ABSTRACT: At the City Council meeting on October 2, 2007, Library Director Janet Cubbage presented the report on the Library Strategic Plan. The Library Staff and the Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees developed and distributed a survey regarding programs and services library users and non-users would welcome. A total of 430 surveys were completed. Statistics were derived from the completed surveys and reported. The report also included six goals with the aim of improving the “quality of service to the library patrons in the next five years.”

City Council Agenda
Regular Meeting
October 2, 2007

V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator.

C. Announcements from City Administrator.
• Receive report on Library Strategic Plan

Library Director Janet Cubbage presented the report on the Library Strategic Plan. A summary of her remarks, as follows:

• Work on the Library Strategic Plan by the Library Staff and the Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees began in June 2007.

• A survey was developed and distributed regarding programs and services library users and non-users would welcome.

• “Community Talks, Library Listens,” presented a compilation of statistics derived from the completed surveys, as found the The Window, the newsletter of the Carmel Public Library Foundation.

• Statistics included, as follows:
50% of users visit the library at least once a week
71% of respondents would use self check-out machines
“Almost everybody” wanted an increase in Books on Tape and movies on DVDs
51% of respondents want the library open more hours and/or open on Sundays
41% of respondents view staff as a favorite feature of the library

• Six Goals were defined, each with a set of objectives, with the aim of improving the “quality of service to the library patrons in the next five years,” as follows:

1. To enhance the user experience by making the library more accessible, convenient and easy to use.

2. To offer a variety of interesting and informative adult and youth programs to library users ex. book groups, home movie nights, lectures.

3. To implement user-friendly technology that will enhance and support public service to library patrons ex. self check-out.

4. To implement solutions that will help staff provide smooth and efficient public service to library users ex. cross training staff.

5. To explore options for modifying library spaces, to provide more welcoming environment and provide more effective work flow options for staff ex. crowded lobby.

6. To expand the library’s volunteer program.

NOTE: The statistics were gleaned from the results of 430 completed surveys.