Library Information
Library Strategic Plans
Strategic Plan (print
plan in Word.doc)
2004-2028
Approved by the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees on January 21, 2004. Revised and approved by the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees on March 16, 2005.
Mission Statement
The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is dedicated to providing the community with access to information, literature, and ideas.
Vision Statement
RPL will be a model of excellence in library service as perceived by its customers and the library community, with materials, hours, technology, staff and facilities that meet the needs of our changing community.
Table of Contents
Core Values Summary 2
Executive Overview 2
Ongoing Use of the Strategic Plan 2
Strategic Issues 3
Process & Timeline 6
Appendices:
1-Reference Material Bibliography 7
2-Core Value Statement 8
3- Peer Library Comparison 9
4- Strategic Outlook 11
Core Values Summary
RPL sets priorities for funding and management of programs, services, collections, and resources based upon the following core values:
RPL is committed to providing quality library service.
RPL serves all users fairly and equally.
RPL is committed to intellectual freedom.
RPL is committed to education.
RPL is committed to providing basic library services at no
charge.
RPL respects intellectual property rights and copyright laws.
RPL acknowledges that available public funding impacts our
ability to fund hardware, collections and formats.
RPL views technology as a tool to achieve better library services.
RPL honors diversity, and seeks to represent diversity in its
collections, programs, services, and other areas.
Executive Overview
The RPL Board of Trustees (Board) recommends implementation of a strategic planning process for the years 2003-2028. This Strategic Plan outlines that process together with strategic issues and goals. Action plans and measurement metrics change regularly and are in a separate document that references this Strategic Plan.
The attached Appendices contain a Reference Material Bibliography for use in connection with the planning process, a complete statement of RPL’s Core Values, a Peer Library Comparison to assist with assessing whether plan performance objectives are being achieved, and a Strategic Outlook to address likely long-range issues.
Ongoing Use of the Strategic Plan
The RPL Board will use this document for the following purposes:
Evaluate yearly progress towards long term goals
Evaluate yearly progress towards short term action plans
Evaluate how the Library is meeting community needs
RPL Staff will use this document for the following purposes:
Create specific action plans to meet board goals
Set priorities for library management
Set priorities for budgeting
Strategic Issues
Strategic Issue #1: Maintaining and Enhancing Quality Services, Programs and Collections
- Meet the library services needs of RPL patrons
- Consistency with RPL’s mission and values
- Positioning to address changing information marketplace
Goal #1: Provide collections to meet the needs of its citizens.- Goal #2: Provide programs and services to support its mission and enhance the quality of life of its citizens.
- Goal #3: Provide sufficient staffing to provide identified library services.
- Goal #4: Keep informed on changes to the information marketplace and changes in the community in order to meet citizen needs.
Strategic Issue #2: Access to RPL Services, Programs and Collections
- Facilities
- Other library service delivery alternatives
- Goal #1: Provide adequate facilities to provide needed library services.
- Goal #2: Use other delivery means to provide needed library services when possible.
Strategic Issue 3: Secure, Manage and Develop Funding Sources
- Public
- Private
- Friends of the Rochester Public Library
- Rochester Public Library Foundation
- Goal #1: Provide adequate public funding for core services.
- Goal #2: Seek alternate sources of funds to enhance and expand library services, programs, and collections.
Strategic Issue 4: Maintain and Enhance Public Relations,
Marketing and Public Information
- Improve community awareness and understanding of RPL resources
- Improve communications with funding entities and individuals
- Improve communications with RPL constituents
- Goal #1: Improve community understanding of library collections, programs, and services and how it enhances their lives.
- Goal #2: Provide information to funders and key constituents on how the library is key infrastructure for a strong community.
Strategic Issue 5: Build and Maintain Partnerships in the Community to Meet the Library’s Mission and Vision.
- Public
- Private
- Peer Libraries
- Goal #1: Strengthen the library’s programs, services, collection, and visibility in the community by creating and maintaining strategic community partnerships.
- Goal #2: Strengthen the library’s programs, services,
and collection by learning from colleagues at peer libraries
who show excellence.
Process and Timeline
The Following is to be accomplished in Year One and each year
under the Strategic Plan:
February-March – Planning committee reviews and revises the Strategic Plan noting any specific initiatives Library Staff should address.
April – Library Board reviews and approves Strategic Plan changes.
May-June – Library Staff create specific action plans and incorporate plans into budget for the following year.
June – Planning Committee reviews progress on current year’s action plans and reviews actions plans for the next year.
June – Library Staff presents budget to Finance committee for input and recommendation.
July – Library Board reviews and approves budget.
The Following will be Added Starting in Year Two:
January-December – Library Staff implement action plans for current year.
The Following is Added Starting in Year Three:
January – Board President/Library Director provide information to the Board on how the goals/action plans were achieved the previous year.
APPENDICES
1-Reference Material Bibliography
Himmel and Wilson Library Consultants. An Organizational Study
of the Rochester Public Library, November, 2000.
Rochester Public Library. Analysis of Key Data: 1996-2001, May, 2002.
Rochester Public Library. Bookmobile Mission Statement and Core Values, 2001
Rochester Public Library. History of Rochester Public Library, February, 2001.
Rochester Public Library. Report of the Future Environment Team, June, 2001.
Rochester Public Library. Report of the Organizational Task Force, July, 2001.
Rochester Public Library. Report of the Technology Study Team, March, 2002.
Rochester Public Library. Report of the Facility Study Team, 2002.
Rochester Public Library. Technology Plan of the Rochester Public Library, 2002
Last updated: 10/1/07
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