Introduction
In January 2022, library staff began work on a new five year strategic plan. Having a current plan is a requirement to be eligible for construction or LSTA direct grants from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
The planning process included a community survey, a staff survey, an environmental scan of similar libraries, and a focus group facilitated by the Massachusetts Library System.
Process
Once all the data was gathered, seven areas of focus were identified:
- Collections
- Services
- Programs
- Spaces
- Technology
- Promotion & Outreach
- Fundraising & Advocacy
Staff then worked to identify goals, objectives, and action items that would allow the library to advance in each these focus areas. In addition, staff worked to refresh the library’s mission, vision, and values statements to define the library’s role in the community and the staff’s guiding beliefs.
The final plan is the result of seven months of meeting, planning, surveying, collaborating, and drafting. The plan was approved by vote of the Library Board of Trustees at their September 12, 2022 meeting and accepted by MBLC on September 13, 2022.
The FY24 Action Plan was approved by MBLC on November 22, 2022.