2016.01.13 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff Comments on the Strategic Plan Part 1: Strategic Plan The plan compiled all of the input gathered. It outlines national library service trends as well as local demographics and trends. Input received included the desire to increase services to seniors and teens, enhancing and increasing programming and educational activities for all areas of the County without duplicating other offerings. The goals included the following: 1) Increase and Enhance Lifelong Learning, Outreach, Digital Resources, and Youth Services to Meet Targeted Community Needs 2) Advance Public Awareness of the Library to Increase Use of Services 3) Improve Library Facilities to Better Meet the Needs of County Communities and Residents 4) Develop Additional Resources and Partnerships to Enhance Current Service and Operations 5) Explore New Models of Management and Staffing to Better Serve Patrons The plan acknowledges both the population growth and changing demographics that Hugo, as well as other parts of the County, are experiencing. Outreach, technology assistance, and programming for seniors and teens is a priority. For the most part, the plan sets a path for stronger community and school partnerships. This includes a recommendation to add a new staff member for this purpose. The other big piece is that the Washington County Library System is going to work to better promote current programs and offerings. A better website is also planned to increase accessibility. Some of the services and programs the library currently offers are underutilized because people don't know about them. Part 2: Facilities The Preliminary Directions for Facilities Planning Draft concludes with a recommendation that Washington County Library develop a comprehensive facilities plan within the next 2-3 months. That would include a look at current facilities, usage patterns by facility, and detailed community facility needs. The report outlines things to consider in the future facility planning process. The following are of note: The report outlines a need for additional square footage of space needed to serve residents today and in 2040 using commonly accepted national standards. Coordination and cooperation with surrounding library systems. This is important because there is significant use of Ramsey County Libraries (White Bear Lake, Maplewood, Roseville, etc) by Hugo and nearby residents. Population Density and Population Growth. The report states that "public libraries need to focus on placement on population centers, whereas residents living in more rural or sparsely populated areas of the County may expect to travel further to their nearest library as they would for various other commercial services." Avoiding Duplication of Other Community Resources. The report urges that libraries look at what other facilities are available in their areas but says that the need for flexible, multi-purpose "gathering spaces" is likely to always be growing.