Strategic Plan 2008-2010 Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees October 18, 2007

The Mission of the South Brunswick Public Library is to provide free, open and equal access to ideas and information for all members of the community.

• 
  Provide open, non-judgmental access to its collections and services without regard to race, citizenship, age, sex, educational level, economic status, religion, or any other qualification or condition.
  
• 
  Provide free access to, and promote the communication of, ideas and information.
  
• 
  Advocate and support First Amendment rights and the Library Bill of Rights.
  
• 
  Create an environment which encourages users to encounter the rich diversity of concepts on which a democratic society depends.
  
• 
  Provide a friendly, openly-welcoming environment where patrons can study, research, browse and read in a quiet atmosphere. -
  

During the next three years the South Brunswick Public Library Board of Trustees and staff will focus on 10 key goals to help achieve the mission.

Goal 1: Develop Superior Collections

Provide up-to-date collections of library materials that reflect and anticipate the interests and needs of South Brunswick residents.

1. 
   Increase the library budget for materials
   

1. 
   1 Increase financial support for the materials portion of the library budget
   
2. 
   1 Examine budget lines to reassess what areas/formats need additional support
   
3. 
   2 Expand and promote donation opportunities as a way to increase funding
   

2. 
   Perform optimum collection development and shelf maintenance
   

1. 
   1 Require regular shelf reading of entire library collection by staff
   
2. 
   1 Develop a plan for regular weeding and inventory of collections
   
3. 
   1 Assess circulation of material through regular examination of SIRSI reports
   
4. 
   1 Create Page training manual and improve Page training
   
5. 
   3 Provide adequate staffing of Librarians, Library Assistants, Pages and volunteers
   
6. 
   3 Re-establish the Adopt-A-Shelf volunteer program
   
7. 
   3 Improve communication with the schools to provide curriculum support
   

3. 
   Promote Collection Development and procure a wide assortment of materials
   

1. 
   1 Obtain adequate number of copies of best sellers and high demand AV
   
2. 
   1 Support World Languages collection within the materials budget
   
3. 
   1 Continue utilizing the advantages of subsidized and shared resources through Infolink, the State Library, etc.
   
4. 
   1 Continue to explore and evaluate new formats
   
5. 
   1 Continue to share resources with other libraries through reciprocal borrowing
   
6. 
   1 Take advantage of newer book donations for use in the Library collection
   
7. 
   1 Increase collection size to meet increased patron demand
   

4. 
   Increase efficiency and timeliness of book purchasing and processing
   

1. 
   1 Prioritize processing of high demand items
   
2. 
   3 Explore ways to outsource some basic processing of materials
   
3. 
   3 Explore increasing use of Standing Order plans for popular materials
   
4. 
   3 Maximize uniformity in book processing among all departments
   

5. 
   Expand the provision of quality Reader’s Advisory services to all ages
   

1. 
   1 Continue to use displays to promote materials for all ages
   
2. 
   2 Continue use of bookmarks, reading lists, BookNotes and Reader’s Advisory notebooks
   
3. 
   3 Expand use of website and online services for Reader’s Advisory
   

Provide services and programs for all to help develop the mind, enhance the quality of life and promote cultural awareness.

1. 
   Develop a cohesive, well-rounded programming plan that offers opportunities for all South Brunswick residents
   

1. 
   1 Define the age, gender, ethnicity, education and preferences of audiences
   
2. 
   1 Develop plans for needs, type and frequency of program themes and topics
   
3. 
   1 Investigate partnering opportunities in the community for programs and sponsorships
   
4. 
   2 Ensure that adequate personnel and volunteers are in place
   
5. 
   2 Explore additional sources of funding
   
6. 
   2 Improve promotion and advertising of programming opportunities
   

2. 
   Improve program facilities and resources for Library and community use
   

1. 
   1 Define needs for improved equipment, furnishings, meeting spaces, etc
   
2. 
   1 Update contracts, policies and procedures for use of facility
   
3. 
   2 Prepare specifications and pricing for desired items
   
4. 
   2 Seek funding to implement plan
   
5. 
   3 Determine schedule of acquisition
   

3. 
   Provide a full complement of educational and recreational opportunities for South Brunswick children and their families
   

1. 
   1 Promote early literacy and school readiness with infant and preschool programs and workshops for parents and caregivers on a regular, weekly basis
   
2. 
   1 Encourage school age children to read during summer by maintaining and increasing participation in Summer Reading programs
   
3. 
   1 Encourage imagination, creativity and achievement through 2 special craft, cultural or arts programs per month, at least 1 being a cultural arts program
   
4. 
   2 Ensure staff time and resources are available to prepare, implement and promote programs
   

4. 
   Provide a full complement of educational, recreational and volunteer/ service opportunities for South Brunswick Teens
   

1. 
   1 Strive to offer 1 feature program and a minimum of three ongoing/regular programs per month
   
2. 
   1 Continue to offer and increase participation in Teen Summer Reading programs
   
3. 
   1 Maintain Teen service and advisory opportunities through the Youth Advisory Council, Teen Special Forces, Tutors etc.
   
4. 
   1 Continue to refine processes for utilization and recognition of Teen Volunteers
   
5. 
   3 Ensure adequate staff time and resources are available to plan, implement and promote programs
   

5. 
   Provide a full complement of educational, recreational and volunteer/ service opportunities for all South Brunswick Adults
   

1. 
   1 Strive to offer 1 feature program and a minimum of three ongoing/regular programs per month
   
2. 
   1 Maintain and expand training and education opportunities for library patrons
   
3. 
   1 Continue to offer and increase participation in Adult Summer Reading programs
   
4. 
   3 Continue to refine processes for utilization and recognition of Adult Volunteers
   
5. 
   3 Ensure adequate staff time and resources are available to plan, implement and promote programs
   

South Brunswick residents will find the assistance they need to effectively navigate the world of information available to enhance their personal and professional lives.

1. 
   1 Promote the library’s specialized services: business & career, local history, information and referral, ready reference and Interlibrary Loan.
   
2. 
   2 Reinforce procedures to ensure information needs are met (Model Reference Behaviors)
   
3. 
   3 Schedule “roving staff” to be available to assist walk-in customers at peak times
   

1. 
   1 Provide convenient access to information resources through the library’s web page
   
2. 
   1 Investigate use of a meta-search engine to streamline the online search process
   
3. 
   1 Continually evaluate the core set of online databases
   
4. 
   2 Create information brochure highlighting Library’s resources
   

1. 
   1 Maintain a core curriculum of hands-on information literacy training: classes, handouts and online tutorials
   
2. 
   2 Offer instruction on the use of the resources available on the library’s web page: catalog, bookmarks, BookNews, Events Calendar, Newsletter, etc.
   
3. 
   2 Develop training for using online databases
   
4. 
   2 Ensure adequate and qualified personnel are available to provide training
   
5. 
   3 Continue to assist with various literacy efforts
   
6. 
   4 Explore other technology training opportunities in the library
   

Develop and maintain working relationships with civic, cultural, educational, social and information agencies as well as the business community.

1. 
   Maintain and expand existing partnerships
   

1. 
   1 Meet annually with the School Librarians and increase interaction with other school officials
   
2. 
   1 Programming and display partnerships with the Arts Commission
   
3. 
   1 Increase involvement with community groups such as the Municipal Alliance, Lions Club, Scouts, Rotary, etc.
   
4. 
   1 Maintain involvement with the LMx, Literacy Volunteers of Middlesex and Infolink
   
5. 
   1 Maintain strong relationships with the Friends of the Library and the Foundation
   
6. 
   2 Expand Library participation with the ASSETS Initiative
   

2. 
   Identify and connect with new potential partners
   

1. 
   1 Expand programming and display partnerships
   
2. 
   2 Make contacts and incorporate partnering opportunities as available
   
3. 
   3 Update community directory to identify key contacts and create mailing list
   
4. 
   3 Ensure appropriate personnel have the opportunity and resources to engage with potential partners in-person, through email, direct mail and over the telephone
   
5. 
   4 Create schedule and goals for outreach to these organization
   

3. 
   Develop promotional packet defining partnering opportunities
   

1. 
   4 Define goals for initiative – programs, outreach, fundraising, etc.
   
2. 
   4 Explore existing material from other institutions
   
3. 
   4 Develop plan for distribution and use of promotional material
   
4. 
   4 Write copy, develop graphics and produce packet
   
5. 
   4 Expand partnerships to generate programs and displays
   

Attract and develop a high quality staff with special skills, knowledge and abilities to help library users. Create an environment which motivates staff to achieve high levels of performance and productivity.

1. 
   Actively recruit and reward quality personnel
   

1. 
   1 Pay a fair wage that meets or exceeds the State & NJLA minimums
   
2. 
   1 Employ a diverse workforce representative of South Brunswick’s population
   
3. 
   2 Settle a fair Union Contract
   

1. 
   1 Maintain First Friday Sessions
   
2. 
   1 Communicate regularly through staff meetings where everyone can participate
   
3. 
   1 Encourage participation and shared discussions with Library colleagues for all staff through Libraries of Middlesex, Infolink, New Jersey Library Association, American Library Association, etc. by increasing the line account for continuing education
   
4. 
   1 Explore sponsorship for conference attendance with all expenses paid
   
5. 
   1 Use resource people as guest speakers
   
6. 
   1 Have staff visit other libraries
   

3. 
   Provide Staff recognition opportunities
   

1. 
   1 Maintain the Merit Bonus Panel
   
2. 
   1 Continue the Staff & Volunteer Breakfast
   
3. 
   1 Provide a Director’s Award for Outstanding Service
   
4. 
   1 Feature staff members in Compass Newsletter
   
5. 
   1 Provide spotlight on employees through press releases and other methods
   
6. 
   2 Identify and foster innovation in developing or increasing library service
   

3. 
   Provide clear guidelines and expectations
   

1. 
   1 Conduct meaningful annual Job Evaluations
   
2. 
   1 Regularly evaluate and update strategic plans
   
3. 
   1 Update library personnel and policy manuals
   
4. 
   3 Update all Job Descriptions
   

Develop a strong core of Adult and Teen volunteers to assist Library staff, Friends and Foundation

1. 
   Provide clear guidelines and expectations
   

1. 
   1 Perform needs assessment for types and amounts of volunteer assistance
   
2. 
   1 Develop volunteer titles and job descriptions
   
3. 
   1 Provide assessment tools for volunteer effectiveness
   
4. 
   2 Improve communication methods between volunteers and staff
   
5. 
   3 Create volunteer manual
   

2. 
   Develop recruitment and training methods
   

1. 
   1 Create updated volunteer brochure with application
   
2. 
   3 Expand use of electronic job boards
   
3. 
   3 Ensure adequate staff is available for training and oversight
   
4. 
   3 Explore Train-the-Trainer techniques for preparing new volunteers
   

3. 
   Recognize the efforts of volunteers
   

1. 
   1 Hold annual recognition events for Adult and Teen volunteers
   
2. 
   1 Devise method for recognizing levels and length of service
   
3. 
   2 Feature volunteers in Compass Newsletter and other publicity
   

Utilize appropriate technologies to maintain and improve Library operations and services.

1. 
   1 Maintain membership within the LMx Automation Consortium
   
2. 
   1 Increase connectivity bandwith
   
3. 
   1 Update Technology Plan
   
4. 
   1 Maintain sufficient qualified network staff
   
5. 
   1 Maintain wireless capabilities
   
6. 
   2 Specify budget line for Technology
   

2. 
   Maintain and streamline comprehensive network security
   

1. 
   1 Continue anti-virus, desktop lock-down, and DeepFreeze protection
   
2. 
   1 Explore remote administration via Microsoft Server 2003 and Web
   
3. 
   2 Develop a disaster recovery and backup plan
   

2. 
   Explore the use of laptop computers for select staff
   

1. 
   1 Conduct interest survey
   
2. 
   1 Investigate budget strategy
   
3. 
   1 Devise protocols and parameters of use
   
4. 
   1 Implement security measures and designated hardwire connection points
   

2. 
   Continue promotion of FlashScan self check-out
   

1. 
   2 Expand signage
   
2. 
   4 Maintain promotional contests and literature
   
3. 
   4 Appoint staff to continue instruction in use, especially when lines are long
   

2. 
   Explore the use of smart tag RFID technology for circulation, shelf management and security
   

1. 
   1 Work with vendors to design system application
   
2. 
   1 Obtain pricing information
   
3. 
   3 Create detailed proposal and impact statements
   
4. 
   3 Explore funding sources
   

2. 
   Incorporate Elements of Web 2.0 and 3.0
   

1. 
   2 Investigate blogging, podcasts, and interactive use of the website
   
2. 
   2 Provide staff with education and awareness opportunities to keep informed of technological advances
   

Provide and maintain a quality facility for everyone to share and enjoy.

1. 
   Provide a safe and secure facility
   

1. 
   1 Ensure inspections are up to date for all systems: fire, sprinkler, elevator, etc.
   
2. 
   1 Maintain activity with Township Safety Committee
   
3. 
   1 Keep Township apprized and prepare annual report on condition of the building and grounds
   
4. 
   3 Establish comprehensive Safety Plan for the Library
   

2. 
   Maintain community sense of pride for the building and grounds
   

1. 
   1 Schedule maintenance staff so that Library is ready for the public
   
2. 
   1 Provide a clean and well kept facility
   
3. 
   1 Explore improvements to the Library and grounds
   
4. 
   1 Obtain new outdoor sign
   
5. 
   1 Encourage displays of local artists, collections and South Brunswick history
   

3. 
   Maintain equipment for proper operation
   

1. 
   1 Identify equipment and systems that require inspections and maintenance for optimum life expectancy
   
2. 
   1 Develop a preventative maintenance program for equipment
   
3. 
   1 Maintain equipment history files on all major items
   
4. 
   3 Develop training programs for maintenance personnel
   

4. 
   Increase Parking
   

1. 
   3 Develop conceptual options
   
2. 
   3 Consult with Township officials
   

1. 
   1 Discard unneeded items stored in lower level
   
2. 
   1 Create building program
   
3. 
   2 Create building plan and specifications with the aid of a professional architect
   
4. 
   2 Consult with appropriate Township officials
   
5. 
   1 Continue exploring sources of funding
   
6. 
   2 Review and update proposed furniture plan
   

1. 
   3 Prioritize needs for space planning – consider such areas as meeting spaces, a café, senior lounge and storage
   
2. 
   3 Consult with Township professionals/Architect
   
3. 
   3 Explore sources of funding
   

Maintain and expand outreach into the community at large

1. 
   Develop plan for expanded outreach opportunities
   

1. 
   1 Identify audiences and their needs
   
2. 
   1 Identify resources library has to offer or should develop to meet audience needs
   
3. 
   1 Explore types of outreach services offered by other institutions
   
4. 
   1 Create schedule and funding plan to implement outreach program
   

2. 
   Explore ways to reach target populations to promote Library services
   

1. 
   2 Continue to explore access to materials: Books by Mail, Volunteer delivery, book exchange outposts, Bookmobile usage
   
2. 
   2 Explore outreach and promotion opportunities through area businesses, churches and organizations
   
3. 
   2 Expand promotion through world language media and electronic media
   

1. 
   2 Provide programming directed to and promoted within communities
   
2. 
   2 Expand World Language collections to meet the needs of South Brunswick residents
   
3. 
   2 Provide referral to organizations benefiting audiences
   

4. 
   Develop plan to maximize use of the Bookmobile
   

1. 
   1 Explore the return to corporate stops
   
2. 
   1 Maintain and expand pre-school stops
   
3. 
   1 Maintain and expand service to senior housing
   
4. 
   1 Maintain and expand neighborhood stops
   
5. 
   1 Explore greater use of “destination place” stops such as shopping centers, community events, etc.
   

Raise public awareness and use of the entire Library and all of its services, resources, programs and events.

1. 
   Expand use of the SBPL logo
   

1. 
   2 Redesign and update Library stationary
   
2. 
   2 Create email taglines with logo
   
3. 
   2 Explore other ways to use the Library logo
   

2. 
   Promote Library Services using all media
   

1. 
   1 Publish an updated library calendar each month
   
2. 
   1 Expand distribution of media releases for programs and events
   
3. 
   1 Continue and expand local newspaper columns
   
4. 
   1 Create printed and online flyers for all programs and events
   
5. 
   1 Maintain in-house advertising for all programs and events
   
6. 
   2 Explore greater use of cable, radio and web advertising
   
7. 
   3 Create information brochure
   

3. 
   Expand distribution of Compass Newsletter
   

1. 
   2 Investigate town-wide mailing
   
2. 
   2 Expand electronic access
   
3. 
   2 Build email database for distribution
   

4. 
   Create Library promo video
   

1. 
   3 Partner with local cable to run library spot
   
2. 
   3 Partner with VTN to run at High School
   
3. 
   3 Mount as video feed on library website
   

5. 
   Promote services on the website and in cyberspace
   

1. 
   2 Initiate Library blog
   
2. 
   3 Create multimedia clips/tutorials
   
3. 
   3 Investigate interactive capabilities of Web 2.0 and 3.0