The Libraries of Foster Strategic Plan, 2016 – 2020
adopted September 13, 2016
Mission Statement
The Libraries of Foster, in its diverse, geographically dispersed rural setting, provides resources, programming, and facilities for community interaction, enrichment, personal growth, and life-long learning.
The Libraries of Foster provides free and equal access to library resources reflecting a broad spectrum of community interests.
- GOAL-Develop resources that meet the needs and interests of the community.
1.1 Objective: Learn about the community and identify needs for library services.
Action: Conduct a community study to assess the information and entertainment needs of the community.
Action: Hire a library consultant to hold focus groups and to write a community assessment report.
Action: Review and update collection policies based on input from community assessments.
1.2 Objective: Have the technological capabilities to meet the needs and interests of the community.
Action: Assess community and staff needs regarding technology.
Action: Develop a technology plan.
Action: Provide staff training on new technology to keep up to date.
1.3 Objective: Maintain current, appealing collections in all formats.
Action: Review collection for current and attractive collections using current circulation statistics on usage.
Action: Review collection for duplicates in preparation for move to one unified collection.
1.4 Objective: Increase library funding.
Action: Apply for library grants to improve facilities, hold innovative programming, and add new library materials.
Action: Hire a fundraising consultant to create new fundraising opportunities.
- GOAL- Develop community in our rural setting through the sharing of information, socializing, innovative programming using technology, distance learning, and participatory learning.
2.1 Objective: Create a sense of community and a sense of place with programs that share the history and lore of the area.
Action: Partner with Foster Preservation Society on local history programming.
Action: Engage in a cross-generational, Story corps inspired oral history project.
2.2 Objective: Create community by providing ways for people to be informed citizens.
Action: Provide community events, activities and information on elections, voting registration and candidates.
2.3 Objective: Building community by informing residents about the people who work, do business and provide services in the community. [The library plans events and collaborates with other non profits and businesses by inviting them to participate in library programs and events. These interactions at the library bring more information to library users about their community resources.]
Action: Partner with Human Services to offer programming for adults in areas of job seeking, fraud protection, financial planning, and long-term care giver issues.
Action: Hold small business workshops and events.
Action: Offer local crafts people and artists the opportunity for exhibit space within the Library.
2.4 Objective: Foster early literacy.
Action: Encourage caregivers of preschool children to get cards for themselves and their children and to attend preschool-focused library programs.
Action: Partner with FELT at Paine School on events and outreach.
Action: Create and post online short films for young readers and families promoting reading.
2.5 Objective: Create programs that bring the community together.
Action: New programming such as dances, a chorus, art projects, courses, clubs.
- GOAL-Employ a skilled, knowledgeable staff to provide friendly, helpful, state-of-the-art service.
3.1 Objective: Provide education and training through workshops and other opportunities for professional development on an ongoing basis.
Action: Budget for training workshops and conferences onsite and offsite.
3.2 Objective: Add assistant director and children’s librarian to develop and increase library services.
Action: apply for grants to relieve the budget of programming and other expenses to allow for a larger budget for salaried positions.
- GOAL-Provide facilities that meet the library needs of the community.
4.1 Objective: Locate a site for a new library building.
Action: Work with a facilities planning committee to review potential library sites.
Action: Work with a library consultant to gather community input to generate a report on the needs of the community regarding library service.
4.2 Objective: Improve facilities at the libraries.
Action: Create moveable shelving in Foster’s children’s room.
Action: Create new book browsing areas to increase circulation along a bookstore model.
Action: Update circulation area to create new ways for staff to help patrons with checking/checkout and with reference questions.