Argyle Public Library
Long Range Plan 2022-2025
The information, educational, recreational, and technological needs of the service area of the Argyle Public Library are constantly evolving. As these needs become more sophisticated, patrons demand more from the library and the most accurate and up-to-date resources are expected. In order to provide the best service to the patrons, the Argyle Public Library Board of Directors has developed a Long Range Plan for the years 2022-2025. The plan offers the board and staff a structured direction to follow.
Our purpose for Long Range Planning is to:
Create a common image of the direction the library is moving
Identify, discuss and resolve key issues
Set priorities for implementation
Create a benchmark to measure future performance
Our Mission
We encourage the pursuit of lifelong learning by offering free access to print, audio and digital collections, programs, and internet.
Our Values
1. Welcoming Atmosphere
We enrich our community by providing a well maintained, comfortable, accessible, and safe multi-use facility. Our library is an inviting place where patrons can be educated, entertained and informed.
2. Service Oriented
We provide friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and prompt service. We respect and value our patrons. Our trained staff is willing to locate and provide materials for each patron.
3. Staff Support
We strive to provide staff members with a pleasant environment that encourages a rewarding experience for both employees and patrons.
4. Fiscally Prudent
We seek to be a cost-effective institution when using both public and private resources.
Our Long Range Goals
1. Provide a trained and courteous staff
2. Provide a library with space, hours and services that meet the needs of community
3. Implement new technologies as appropriate
4. Make the public aware of the services and programs the library has to offer
Our Long Range Plan
Goal 1: Provide a trained and courteous staff
Objectives
Maintain a staff that believes in the Library’s mission and values.
Conduct a staff evaluation annually
Train staff members in the everyday workings of the library.
Maintain Staff Training and Procedure Manual
Strategies
Staff will participate in ongoing staff training opportunities in areas of customer service, library resources and/or computer skills.
Evaluate staff performance with a report from the Director to the Board
Goal 2: Operate and maintain a library based on the changing needs of the community
Objectives
Manage the current library’s resources and space in the best possible manner by reviewing annually
Provide an inviting library setting that meets patron needs for convenient access the collections, appropriate technology and areas of quiet reflection.
Work with community groups to identify segments of the community which may be underserved in regard to library services
Analyze annually the open hours of the library and increase as fiscally possible needed to provide more access to the library’s resources
Maintain a varied collection of materials.
Maintain programs and the attendance each year
Maintain circulation each year
Update library policies annually
Periodically analyze annually the library’s ability to provide services to people with disabilities
Strategies
Survey the patrons to acquire information on their expectations of the library
Partner with community groups in an effort to identify the underserved population and their needs
Work with the Argyle Village Board to expand hours, space and staff time as needed
Provide programs that address the needs of the community and support the library’s mission
Focus resources on sustainable materials, services and programs
Use purchasing and weeding as tools to manage existing resources to achieve maximum benefit
Use signage throughout the library for quick identification of materials
Partner with the schools and community groups to provide programming that will benefit the service area
Encourage staff participation in community organizations and activities
Goal 3: Implement new technology as appropriate
Objectives
Continue to support the technological infrastructure needed to bring the latest technological and informational resources to the community.
Replace circulation and patron computers as needed
Review the Technology Plan every 3 years
Strategies
Use appropriate technologies to give the community seamless access to library resources
Add or update resources and services
Confer with other system libraries and the SWLS headquarters when reviewing the Technology Plan
Offer computer literacy trainings to patrons
Goal 4: Make the public aware of the services and programs the library has to offer
Objectives
Increase the number of people who consider the library as a preferred source of informational and recreational materials.
Annually increase the number of people coming to the library
Educate the community on how the library procures funding
Publicize programs in local newspapers, on website, sign and in schools
Educate the public on methods of donating funds to the Library
Promote the library with the use of posters, media, handouts, and contests
Maintain an Argyle Public Library brochure
Strategies
Continue to maintain the library’s website by adding links to appropriate sites, current library information and library issues
Encourage the use of the library’s web site
Encourage library staff to promote the library’s programs
This plan was approved by the Argyle Public Library Board of Trustees on:
October 20th, 2021