HomeMy Public PortalAboutNovember actionplan_201412081028073484 f
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\I--I-ItowiL Free Public Library
Library Director
Leone E.Cole
TO: Library Board of Trustees
FROM: Leone E. Cole, Library Director
DATE: November 3, 2014
RE: FY2016 Action Plan
Each year, as a follow up to our long range plan,we must submit an action plan to the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners. Attached please find the draft of the FY16 plan, which is due by
December 1.
The plan was developed by the department heads and administration after a series of staff meetings at
which all employees were encouraged to share their ideas. Patron feedback received throughout the
year was also taken into consideration.
The plan is ambitious, but we will do our best to achieve as much as possible. We will also be flexible
and change, add, or delete activities as necessary through the year in order to be responsive to our
patrons.
FY16 is the last year of the five year plan, so an additional task that must be accomplished is a new five
year plan. That is due by October 1, 2015. Caitlin and I will develop a process for that plan in the near
future and we welcome any suggestions for the process.
I will be happy to answer any questions about the plan at our meeting.
123 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472-4478
617-972.6434 ''wate,rtavir b.org
Watertown Free Public Library
FY2016 Action Plan DRAFT
Goal 1 Our library is a community hub where people meet, interact, explore, and learn in a welcoming
and supportive environment.
Objective 1 Library policies will be reviewed and updated (FY2012 -
FY2016).
Notes Progress
Activity 1:The Circulation Department will investigate and recommend a
reasonable maximum fine cap for patrons by September 1, 2015.
Objective 2 The Library will continue to provide a wide range of
programs for all ages (FY2012 — FY2016). Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Teen Department will promote HATCH programs to teen
patrons on an ongoing basis.
Activity 2: The Teen Department will develop and implement four makerspace-
type programs for their patrons quarterly.
Activity 3:The Teen Department will form a Teen Advisory Group/Board to
assist with planning and promoting library use among teen patrons by March
2016.
Activity 4: The Circulation Department will develop quarterly drop-in activities
to cross-promote HATCH programming.
Activity 5: The Children's Department will develop and implement an ongoing
program specifically for children ages 9-1Iyears.
Activity 6: The Adult Department and Technical Services department will
develop computer classes for more advanced computer users (in response to
our poll) by September 2015.
Objective 3 The Library will provide exhibit space for area artists to
display their work (FY2012 - FY2016) Notes Progress
Activity 1: The gallery coordinator will look into ways to support more
multimedia exhibits in the gallery.
Activity 2: The gallery coordinator will continue to actively seek out,book,and
publicize gallery exhibits.
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Objective 4 The Library will provide meeting space for community
gatherings (FY2012 - FY2016).
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Beginning in September,library staff will provide a community
event the first Friday of each month (coffee house,open mic,author event,etc.)
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Objective 5 Library will continue to support the operation of a cafe Notes Progress
within the Library
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Goal 2 Our Library is the primary source for local information, both current and historical.
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Objective 1 The Technical Services Department will implement the plan
for digitizing local history materials (FY2012 - FY2016). Notes Progress
Activity 1:The Technical Services Department will continue to digitize local
history materials and make them available on the library website, and will also
evaluate the relationship with Digital Commonwealth and consider whether
local history digitization goals are better met by Digital Public Library of
America, completing this second action by July 31, 2015.
Objective 2 Adult Services Department staff will maintain and expand
the Community Information Database and publicize in various media
(FY2012 - FY2016). Notes Progress
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Objective 3 A cross-departmental task force will develop and implement
a local information portal (e.g. Skokienet) (FY2012-FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Teen portion of the library website will be restructured by
August 1, 2016 with monthly updates on services,reader's advisory,and
information about programming.
Activity 2: All departments will actively promote library services on the
website.
Activity 3: The webmaster will work to continually improve the website's
content and usability.
Objective 4 Space will be provided in the library for current local info Notes Progress
(FY2012-FY2016).
7-
Objective 5 Designated library staff members will Raise with interested
groups to identify the possibilities of coordinated collection storage and
dissemination of local historical information
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Library staff will investigate the possibility of starting an oral
history project for Watertown to be part of the local history collection.
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Goal 3 Our Library recognizes and responds to the needs of the community and fully supports equal
access to information,
Objective 1 The Library will provide mechanisms for
gathering/soliciting input from the community (FY2012-FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Beginning in July,library staff will introduce a portable suggestion
box that has a different prompt each week to encourage its use by patrons.
Activity 2 The Public Service department's staff will standardize and make the
solicitation of feedback a part of standard practice.
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Objective 2 Library staff will develop and implement effective and
efficient collection development strategies that are responsive to
community demand and maintain collection quality (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1:All staff will participate in promoting the collection,programs,and
services. Department Heads will develop a schedule of tasks and designate
specific times for each employee to be in charge of an area.
Activity 2: Teen staff will evaluate movie and game collections to insure
collection's growth and vitality,while investigating the provision of
downloadable formats of these media on an ongoing basis.
Activity 3: Teen staff will develop innovative ways to improve circulation of
library materials, implementing weekly changes of displays, new reader's
advisory tools, and other marketing tools.
Activity 4:Teen staff will develop and distribute public relations material that
shows the importance of teen library service to both public and staff on a
quarterly basis.
Activity 5:Teen staff will analyze statistics regarding material use and set
circulation goals for specific collections by August 2015.
Activity 6:Teen staff will monthly use polls,surveys,and other tools to
measure patron satisfaction,to develop new programming,and evaluate
collections and services.
Activity 7: Children's staff will evaluate our movie and game collections and
modify to ensure that they are current and best suit the needs of young
children and their caregivers.
Activity 8: C i ren's Staff will develop and implement new reader's advisory
techniques including short term displays and personal reviews to enhance
circulation. These will be changed monthly.
Activity 9:Adult staff will more rigorously monitor video games to keep new
materials always available,and to consider new formats as they are introduced. 1
Activity 10:Adult staff will purchase more Express copies of high demand
books, movies,and music CDs to ensure greater availability,and to support
better merchandise displays.
Activity 11 Adult department will review and update our databases and digital
offerings in response to patron usage and interest by the first quarter of FY16.
Activity 12:Adult staff will continue to rotate engaging displays frequently,and
to keep all displays fully stocked and fresh.
Activity 13: Collections will be weeded on a regular basis to ensure that they
are timely,accurate, appropriate, and in good condition.
Activity 14: The Circulation Department will keep the staff pick area by the
elevator well stocked.
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Objective 3 Library staff will conduct ongoing review/addition of new
formats (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Library staff will investigate additional options for circulating video
games to patrons.
Activity 2:The Teen department will evaluate the various types of digital
information from which teens would derive value and advocate for their
inclusion in what the library offers to patrons by September 2015.
Activity 3: The Adult Department will assess the video game format offerings
and determine if any should be added or discontinued.
Activity 4:The public service departments will continuously survey new
offerings and evaluate their usefulness for our patrons.
Objective 4 Public service departments will strengthen, enhance, and
highlight readers'advisory services (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Teen staff will be well-versed when offering patrons suggestions for
all types of library material we offer including games,movies,fiction and
nonfiction on an ongoing basis.
Activity 2: Teen staff will develop new reader's advisory tools monthly
(readalike lists,booklists,bookmarks,etc.)
Activity: 3 Circulation Department will develop instruction cards for
downloading eBook and Audio books for each device we have available by the
August 1, 2015.
Activity 4: Children's staff will develop 10 Read-Alike lists on popular topics for
middle grade readers.
Activity 5:The Adult Staff will continue to update the Reader's Advisory
notebook of read-alike choices to keep it current and vital. It will be reviewed
and updated at least quarterly.
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Objective 5 Public service departments will develop and implement Notes Progress
strategies to educate library users in analyzing online information
sources.
Objective 6 Public service departments will develop and implement
programs to teach library users to use the online catalog and databases.
Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Teen department will promote Hoopla and Overdrive to teens
via publicity and library programming on an ongoing basis.
Activity 2: The Teen department will conduct library card drives at the middle 1
and high school by June 2016.
Activity 3: Children's Staff will hold a parent/caregiver program highlighting
the library's online resources and special collections in September.
Activity 4: The Adult Department will host at least 2 "pop-up" events in the
reference area to highlight digital service offerings.
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Objective 7 Library staff will work closely with Minuteman Library Notes Progress
Network staff to provide a user-friendly interface to the catalog
Objective 8 Library staff will monitor the state delivery system changes Notes Progress
to be sure that Watertown continues to have daily delivery
Goal 4 Our Library provides technology resources and training to ensure equal access to online
information.
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Objective 1 The Technical Services department will develop and Notes Progress
implement a technology plan (FY2012 — FY2016)
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Objective 2 The webmaster will ensure that the website is compliant Notes Progress
with international World Wide Web standards (W3C or other) (FY2012 —
FY2016)
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Objective 3 Computer classes at beginner and more advanced levels will
be offered (FY2012 — FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Technical Services Department will offer new computer class
offerings on requested topics, including smartphones,social media, and
HATCH, developing at least one new computer class by Summer 2015.
Activity 2: The Adult Department will work with the current instructors and
the Technical Services Dept to advance the levels of computer classes being
offered.
Objective 4 One-on-one computer assistance will be available (FY2012 -
FY2016) Notes Progress
Activity 1: Library staff will create a tech help desk in the adult computer area
that will be occupied by volunteers with computer experience.
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Objective 5 The need and feasibility of catalog computers in stacks and Notes Progress
first floor will be assessed (FY2012)
Objective 6 The assistive tech plan will be implemented and revised as
necessary (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Technical Services Department will write an assistive
technology plan as part of the overall Technology Plan, completed by July 31,
2015.
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Objective 7 Library staff will investigate and add computer based Notes (Progress
learning tools (Ed2Go) to the collection
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Objective 8 The Technical Services department will provide appropriate
mobile apps Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Technical Services Department will continue to work with
public service departments to update library devices with new apps.
Objective 9 Library staff will evaluate the provision of various forms of
hardware for patron use/circulation, such as gaming consoles, e-readers,
etc. Notes Progress
Activity l: Library staff will investigate adding circulating wifi hotspots and will
add them if it it is feasible.
Activity 2: Library staff will investigate the usefulness of outdoor charging
stations.
Activity 3: The Circulation Department will investigate options to allow patrons
to pay fines with a credit card at the circulation desk. JI
Activity 4: The Teen Department will evaluate and recommend new hardware
and software for the Digital Media Lab for patron use.There will be JI
accompanying programming and publicity on an ongoing basis.
Activity 5: The Adult Reference Department will identify an area of the library
that can become a "digital corner"where tech equipment and materials can be
used by January 1, 2016 i..
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Objective 10 The Technical Services department will monitor public Notes Progress
computing bandwidth and make recommendations for expanding as
necessary
Objective 11 The library will provide current,virus-free computers for Notes Progress
public computing
Objective 12 The library will provide a reliable wireless network with Notes Progress
printing capabilities
Objective 13 The library will provide various printing payment options
Notes Progress
Activity l:The Technical Services Department will review options for credit
card and e-commerce payments for prints and guest passes,providing
recommendations to administration by January 2015.
Goal 5 Our Library Trustees, administration, and staff have.the 'resources, knowledge, and skills to
provide excellent library services to the community
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Objective I Library staff will receive regular customer service training Notes Progress
(FY2012-FY2016)
Objective 2 Library staff will receive technology training including all
library equipment and downloadabIe materials Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Technical Services Department will upload handouts and slides
associated with library computer classes to the library website.
Activity 2: The Technical Services Department will audit all materials
associated with current equipment, downloadables, and technology training
classes,and make sure that associated documentation is up-to-date and
accessible by library staff, completed by July 31, 2015.
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Notes Progress
Objective 3 Library staff will receive regular diversity training (FY2012-
FY2016)
Objective 4 Library staff will participate in regular meetings that focus
on both current issues and long-range strategic goals (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1:Teen staff will offer a skillbuild to library staff on the importance of
library services to adolescents by the end of FY16.
Activity 2:The library will hold at least two town hall meetings for patron
feedback by December 31, 2015.
Objective 5 Library Trustees, administration and staff will be Notes Progress
encouraged to attend appropriate workshops, classes, and conferences
(FY2012 - FY2016)
Objective 6 Administration will review staffing levels and configuration
annually and make recommendations for changes to the Library Board of
Trustees if warranted (FY2012 - FY2016).
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Department Heads will complete a staffing study by November
30, 2015.
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Goal 6 Our Library offers individuals and families who are non-native English speakers the resources to
improve their English literacy and citizenship skills
Objective 1 The Literacy department will offer literacy and citizenship Notes Progress
services in a wide range of options that are responsive to the needs of
individuals and families (FY2012 -FY2016)
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Objective 2 Administration along with the Supervisor of Project Literacy Notes Progress
will analyze the structure of the department in order to provide the best
possible literacy services
Goal 7 Our Library provides facilities that are inviting, accessible, clean, well-maintained and available
during hours of greatest convenience to the community
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Objective 1 Library Trustees and Administration will advocate for more Notes Progress
open hours including Friday evening hours, full year Sundays and full day
Saturdays throughout the year
Objective 2 Administration will analyze the need and possibility of Notes Progress
adding more study rooms
Objective 3 Library Trustees and Administration will advocate for more Notes Progress
custodial hours
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Notes Progress
Objective 4 Administration will develop and implement a preventive
maintenance program for the building and grounds
Objective 5 Administration will develop and implement a regular Notes Progress
cleaning schedule that will ensure a clean building
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Objective 6 A review of the re-shelving system will be conducted with the
goal of decreasing the amount of time materials wait to be shelved
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Returned items will be shelved within 48 hours.
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Goal 8 Our Library Board and Administration work to ensure adequate financial resources to meet
community demand for library services and collections
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Notes Progress
Objective 1 Trustees and Administration will submit budget proposals
that meet the MAR and community demand (FY2012 - FY2016)
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Notes Progress
Objective 2 Administration and Department Heads will pursue grant
funding for appropriate services and collections (FY2012 - FY2016)
Objective 3 Trustees and Administration will work with the Building Notes Progress
Committee as they continue to raise funds from book sales in the cafe
and other methods to strengthen library programs and services (FY2012
- FY2016)
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Objective 4 Trustees and Administration will work with the Friends of Notes Progress
Project Literacy as they continue to raise funds to support Project
Literacy (FY2012 - FY2016)
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Goal 9 Our Library reaches out to the community to ensure awareness of library resources and services
Objective 1 Library staff will develop and implement a comprehensive
marketing plan which includes effective use of social networking tools
and increased email notifications (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1:The Teen Department will strengten our relationships with the
schools,both public and private on an ongoing basis.
Activity 2: The Teen Department will redo their portion of the library website
so it is updated with reader's advisory tools and information about library
services,so it is dynamic and interactive by August 1, 2015.
Activity 3: Administration,with the help of Technical Services staff,will
develop and implement a marketing plan by July 31, 2015,
Activity 4: The Children's Department will investigate the feasibility of having a
once'monthly emailed newsletter by January.
Objective 2 Library staff will develop and distribute documentation on
use of library resources, including home access to databases and home
delivery and pickup (FY2012 - FY2016)
Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Children's Department will make materials available to ELL
instructors at WPS on a monthly basis,and at a program for ELL parents.
Objective 3 Library staff will develop multi-lingual resources with the
goal of increased use of the library Notes Progress
Activity 1: With the participation of advanced Project Literacy students,the
Library Welcome Brochure will be translated into ten of the languages most
commonly spoken in Watertown.
Objective 4 The library website will include information and statistics
that show the value of the library to the.community
Notes Progress
Activity 1: The Technical Services Department will research and implement
ways to make use of library analytics and statistics on the website and in
publicity.
Objective 5 The library website will be reviewed annually to ensure
usability and relevance Notes Progress
Activity 1:The webmaster and department heads will continue their quarterly
website review.
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Objective 6 The webmaster will develop and implement an integrated
Library/Community calendar Notes Progress
Activity 1:The webmaster will continue to work with Bartlett on the
development of the library/community calendar that began in FY15
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Objective 7 Library staff will identify groups who underuse the library
and develop strategies to increase use
Notes Progress
Activity 1: Library staff will identify underserved populations and conduct at
least three focus groups to determine how best to increase library use by those
groups.