Plan for Library Services and Collections

2004- 2007

Bedford Public Library

 

This plan is designed to assure that all activities of the Bedford Public Library are
consistent with the Vision and Mission statements for the Library.

 


Vision Statement:
 

The Bedford Public Library will be a highly valued resource that establishes
and promotes long-term relationships with the community.

 


Mission Statement:
 

The Bedford Public Library is committed to improving the quality of life for its
customers by providing equal access to services, resources, and information.

 

 

Goal One


Library resources will be readily available to
persons in our community
 


OBJECTIVE ONE: PROVIDE ACCESS TO CURRENT COLLECTION OF MATERIALS IN PRINT AND NON-PRINT FORMATS

ACTIVITIES:
  • Investigate feasibility and advantages of new formats in 2004
  • Determine type and scope of collection in 2004
  • Update selection policy in 2005
  • Develop and maintain collections as an on-going process 2004-2007
  • Coordinate collection development among departments
  • Increase materials budgets if budget allows

OBJECTIVE TWO: IMPROVE ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING OF MATERIALS

ACTIVITIES:
  • Study and improve practices currently in use for ordering, processing, receiving, and cataloging of all materials by 2006
  • Examine and improve practices for tracking reserves and requests by 2005
  • Streamline process for reserving materials using Library online catalog
  • Make all cataloging entries clear and consistent by 2007

OBJECTIVE THREE: PROVIDE QUALITY PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS THAT WILL ENCOURAGE READING AND USE OF THE LIBRARY

ACTIVITIES:
  • Encourage and support parents in the role as first teacher 2004-2007
  • Present programs that encourage families to read together 2004-2007
  • Prepare and distribute booklists, brochures, and activity packets for parents that will help develop early literacy skills by 2006
  • Increase the number of programs in the Library for children of all ages by 20% 2004-2007

OBJECTIVE FOUR: EXPAND USE OF ONLINE SERVICES

ACTIVITIES:
  • Prepare and distribute brochures on web- based services, update annually
  • Use web page to provide enhanced reader’s advisory services 2004-2007
  • Effectively use e-mail newsletter to promote services and collections by 2005
  • Increase number of subscribers to e-mail newsletter by 25% by 2005, 50% by 2007
  • Use e-mail to send out special notifications to target audiences by 2006
  • Regularly post surveys and questions on the web page for feedback
  • Add community information links to web page by 2005
  • Add a link to solicit questions and feedback
  • Purchase and install computer software needed to comply with the Child Internet Protection Act by March 2004
  • Replace/upgrade Library automation and notifications systems by 2007
  • Investigate feasibility of utilizing virtual reference services by 2007

OBJECTIVE FIVE: PROVIDE A QUALITY CIRCULATION EXPERIENCE FOR CUSTOMERS AND STAFF

ACTIVITIES:
  • Provide customer service training for staff each year
  • Study and improve circulation stations for customer and staff in 2004
  • Study and improve the customer registration process 2004-2005
  • Prepare for new circulation system 2005-2007

OBJECTIVE SIX: PROVIDE PLEASANT, COMFORTABLE, AND SAFE LIBRARY FACILITY FOR LIBRARY CUSTOMERS

ACTIVITIES:
  • Improve access from the parking lot to main entrance by 2006
  • Install additional outside lighting in 2004
  • Replace damaged sidewalks by 2006
  • Purchase property adjacent to the Library if available
  • Upgrade/replace heating and cooling equipment before 2008
  • Re-point limestone and stucco on building as needed by 2007

OBJECTIVE SEVEN: ENGAGE IN COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES WITH LOCAL GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

ACTIVITIES:
  • Identify groups with special needs and determine how to serve them 2004-2006
  • Contact pre-school and daycare providers to promote pre-school Library programs and special services 2004-2005
     

 

Goal Two


Assessment will be used to assure Library resources are
effectively used to meet community needs
 

 

ACTIVITIES:
  • Identify staff members to work on assessment 2004
  • Learn about assessment methods and how to use them 2004-2006
  • Collect information, data, and statistics to assist in decision making 2004-2007
  • Evaluate assessment information so that services and programs may be improved 2005-2007
  • Assess outcomes to determine the success of services and programs 2004-2007
  • Assess efficiency to help evaluate the cost effectiveness of services and programs 2005-2007
  • Use findings to evaluate and improve services and programs 2005-2007
  • Communicate findings/results to the community in brochures, newspaper and newsletter articles, on the radio and on the Library website 2006-2007
  • Suggest necessary changes based on findings 2006-2007
     

 

Goal Three


Staff will advance the Library’s vision and
mission statements.
 

 

ACTIVITIES:
  • Staff will be able to articulate and understand the vision and mission of the Library 2004-2OO7
  • Facilitate communication among departments and staff to promote a cooperative work environment 2004-2007
  • Staff will be encouraged to participate in continuing education activities in the Library, online, and at other facilities 2004-2007
  • Staff will be cross-trained so they understand the duties and responsibilities of staff in other departments and will assist as needed 2004-2007
  • Staff will be required to demonstrate basic competency in using TeleCirc and iPAC 2004
  • Provide reader’s advisory services in a variety of formats 2004-2007
  • Distribute library card applications to all kindergarten classrooms 2005-2007
  • Offer to help select materials for special groups 2005-2007

Increase number of programs presented to students kindergarten through grade five in the North Lawrence Community Schools by 15% 2004-2007

 

Last updated: 01/09/2005