• Compile relevant Census data and projections for the area served by the Regional Library. (2004-2005)
   
• Conduct a regular Library User Survey to help identify patron needs, priorities, and levels of satisfaction with current services (see Appendix B). (2004-ongoing)
   
• Interview "focus groups" to gather detailed information regarding library user satisfaction and priorities for service. (2004-2005)
   
• Maintain effective communication and positive relationships with Friends of the Library groups. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Apply for an LSTA Planning Grant to ensure effective planning and prioritizing of future services and staffing. (2004-2005)
   
• Collaborate with and seek input from a wide range of groups and agencies within the community. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Analyze data and identify major service goals (as outlined in the American Library Association's Planning for Results: a Public Library Transformation Process). (2005-2006)
   
• Annually review the long-range plan and refine objectives based on timely information. (2005-ongoing)

III. GOALS

Staffing

The Regional Library System is blessed with enthusiastic, service-oriented staff dedicated to meeting the needs of their patrons and communities. The effective combination of human resources and technology has allowed the Library System to continue to provide outstanding service with minimal levels of staffing. However, as the populations of all three counties continue to grow, so will the need for additional Regional Library staff.

Goal: Provide sufficient levels of staff and training necessary to pursue the Regional Library mission and goals.

Strategies:

• Continually evaluate needs and provide staff with the tools they need to work effectively. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Provide opportunities and resources for staff development, including in-house training, attendance at workshops and conferences, and web-based training. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Continually seek and utilize volunteers from the community to enhance library services and resources. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Explore partnerships with local colleges to provide internship and service opportunities to benefit both students and libraries. (2004-2005)
   
• Expand staffing at Yancey County Public Library to provide two staff members on duty during all hours of library operation. (2005-2006)
   
• Pursue hiring of full-time staff member for System Administration and Technology Support. (2007-2008)

Collection Management

The Regional Library System maintains collections of books, magazines, and other print materials, as well as collections of audiovisual materials such as videos and books on tape. The selection of these materials is governed by the Regional Library's "Book and Materials Selection Policy" which outlines the criteria for the selection and weeding of materials, the responsibility for selection, and the process for requesting reconsideration of library materials.

While these print and audiovisual materials will continue to be major components of library collections, patrons are increasingly turning to the Internet as a source of information, and libraries have an important role to play in guiding their patrons to the best and most reliable electronic information. As the use and availability of electronic resources continues to grow, the library will respond appropriately in both its selection of print materials and in the access it provides to electronic resources.

Goal: Continue to provide collections and services which maximize the usefulness of library materials in all formats.

Strategies:

• Continue to review, select, and provide access to materials that meet the diverse needs of the library's patrons. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Display and promote library materials in ways which are visually appealing and easily accessible. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Explore and fully utilize capabilities of Solutions 3.2 (new version of TLC Integrated Library System) to increase access to materials through the Online Catalog. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Generate new materials lists to display in hard copy and on the library's website. (2004-2005)
   
• Review reference collections and usage at each library, weeding as appropriate to take advantage of readily available electronic resources. (2004-2005)
   
• Provide training for staff to assist patrons in use of electronic resources. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Utilize feedback gathered from Library User Survey to identify areas of the library's collections in need of enhancement. (2005-2006)
   
• Provide enhanced, user-friendly access to electronic collections through the library's webpage. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Identify areas of the collections in need of preservation. (2006-2007)
   
• Develop a preservation plan. (2007-2008)

Services

A full range of services is provided at each of the libraries in the Regional Library System, and outreach services are provided by an outreach van and bookmobile to patrons who are unable to come to a library. Access to the library's Online Catalog and other electronic resources is provided 24 hours a day through the library's webpage.

Goal: Provide and promote a variety of library services that respond to the current and future needs of the communities served by the Regional Library.

Strategies:

• Continue to provide appropriate training and equipment to enable the library to participate fully in Interlibrary Loan and document delivery services. (2004-2005)
   
• Continue to provide and promote a range of programs for both children and adults. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Install highly visible Suggestion Boxes in each library facility. (2004-2005)
   
• Enhance reference services by providing training for staff in the use of NCLIVE and other electronic resources. (2004-2005)
   
• Work with both local schools and home schoolers to provide services which support educational goals and initiatives. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Enhance delivery of children's services by pursuing funding for the purchase of a vehicle for use by the Children's Librarian. (2005-2006)
   
• Pursue planning for services to Hispanic populations by applying for an LSTA Project Planning Grant. (2005-2006)

Facilities

The four libraries in the Regional Library System are currently housed in older buildings with flexible but limited space. The Yancey Public Library, the facility with the greatest need for additional space, is scheduled to move into a new facility early in 2006. While each of the remaining three facilities is adequate for current needs, careful planning will be necessary to ensure maximum space utilization.

Goal: Provide well-maintained, comfortable, and easily accessible facilities.

Strategies:

• Dispose of obsolete and unused furniture and equipment. (2004-2005)
   
• Realign collections and services to maximize current space utilization. (2005-2006)
   
• Review and update signage, both interior and exterior, at all locations. (2005-2006)
   
• Determine priorities and pursue funding for refurbishing of existing facilities. (2007-2009)

Promotion of Library Services

While each of the four libraries in the Regional System is well-loved and used by many members of the community, much of the public is unaware of the variety and extent of library services. In the coming years, the Regional Library will continue to improve its relationship with the public by focusing considerable effort on promoting library services and increasing the visibility of the library in the communities it serves.

Goal: Increase visibility and awareness of library services.

Strategies:

• Revise current Library webpage to maximize its usefulness as both an informational tool for the public and promotional tool for the library. (2004-2005)
   
• Prepare and distribute "Welcome to the Library" brochures. (2004-2005)
   
• Provide talks and demonstrations of library services to various groups outside the library. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Actively seek new partnerships with community organizations sharing similar goals. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Publicize remote access to library services for those who cannot visit a library facility. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Promote collections of special interest to particular ages or groups. (Example: Displays of new Young Adult literature, job search aids, Hispanic literature, "beach reading," etc.). (2005-ongoing)
   
• Contribute articles to special interest newsletters, as well as to newspapers. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Pursue additional training and external funding for library marketing. (2005-2006)

Technology

The AMY Regional Library Technology Plan, submitted to the State Library of North Carolina in May, 2004, addresses the issues of evolving technology, staff training, technology assessment, and budgeting.

Goal: Provide and utilize technology appropriate to promoting the library's mission and to maximizing the efficiency of its procedures.

Strategies:

• Continue to implement the 3-year Technology Plan for 2004-2007 (see appendix A).
   
• Utilize appropriate webpage editing software to facilitate updates and changes to the webpage. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Continue to maintain policies, procedures, and documentation necessary for the library to qualify for the Universal Service E-Rate Discount. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Explore collaborations with other agencies such as Mayland Community College and the local schools. (2004-ongoing)
   
• Apply for LSTA Technology Planning Grant to ensure the most appropriate use of technology for the Regional Library System. (2004-2005)
   
• Utilize information gathered during the implementation of the LSTA Planning Grant to develop Technology Plan for 2007-2010. (2005-2006)
   
• Establish a standing Technology Committee to ensure appropriate input from both library staff and from the community in the planning process. (2005-2006)

Funding

Funding at the local level remains a major concern as the library embarks on a new planning cycle. Aging facilities, evolving technology, and the need to provide services and collections to a growing population all combine to emphasize the need for additional commitments at the local level.

Goal: Increase local government support to a 50% minimum funding level of the total operating income.

Strategies:

• Develop and present budgets based on goals and annual objectives. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Actively promote library services and communicate library support needs to both the community and local governments. (2005-ongoing)
   
• Investigate possible strategies for most effective management of current charitable trusts. (2004-2005)
   
• Utilize LSTA Planning Grant to determine and address causes for minimal funding from local governments. (2005-2006)

Approved by the Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library Board August 19, 2004