Okaloosa County BOCC — September 2, 2014 — Okaloosa Strategic Plan 2014-2016 — reading text

Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative Strategic Plan for 2014 – 2016 Adopted by the OCPLC governing board on August 28, 2013 www.readokaloosa.org 1 OUR MISSION The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative (OCPLC) provides convenient, free access to information, ideas, books and technology that enriches, educates and empowers the residents of Okaloosa County. OUR VISION The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative will foster the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for all ages and cultures. It will offer individual enlightenment in every aspect of information and technology in a welcoming environment that provides challenge, collaboration and entertainment through proactive service that exceeds customer expectations. OUR PHILOSOPHY The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative values free public access to information resources collected to satisfy all segments of our service area, provided through exceptionally personal and innovative public service. We recognize and respect diversity of cultures, thinking, literacy, learning styles, age, background and talents. We recognize the value of rapidly changing technological, economic, political and social environments, and strive to incorporate the changes wherever it is feasible and appropriate for our library culture and operations. Lunch & used book sale, Mary Esther Library Fort Walton Beach Library celebrates the facility’s 10th anniversary. 2 Understanding library users guides our strategy: Surveys of library customers provide insight into how people use libraries, their expectations for service, and how they view the importance of libraries. We use this data to ensure we are providing the most-desired services, and to benchmark our libraries against those across the nation. National comparison positions us to meet the needs of people moving into our county as well as the needs of current residents. Of the 53% of Americans who visited a library or bookmobile in the past 12 months, the % who have done the following activities Borrow print books 73% Browse the shelves for books or media 73% Research topics of interest 54% Get help from a librarian 50% Sit, read, and study, or watch or listen to 49% Use a research database 46% Attend or bring a younger person to a class, program or 41% event designed for children or teens Borrow a DVD or videotape of a movie or TV program 40% Read or check out printed magazines or newspapers 31% Use library computers or WiFi connection 26% Attend a meeting of a group 23% Attend a class, program, or lecture for adults 21% Borrow or download an audio book 17% Borrow a music CD 16% Data source: Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Library Services Survey of 2,252 people age 16 and older conducted October 15-November 10, 2012. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish and on landline and cell phones. http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/ 3 “In more than 16,000 public libraries across the U.S., librarians offer a lifeline to people trying to adapt to challenging economic circumstances by providing technology training and online resources for employment, access to government resources, continuing education, retooling for new careers and starting a small business. More than 74 percent of libraries offer software and other resources to help patrons create resumes and employment materials, and 72 percent of libraries report that staffs help patrons complete online job applications. Libraries have also fueled renewed interest in and use of library services. Americans are capitalizing on free access to books, magazines, e-books, DVDs, the Internet and professional assistance.” -- Maureen Sullivan, president, American Library Association, July 2012 4 Our environment influences our strategic plan: Decreased Revenue – During FY2008-2013, the library cooperative suffered a 59% decrease in county-allocated dollars. From the FY08 high of $1,304,000 to the FY13 low of $513,600, the annual budget shrank by $790,400. State Aid to Libraries decreased 19% from $113,464 in FY2008 to $91,258 in FY2013. Flat Economy – Successive years of economic hardship have led to residents’ increased reliance upon public resources and services, such as library internet access, cultural programs and leisure activities, and borrowing materials rather than purchasing for personal use. Population Growth – In March 2013, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin Metropolitan Area as the third-fastest growing region in the United States with a 3.6% increase in population from 2011 to 2012. Okaloosa County ranked 59th nationally in growth from 2010 to 2012; the Census Bureau estimates county population increased by 5.1% to just over 190,000 by July 1, 2012. Core Operations – While revenues and budgets have decreased, the needs in our communities have not decreased. Maintaining core operations at the current level is a challenge. Expanding services at current funding levels is not realistic. Sustaining core operations such as facility hours, courier service, relevant lending collections, children’s literacy programs and the technology infrastructure are a priority. Technology –Technologies change rapidly and frequently; there is no indication that this will change. We rely heavily upon the internet and computers to support core operations yet the Cooperative’s network infrastructure is aging. Outdated hardware and software limits functionality for both staff and customers. The public looks to libraries to provide exposure to, and training for, new technologies. Geography – Okaloosa residents are distant from large cities with major museums and cultural events. Libraries play an important local role in making the arts accessible both geographically and financially. Focus areas of our strategic plan TECHNOLOGY ▲ COLLABORATION ▲ CREATION EDUCATION ▲ SPACES ▲ SERVICE ▲ AWARENESS 5 TECHNOLOGY The Library will be the place to explore and use a variety of technologies. We will connect Okaloosa County residents to the 21st century world of digital literacy through training, information and access. Wireless Internet access at Niceville Public Library is a critical service. To focus on Technology we will: Maintain and upgrade our infrastructure of servers, software and operating systems to prevent interruptions in service Build the size and scope of our digital library collection for e-readers Make children’s computers available at all 6 libraries Provide accessibility to technologies for special needs customers Expand the library’s virtual portal to a world of learning and resources, including e-government, interlibrary loan and local history materials. Integrate new technologies and provide multimedia resources such as podcasts and YouTube channel videos Provide workshops and “one-on-one” training to allow customers to explore new devices and technologies, and ensure they can use our technology resources Redesign the Cooperative’s outdated Web site in a format that can be easily maintained by OCPLC staff 6 COLLABORATION We will expand and strengthen partnerships with outside organizations, including the government sector, businesses, educational institutions, museums and nonprofit organizations. Our collaborations will increase our ability to provide quality programs and services, and will benefit individuals, neighborhoods, local businesses and the community. Northwest Florida State College Jazz Ensemble performs at Destin Library. To focus on Collaboration we will: Nurture relationships with local, state and federal agencies Provide forums to foster community discussion of timely topics Conduct grant-funded joint projects with community organizations Strengthen partnerships with local economic development agencies, chambers, and workforce development agencies Coordinate activities and programs with local schools Participate in local history and digitized preservation projects 7 CREATION Our libraries will be places for the community to create content, such as videos, music, art, multimedia presentations and promotional products for the small business environment. Teens at Crestview Library create henna tattoo designs. To focus on Creation we will: Provide programs for all ages that nurture personal creativity Expand the availability of multimedia tools and software applications Offer training in 21st century applications such as self-publishing, social networking, creation software or cloud computing Stimulate interest and enjoyment of the arts by hosting free events with guest authors and performance artists Dedicate library spaces for customer work spaces Develop staff knowledge of creation tools and processes so they can effectively facilitate use of equipment 8 EDUCATION A foundation of literacy and knowledge is critical for members of our community to live, learn and work in the 21st century. Our libraries will be the support system for students in formal and informal education from preschool to university, embracing public, private and home school programs as well as the self-directed learner. Young readers welcome Curious George to the Valparaiso Library. To focus on Education we will: Promote an atmosphere that fosters early literacy and life-long learning Designate spaces to accommodate activities for personal and professional growth Provide technology and infrastructure to support distance education students Offer online materials and information resources that are accessible at the library and remotely Implement programs and services that enhance development of a skilled and ready workforce 9 SPACES Our libraries will be centers that engage the community and bring people together. We will provide dedicated areas for teens, children and adults that encourage exploration and collaboration. Our spaces expand beyond our libraries’ walls to our global Web presence, community outreach areas, and partner locations. Ribbon cutting for the Library Spot lending