APPLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN

approved by Library Board of Trustees 12/8/97, revised 1/12/98

The Library's primary roles will be formal education support, independent learning, reference and information, and children's door to learning.

The library will be a leader in providing delivery of ideas and information as part of a strong regional community network with links to educational institutions, businesses, governments, community agencies and other libraries. This network will incorporate human, electronic, and material resources that will enrich and benefit the community.

GOALS

• 1.1 Study and develop methods to recognize the diverse needs of the community, both current and future
  
• 1.2 Implement an annual planning process to set objectives and re-examine goals, programs and services
  
• 1.3 Provide a current and well-rounded collection responsive to present and future community needs
  
• 1.4 Provide reference, readers' advisory and information services in support of learning for all ages
  
• 1.5 Provide programs that address and support the community's cultural and learning needs
  
• 1.6 Continuously work to promote self-sufficiency for patrons and make the library as easy as possible to use
  
• 1.7 Enhance communication among the staff, public and governing bodies
  
• 1.8 Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date set of policies
  
• 1.9 Maintain a quality facility to meet evolving community needs
  

• 2.1 Provide helpful, professional services that are responsive to individual customer needs
  
• 2.2 Facilitate communication between library sections
  
• 2.3 Facilitate communication up and down the table of organization to promote consistency of procedures and enforcement of policies
  
• 2.4 Provide a positive work atmosphere
  
• 2.5 Provide opportunities for staff training and professional growth within and outside the library
  
• 2.6 Assure sufficient staff to accomplish library goals and objectives
  
• 2.7 Promote proactive management at the supervisory and administrative levels
  
• 2.8 Monitor methods of performance review
  
• 2.9 Study and develop expanded library use of volunteers
  

• 3.1 Aggressively explore and implement technological alternatives in providing information access and delivery
• 3.2 Integrate appropriate innovative technologies into all library sections
  
• 3.3 Provide internal and external expertise to accomplish computer, network and online access capabilities
  
• 3.4 Inform and instruct patrons on the availability and use of electronic resources
  

• 4.1 Support state and federal legislation which promotes library funding
  
• 4.2 Develop a strategy for grant applications
  
• 4.3 Seek to increase city budget allocations to meet growth in services
  
• 4.4 Generate revenue through increased awareness of means of donating to the library such as the Friends of Apleton Library and Appleton Library Foundation
  
• 4.5 Study and develop innovative means of increasing library revenues
• 4.6 Work cooperatively with the Outagamie Waupaca Library System (OWLS) to develop appropriate compensation for services provided to residents of areas outside the City of Appleton.
• 4.7 Work Cooperatively with OWLS to develop appropriate compensation for our role as OWLS resource library, OWLS member and OWLSnet member.

• 5.1 Promote cooperation between the library and community businesses
  
• 5.2 Promote cooperation between the library and community service agencies
  
• 5.3 Continue to pursue joint ventures with local government agencies and educational institutions
  
• 5.4 Work cooperatively to fulfill our role as the OWLS resource library, OWLS member, and OWLSnet member
  
• 5.5 Expand cooperation with other libraries and library consortia
  

• 6.1 Communicate and promote library goals to community leadership
  
• 6.2 Enhance media exposure
  
• 6.3 Actively promote the image of the library as an authoritative source of information through both traditional means and innovative technologies
  
• 6.4 Strengthen and promote the image of library staff as leaders in providing information in a professional and helpful manner