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HomeMy Public PortalAboutNovember actionplan_201412081028073484 f s i \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. "'..&.. "Y"vi.>'....,. - rf. .,�;«< i?r•, v'bM Y' "<,^iF.. ..y Y;,e'rn +r-W'->.:'s x .�H?„.,.p:,:;. :P.Y.Fs.".:..rY>�>ih.'"»i.....Y!F:?V'Fi`Fi4<4�•:': ..... Y,.i s..:1`:,»�'. y,;py. _.. u;f cu 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.) .. :.<:s,.,J,:�.;.�.:r�«'.''Y..<4r�..._...:.c'nib.-✓v:n':"'F:-:��i<..s,.."::Yi?�i�,: x.,�<">h.x:< ..A.. jh'�'�a � %�'„'P'�-<...c`s. '..�^a .:`: 't:,'�w,.,_kv':::'as's:s5=i.: , .x-P.. ,,,Sx,:.:'» �-_�C�+'=';:'C�. Objective 5 Library will continue to support the operation of a cafe Notes Progress within the Library .r .v v<.i l.".'y:,i,v'°.ii::' )..,.i:..>'a.":.:x..;. ...':, .":`'4': ^f".`9'' ^"'^'" Cd: 'aeuu=.i- ::}Yv(b.iv':• f: e:Et..t, ,..e v t a Goal 2 Our Library is the primary source for local information, both current and historical. �.:.. .w• iy,a: ...v.,..,.x ..v.;.."e.. .:............ .x,",, a...t.; ..r 4`.-..` i,%.. "..dA< Va",.PJ"e.i ',My,' .. -. .n, ,..,"x;. .e.:�,.:':-'.s..,,.,:'—.".:r. ::.a,r:-,..:.r:.s.^'l.:;::" 'w:-.,:"" ::F,,.„.�,c" `res::a`?• ..3':....NX:';rsi>:Y:..���:s`. �'c:��,'.i.<x` s`sy?,ti=.':„-�;;.^'.y...,-,.,.r.:. :,y�:a/c:: 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 Z 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. 7-1 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. : 3,. ;i::.. 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. ". .. - ....-: ....b.,,�✓,..«'t.:...-:n ..t Y+,'.'. .^ :.,4LYi N("y v' _,`JV.kr:, sdC9;'i=:}��m ,p.';,"'y^ ' 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. . .. ....,.�,,.. , ,gym,.. n. .,. >.. ,.-:':::a<:'n.M : ..;.. ......s>z�•� ;�, ;z.;: 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. 77 on, 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. 7 Objective 1 The Technical Services department will develop and Notes Progress implement a technology plan (FY2012 — FY2016) 7� Objective 2 The webmaster will ensure that the website is compliant Notes Progress with international World Wide Web standards (W3C or other) (FY2012 — FY2016) L 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. . ....... - r , ,... �...f. ..... ....... <- ,..... . , ..>.n:........,:. axt;ym•`^sv�_�_s,@;:. „-y:.;n„ ..,x"?:..v - ..F' 'z�-,l=n `:_ ..._.,. .._..,.: ......a>„1.,... .. ..-:.... ..a... ,.... 2x,;..y,t'.3+ 'kS^� "a..'.ya.r-,." ..,-:r. ,�k..,..:<r_. ..:.......... .<"' ,.,........ ¢:.:": ...,., r.m:,,....i 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. - ..:a,...c,.i-.:-a,::°.��.!vat-;._.y_,;-icr.p;: . :"....5.0`•• ...,...... :. ,'��`. cht,P2 ..Y,-,a4^..,.�F?�rt,. . ..,;�:.,u.w.::'•'i°au..{>.,.:.r6.'v ...>....,,•,, .. ... ✓"A.v.�..;,.... ..,.....e..v...:..i,`.`.':.i.b �2`-=L:iS,G`itihsL-.�=,ry ':��6�=::'s.Y<z`� �:"2. w.:ak^' Objective 7 Library staff will investigate and add computer based Notes (Progress learning tools (Ed2Go) to the collection .. .. . ,�:....:, u'..n,Wf. ,..... , .✓:.::< ..✓A., L'n" "5�1.. .. ,a.3., ;:4:i'.tS'r' �L° rw�ed �-:i - ..}4.:............. i......•c ..> <i e✓ c,. 5,;,:.„, F ` `Md��. -aFv. � .. ., r,;r...:Pp,wucgan.. .. ...... ......... ..._,.�..,r ,.�,.n. ;,:.:&.:.':. .k v. .�.:.y:..., ' �="�-fr.....x.• m¢T. ..-`�.... ,. a'..u� .s.. ;:5z': xr:z=;:?Sv'r�-:s.-�^..,::�:e^ :�;tLv:�'� 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.. - .. : -.-.. ..,x. w•rw..„. ........ rc'.�'T.k #... S.e.�"�:<::1�.t. v .^+rxW.. s..:::'x 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 1 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. c�' 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. Y,. - '. ...^. ..,._:✓!�.n,vv'`°m,. . ',: .:rim 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) ... .[.,'....... - 2',. 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 . •.,^.^'..1:-:'I^:!':_:'= :"~'• 'd=-0'.. . ..�s5rz ozvrn*;.:�,8 - - 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 (h..0 .: a .. i -ILL .'^.vy..^.siN,3Z F;Aiv;♦ .:�. .V.r..::::^"F'. .`]sl ... .n.. 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 . .a ^... .....Z .,-.^.._b-._:.!.::nr.. :C _..a.. :.:... �.. .'/,..:. ?D:":" �:<^P.'r "'�.dO:+4.ui'Ss{ •.bn...:lY1T,(..`�rK ,.�y,2:"ac :.;'::L'"'':r.:^i:':' fj'S:.Sy, ,.'A"'.' A::-r.a P:Z.uS.:,..:n.:'.".-n _. ry •.r..urrvruv..W ... ."..... ... .....t_i:. 4.....ic".i.::..,� ..v., r �Y..,';..,.+s"„ v ....^.'�i.."::'.v^'". .. ..... ........ 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. �. ,, .r,. ...,.-:,,. .. - .. - •"st:::;`:y;'"... xrOr'.. �"q`:?"� C.'r'. Ss,i� ;:.5`;ziicA,::., "8'�r.r�'ztb r. ,. . - , ':i.x:,:,, Goal 8 Our Library Board and Administration work to ensure adequate financial resources to meet community demand for library services and collections ... ,... <'_1............. . a.... _... ...,. .. .. -.... ..... : '.•. :".i :. :-Y," :^,r,;.x,'.y{r..y '�).. h cr:t,..:�xn.' r:.5`" '. ).y...:.,:::4 .. ...y9^.:�"(. Notes Progress Objective 1 Trustees and Administration will submit budget proposals that meet the MAR and community demand (FY2012 - FY2016) ^!ri^»..... ..>.:.....,. ..... ..... .::... . .r ..,..sx... .._..',t'..;. ..tom ... . .-",_L:._ 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) - . 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) .. .. .... .. - .. 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. .r. . : ... ..:.',.is"::-.:. " h.l Y .:: .. :....... .... . it `v }ofr.J�li`-..`i^x{.:v' .....,, aatF.:�k:T' La*i �.• .. � 9"'!A1 '. .... 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 ....... ia. ..:�i ..,a•.:p .... ..:^' ... ... .. :.. .� r,d::�.rv:"- 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.