M i n d s G r o w H e r e! C A S T L E G A R & D I S T R I C T P U B L I C L I B R A R Y S t r a t e g i c P l a n 2 0 1 3-2015
Page 2 M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t Your place in the community to explore, create, and share information and ideas
Page 3 Va l u e s The Board and Staff of the Castlegar & District Public Library strive to provide services based on: Understanding and Empathy Creativity and Vision Patron Fulfillment Respect for Individual Privacy Staff Professionalism & Expertise The Needs of Individuals & Families Respect for Others Respect for the Environment Lifelong Learning Universal Access Honesty and Integrity Service to Community Commitment to Intellectual Freedom
Page 4 V i s i o n Minds Grow Here! Your Gateway to Lifelong Learning
Page 5 Introduction The Castlegar and District Public Library is located in the city of Castlegar in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its current state of nearly 140,000 annual circulations, the library has been supported and appreciated by the community it serves. It is known as an open, welcoming place where friendly staff and volunteers are ready to assist patrons with their requests, and where citizens and visitors can meet to socialize and learn. The library serves a wide geographic area including not only the city of Castlegar but also the surrounding communities of Blueberry Creek, Robson, Brilliant, Ootischenia, Pass Creek, Shoreacres, Tarrys, Thrums and the Slocan Valley. The library is one of the busiest in the Kootenays, and regularly attracts new membership. The current facility was constructed in 1987, with a much needed addition completed in 2000. The collection exceeds 60,000 items and a wide range of programs and services are available. In 2008 the board and staff of the library developed a five year strategic plan to help guide the library in its work. With the mandate of the plan coming to an end in 2012, the decision was made to review and renew the plan, for the period of 2013 to 2015. A consultant was hired and the updating process took place from November 2012 to March of 2013. This document is the result of that process.
Page 6 A c c o m p l i s h m e n t s 2 0 0 8-2 0 1 2 Opened the Rotary Centennial Garden Hired new Library Director/ Interim Library Director Began offering e-books Hired new full-time librarian thanks to the City of Castlegar Successful referendum for library service in RDCK Area H Increased operating hours Renovated the Children s section Began offering wireless internet thanks to the City of Castlegar Increased outreach at Senior s Centres, Daycares, StrongStart Centres, schools and community events Began circulating e-readers Changed to open-source provincial Integrated Library (computer) system A n d m u c h m o r e!
Page 7 Listening to our Community In preparing to update the plan, a thorough input process was undertaken. With assistance from the library director, the consultant met with staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library and members of the public. A survey was conducted (January/February 2013) to gather feedback from both library members and non-users. Electronic invitations to participate and reminders were sent out to all members with an email address in the system. Paper copies were made available at numerous locations and the survey was advertised in local publications. Over 800 surveys were completed, the majority through the online survey tool Survey Monkey, with 114 on paper. This represented a very impressive 20% return rate. Overall, the survey revealed a high level of satisfaction with the library and its services, with 96.7% indicating that they felt the library provided good value for tax dollars. Members of the Board of Trustees were given the option of a phone interview or completing a written questionnaire, with four taking advantage of the conversation option and four sending in the form. This was followed by an in-person day of facilitated discussion on Feb. 16, 2013, when board members and the director reviewed the results of the survey along with other feedback and then developed specific actions to include in the plan.
Page 8 S e t t i n g t h e C o n t e x t In each of the sessions with staff, volunteers, the public and board members, participants were asked to identify what had changed in the last five years and how that might have an impact on how the library operates. The following information was provided: Big changes in technology increased access to and use of e-readers, e-books, online magazines. Higher expectations for computer access, demand for assistance with electronic media, new provincial Integrated Library System. Overall need to stay current with advancing technology. Funding challenges - increasing costs and demand for services not being supported with an increase in funding, need to be creative. Demographics more young children and more seniors means an increased need for children s programs and outreach services. Perception that libraries are no longer relevant - this belief is not shared by library staff and volunteers, but there is some sense that the public may not realize all the ways that libraries have changed. Need for good communication, and innovation. New user group with the success of a referendum in Area H, more citizens are now supporting the library through an agreement with the Nelson Public Library. Some increased revenue, and increased usage.
Page 9 What We Heard Success Stories There is no question - citizens know and love their library! Many commented on the helpful, knowledgeable staff and the open, friendly and inviting atmosphere of the building. The dedicated crew of volunteers is well-respected and valued. Glady is a treasure! All staff are great; it makes the library a nice place to go. Patrons felt that there were lots of places to meet and socialize, and they were pleased with extended hours of operation. The library is also seen as a venue for community meetings, access to art, and programs for a wide range of age groups. It appears the library already does so much more than I realized The new and improved children s section was mentioned by patrons, staff and volunteers as something they were especially proud of, as well as new furniture in the adult section. Accessibility improvements allowing better access for those with mobility impairments were also much appreciated. Environmental initiatives such as recycling, composting, new furnaces & lights were all praised. One of the best features of Castlegar!
Page 10 What We Heard Success Stories For the most part the scope and quality of the collection is seen as a positive, including the newer electronic media options. I love the new online books and publications that can be downloaded to my ipod Outreach services to seniors, schools, pre-schools, StrongStart centres, the soup kitchen, dropin centres, and community events are all welcomed and appreciated. Children s programs, especially the Summer Reading Club, are a source of pride. Despite some challenges, newer electronic media options are seen as positive. Patrons have appreciated the upgraded One Card service, and a new email reminder service for item returns. Like being able to renew books online. Very convenient. Appreciate due notices as well! Partnerships with the City of Castlegar, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), the Friends of the Library and local service clubs have benefitted the building and have increased the services available Excellent service for many, many years! Overall, no complaints. Everyone is very friendly and very eager to help.
Page 11 What We Heard Challenges Staying current, and working at the leading edge of library services requires commitment and creativity. The library needs to keep up with trends, maintaining and supporting the viability of libraries in the technological era - especially to continue to attract young people. As with all publicly funded libraries, funding insecurity is an ongoing concern. Enhancing relationships with partners such as the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), the City of Castlegar, and the Kootenay Library Federation needs to continue. The library needs color, new paint, new furniture...life! There were many suggestions for how existing space and facilities could be put to better use: Much better use could be made of the large open space in the basement, and access to the whole basement area could be improved The outdoor patio area is not being used to its full potential There is a need for more quiet study areas, and they should be laptop friendly Meeting rooms could be freshened up The staff area is cramped for the number of people working there Big dreams included a coffee shop or lounge, rearrangement of shelving and even a second storey The outdoor patio and meeting rooms need work to improve usability.
Page 12 What We Heard Challenges Many patrons are not aware of the full range of library services available to them and many are struggling with access to electronic media. The website has many features, but many patrons find that it is not user-friendly. Website is slow and searches are not always relevant Despite the size and scope of the collection, users are looking for more variety and more copies of materials, especially e-books. Not enough e-books, or long waiting periods It may be time to review policies on acceptable behaviour in the library in order to maintain accessibility/openness while providing a safe environment for all. There are requests for more services, such as book clubs and outreach. Staff are looking for ongoing training, especially in electronic media in order to help with the increasing number of electronic device questions. Volunteer coordination and communication could be improved due to the number of volunteers and the variety of shifts they work. The role of the Friends of the Library could use some clarifying. Perhaps better public education about your services would be a good idea.
Page 13 Looking to the Future The Castlegar and District Public Library has many positive features in its favour: a solid reputation in the community qualified and satisfied staff dedicated volunteers and supporters an impressive collection an involved and committed Board of Trustees a facility that works (with possibilities for improvement) Looking forward to the next three years, the library is well-positioned to continue delivering high quality services to its patrons and the community by maintaining practices which have been successful over the years. However, the challenge for the library is to avoid complacency to continue improving and go beyond its current level of operation to deliver even more innovative services and to remain relevant well into the future. always room for improvement ~ the changes to the kids section was nice and I'm always impressed with the creativity that goes into making the best with what you have.
Page 14 Where We re Going... 1. Funding: Pursue a variety of sources to ensure that funding is sufficient to meet needs and expectations. Build rapport with RDCK, advocate for ongoing funding Explore grant options for renovations, updates, training and additional staff Develop a program to encourage donations and bequests Consider the use of sponsors (private or corporate) to fund specific initiatives 2. Human Resource Management: Support a well-trained and satisfied staff, board and volunteer team A. Staff Recognize staff for their contribution to the success of the library Provide more staff training specific to electronic devices and materials Take advantage of training offered through the Kootenay Library Federation, especially their conference Conduct regular staff performance reviews Explore additional funding to hire more staff possibly a Community Programmer position Investigate improvements to the staff work area
Page 15 B. Volunteers Recognize volunteers for their contribution to the success of the library Improve volunteer communication and coordination by formalizing the responsibilities of the volunteer coordinator Consider a regular email newsletter for volunteers C. Board of Trustees Continue to recruit board members from diverse backgrounds Engage the board in ongoing planning revisit strategic plan regularly, consider creating a Future Directions committee 3. Technology: Take advantage of the benefits of advances in technology Endeavour to stay current with trends, possibly create a Technology Committee Continue to provide assistance to patrons with their electronic devices possibly offering specific training sessions including hands-on help. Increase number of computer access stations Investigate Bibliocommons (an online resource) Make e-readers and tablets available for use in the library
Page 16 4. Facilities and Space Management Review current use of space and develop a plan Work on improving existing spaces -better use of and access to lower level -making outdoor amphitheatre area more comfortable and inviting -updating small meeting room -reorganizing staff area Create new spaces, especially more quiet study areas Explore viability of new ideas such as a lounge, reading room, coffee bar, bookstore in the library, atrium, kitchen in the basement, access to outside through library 5. Communications and Marketing Use a variety of methods to ensure that patrons, staff, volunteers and community members are well-informed about the library and it services Enhance communication with patrons through additional and ongoing promotion of hours of operation, program offerings, services and events Consider installing an illuminated OPEN sign for the front of the building Increase number of articles in local papers Improve use of Facebook page Investigate having more notice boards or signage in the community possibly at the recreation centre, hospital
Page 17 6. Community Partnerships Continue to build and nurture strong relationships with key community partners Continue to communicate regularly with key funding partners City of Castlegar RDCK and Province Continue to work closely with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, through program delivery and other supports Maintain membership in the Kootenay Library Federation connect with other libraries and access resources, especially around public relations Participate in community-based events (SunFest, Farmers Markets, Parade of Programs) Continue to host community groups and events at the library Explore a stronger relationship with the Recreation Commission Work closely with service clubs to target funding efforts where they are most needed Continue to link with groups in the community through the provision of outreach services Improve method for liaising with the Friends of the Library to strengthen communication and connections.
Page 18 7. Collections & Services Provide a wide range of up-to-date materials, services and programs based o identified needs Continue to offer ongoing successful programs (Summer Reading Club, Mother Goose, and Storytime) Continue to deliver a variety of outreach services (schools, pre-schools, seniors drop -in centre, soup kitchen) Promote home-bound delivery service Consider more programming targeted at young people (films, speakers) Continue to update collection as funding allows Increase collection as possible (more DVDs, e-books, audiobooks, graphic novels) Replace defective DVDs as possible Develop a book club (or clubs, based on demand) Investigate the possibility of a book drop in the south end of Castlegar Consider innovative new program ideas such as Check out an expert, Poet s Corner, Learning Hub
Page 19 Conclusion The Castlegar and District Public Library can be justly proud of its accomplishments and reputation. Many items from the Strategic Plan of 2008 2012 were either completed or became part of the ongoing operation of the library. The next steps, based on the 2013 2105 Strategic Plan, should see the library continuing to serve as a place where community members can meet, explore, create and share a wide range of programs, services, information and ideas. This plan is focused on continued improvement ambitious but achievable. This Strategic Plan is the work of the Board, Staff, Volunteers, Friends and Members of the Castlegar & District Public Library with the assistance of consultant Val Mayes of Building Connections Training and Consulting. A special thank you goes to the Vancouver Public Library whose mission statement served as an inspiration for ours. Photos by Nell Vandergaag and Arlee Venier.
C a s t l e g a r a n d D i s t r i c t P u b l i c L i b r a r y 1005 3rd Street Castlegar, BC V1N 2A2 (250) 365-6611 http://castlegar.bclibrary.ca/ info@castlegarlibrary.com