Objectives:
- Establish
Local History hours to be consistent with the general library
service hours.
- Organize
the equipment and services in Local History so those customers
can do research all within the Local History Room.
- Explore
the need to preserve rare collection materials.
- Actively
participate in the cultural corridor agencies (arts organizations)
and the Downtown Business Association to increase awareness of
services.
- Actively
participate in NILS activities, including grant writing, programming,
training and other service opportunities.
- Actively
participate with educational institutions, including Rockford
public and private schools, Rockford Area Literacy Council and
area colleges to strengthen and increase awareness of services.
- Re-establish
library service to the Winnebago County Jail.
Staff
Goal:
Retain and recruit highly qualified staff at all levels.
Objectives:
- Biennially
review salary and compensation packages to remain competitive
with the market.
- Actively
encourage and promote participation by staff in the planning and
implementation of the library's development.
- Redesign
the library's continuing education program to better define it
and monitor appropriate use and service to staff – maximizing
the benefits to both the library and staff.
- Utilize
all continuing education opportunities through NILS and the City
of Rockford training programs.
- Develop
and formalize the role of the Human Resources Division of the
library.
Technology
Goal:
Plan and provide for an integrated network and technology
enhancement that supports all library operations.
Objectives:
- Develop
a multipurpose computer lab, available to the public and staff;
define space for training within that lab.
- Replace
the current telephone system by 2003.
- Identify
funding opportunities and establish a voice-over IP system.
- Provide
adequate and consistent equipment and software in all facilities
to support library services, collections and programs.
- Explore
SMART card technology.
- Explore
the direct issuance of library cards to customers at all locations
and off site.
- Actively
work with City to ensure best use of technology in relation to
improved communication and use of City services.
Programming
Goal:
Expand its role and type of programming in the community.
Objectives:
- Assume
the leadership role as a major player in developing signature
events for the library to establish a unique image in the community.
- Enhance
and expand the marketing component for programs.
- Explore
the role of fee-based programming with regard to increasing our
ability to bring in high-end programs.
- Proactively
seek collaborative opportunities with local cultural,
- educational,
and governmental groups to enhance and improve programming.
- Develop
new programming, continue to improve initiatives, and repeat programming
requested by the public to be responsive to the current and anticipated
needs of the community.
- Increase
programming diversity to appeal to a wider variety of cultural,
socioeconomic and intellectual groups.
Public
Perception
Goal
1: Develop a new image that clearly imparts our role in
the community and profession.
Objectives:
Create a new identity through –
- New
logo.
- Unique
signage.
- Identifiable
slogan.
Goal
2: Improve collections and acquisitions of materials to
support public interest and demand.
Objectives:
- Provide
a multi-format collection that meets current and popular demand
at all locations.
- Market
all collections to ensure visibility and consideration for use.
- Improve
acquisitions and processing of materials to expedite circulation
and usage.
Goal
3: Improve facilities to foster a welcoming environment
Objectives:
- Explore
arrangement of materials to encourage browsing and high usage.
- Locate
high volume/popular materials in high traffic areas.
- Reduce
clutter to increase visibility.
- Improve
cleanliness.
- Create
an attractive patron amenities center to include a coffee bar
and copy center.
Funding
Goal:
Develop new streams of revenue to support and improve services,
collections and programs of the library.
Objectives:
-
Develop a strategic funding plan.
- Hire
a full-time grant writer.
-
Develop an endowment and gift program.
- Schedule
a referendum as soon as possible for needed improvements and expansion.
Plan an extensive and well thought out promotional
- campaign
involving all board members, many staff, and community leaders.
- Explore
funding opportunities with City.
- Explore
fee-based programming opportunities.
- Investigate
our fee structure for all current services.
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