The Brantford Public Library

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Strategic Plan 2008-2011

Combining Tradition with Technology

The Brantford Public Library's 2005-2007 Strategic Plan established a bold and ambitious agenda to guide the Library's actions. We have made significant progress on the Plan's key areas of focus and look forward to establishing and implementing new initiatives as we set our course for the next four years.

Before creating this plan, we needed to answer a number of questions:

What progress has been made?
How has the environment and the community changed since the 2005-2007 Plan was developed?
What are the emerging trends in library service?
How can the library best focus its resources to meet changing community needs over the coming years?

We are extremely grateful to the staff, volunteers, partners and stakeholders for their ongoing commitment and contribution to this Strategic Plan. The following plan outlines our six areas of focus and sets our path for the next 4 years.

Area of Focus - Service Development

Strategic Direction #1 - Strengthen the library's role in early literacy

Objectives
1.1 Enhance the library's role as a community destination for early literacy programs and resources.
1.2 Develop programs and services that reflect the changing needs of today's families.
1.3 Strengthen our traditional and non-traditional partnerships to deliver early literacy programs.
1.4 Continue to solicit sponsorships to deliver enhanced early literacy programming.

Strategic Direction #2 - Expand services for under-served groups

Objectives
2.1 Revitalize services and collections for newcomers.
2.2 Enhance programs and outreach services for seniors.
2.3 Improve the accessibility of our facilities and services.
2.4 Expand the hours of operation at both library locations to serve busy commuters.

Strategic Direction #3 - Enhance the customer experience through service transformation

Objectives
3.1 Elicit ongoing community input from both users and non-users through a variety of survey methods.
3.2 Enhance the user experience by offering an array of integrated electronic resources.
3.3 Broaden self-service options for customers.
3.4 Expand the library's contribution to the cultural fabric of the community.
3.5 Implement a customer-centered approach to delivery of all services and programs.
3.6 Continuously update and refine BPL website for a more effective online library presence.

Area of Focus - Education Connection

Strategic Direction #4 - Play a more prominent role in fostering student achievement and lifelong learning

Objectives
4.1 Be a valued partner and resource for elementary and secondary schools.
4.2 Enhance the educational and recreational experience of post-secondary students.
4.3 Offer a wide variety of free programming and resources for lifelong learners.

Strategic Direction #5 - Develop a sustainable plan which balances the needs of our post-secondary partners with the needs of the broader public

Objectives
5.1 Nurture and continue to strengthen partnership with Laurier Brantford/WLU Library.
5.2 Develop plan for partnership with Nipissing University - Brantford Campus.
5.3 Develop plan for partnership with Mohawk College - Brantford Campus.

Area of Focus - Information Technology Infrastructure

Strategic Direction #6 - Strengthen IT infrastructure

Objectives
6.1 Ensure the continued stability and sustainability of the library's network connectivity.
6.2 Ensure hardware and software supports public and staff technology needs.
6.3 Maintain a secure computing environment.

Area of Focus - Facility Planning and Development

Strategic Direction #7 - Maintain facilities to current high standards

Objectives
7.1 Increase our energy efficiency.
7.2 Manage the facilities in a cost effective manner.
7.3 Ensure facilities are in line with service delivery needs and customer expectations.
7.4 Investigate and implement strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle - greener operations overall.

Strategic Direction #8 - Plan for facilities expansion

Objectives
8.1 Ensure that increased library service is included in City of Brantford Capital Plan.
8.2 Conduct feasibility study for new branch and/or St. Paul Avenue Branch expansion.
8.3 Develop a cafe in the Main Library location.
8.4 Redesign exterior front entrance of the Main Library to contribute to the improvement of the streetscape, as outlined in the City of Brantford's Downtown Master Plan.
8.5 Seek grant funding from Provincial/Federal sources for capital projects.

Area of Focus - Organizational Development

Strategic Direction #9 - Develop our Board and Staff

Objectives
9.1 Maintain training and development budget to ensure that all staff have the required skill-sets to successfully deliver BPL's strategic directions.
9.2 Maintain Board training and development budget.
9.3 Ensure that our Board membership reflects the changing Brantford community.
9.4 Annually assess the Board's effectiveness by measuring the outcomes of the Strategic Plan.

Area of Focus - Financial Sustainability and Accountability

Strategic Direction #10 - Sustain our strong funding base by continuing to demonstrate sound financial management and value for money

Objectives
10.1 Maintain a strong relationship with City Council to ensure continued support for library service.
10.2 Cultivate a Planned Giving program.