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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 18, 2012 Strategic Planning COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNOFFICIAL WORKSESSION MINUTES January 18, 2012 The meeting began at 7:03 p.m. Members present were: Nancy Hoium, Steve Smith, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: City Council Representative Tami Diehm, Becky Loader, Renee Dougherty and Stacey Hendren. Guest: Bob Odden. Strategic Planning Loader presented background and history of library strategic planning and long range planning. Long range planning generally covers building, capital improvements, and items over $5000 that have a permanent impact. Strategic planning is anticipating and planning for the future. On January 17, 2012, the Anoka County Library Board approved portions of their strategic plan and is in the process of making action steps. Loader reviewed the 4 steps for strategic planning: mission, core values, vision, and strategic plan. Loader reviewed the 5 goals of the strategic plan: Access- library owned, but patrons able to use, Environment- open and accessible, Resources- what patrons want, Visibility- vital to town, Sustainability- will continue. Mission Statement This statement is a proclamation of why we exist. The current mission statement declares: To provide free access to informational and recreational materials in a barrier-free environment. The Board discussed what they would like to see in a mission statement. The Board discussed the usage of the word barrier-free as being difficult, legal and ADA compliant. Tantanella noted the ACL statement that is short and clear. Board members brainstormed for important words including accessible, environment, and technology. Smith mentioned the importance of partnerships, not only with the library, but connecting different parties with different resources. Changes in the community since the previous mission statement was written were noted. Tantanella commented on the library as an important, friendly, amenable place that makes people feel good. Hoium supported ideas, but questioned whether future plans should be a part of the mission statement. Loader recommended some of the ideas be incorporated into the core values. Smith proposed: To be a community resource; to provide free printed, electronic, and partnership resources/opportunities for all patrons. The Board discussed the words free, materials, universal, nimble, informational, recreational and lifelong learning, as well as conversed about which words are core values. Vesley proposed: To provide access to informational, technical, and recreational sources for all our patrons. Tantanella requested the inclusion of the word community due to the amount of activity that goes on in the library. The Board discussed who the community is and who is provided with access. 1 At this time the Board decided to continue to section two, core values, and come back to the mission statement. Core Values (draft) 1. Lifelong learning 2. Partnership opportunities a. The Board remarked that partnerships are imperative in this economy. The Board discussed technical assistance, digital literacy, training of staff and patrons, volunteers, and union restrictions. Smith highlighted the definition of core values as what we believe in, are committed to do and wish to be known for. Discussion revolved around being a welcoming atmosphere that is positive and nurturing. Loader emphasized that as a city owned library our community definition is unique. Vesley proposed the addition of the statement “in the belief that participatory democracy requires an informed citizenry.” The Board discussed citizenry vs. patron vs. community and how the library community is not limited to the residents of Columbia Heights. The Board transitioned back to working on a mission statement. Members noted that the words access, information, resources, technology and community continue to appear in discussion. Discussion led to the following draft mission statement. To serve a diverse community’s needs for access to resources, information, and technology in a welcoming environment. The Board discussed whether the mission statement includes experiences, and how environment, programs, and resources are not mutually exclusive. Smith drew attention to the fact that the building is not just a warm location, but the friendly staff is a part of the library environment as well. Smith wondered if we serve the blind or hearing impaired. Loader acquainted the Board with the services we provide as well as the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault, MN. The Board returned to previous discussion of core values. Core Values (draft) 1. Lifelong learning 2. Partnership opportunities 3. Promoting digital literacy 4. Training staff and volunteers 5. Focus/nurturing of the community 6. New and current materials 7. Familiar Homey Welcoming Friendly Pursuing energy efficiency and renewable resources a. Possible action step: do we do things electronically and get away from paper? 8. Engaging in civil discourse 9. Cooperate with appropriate civil and government organizations a. Possible action step: the Board discussed our cooperative agreement with Anoka County Libraries. A vision (draft) The Board discussed the vision statement and its definition of a statement that says what we hope to do. 2 Discussion led to the proposal of: Columbia Heights Library: the heart of your community. The Board discussed the use of the words heart, center, or focal point, and gathering or flexible, multi-purpose spaces. Smith recommended that the vision focuses on services and not bricks and mortar. Loader mentioned that services and programs encompass both the vision and the core values, and Diehm reminded the Board that the vision translates the core values into action. Proposals: The heart of the community where services and programs are provided. A gathering place for access to technology and resources. The Board desired a statement that showed the library as non-intimidating, quiet but activity oriented. The Board moved on to discussing desires for a new library facility. Loader stated that the location would be this site, the reserved section near the public safety building, or another site currently unknown. Board members desired an updated facility, with public art, beautifully designed, sustainable, well oriented (sun light), expandable, convenient location. Members proposed updated amenities, green and energy efficient, accessible, and designed for future needs. Hoium stressed the importance of a functional practical building that isn’t excessive. The Board discussed the final step, creation of the strategic plan with measurable and achievable steps. This plan will give practical advice to the Task Force, and an outline of what the Board desires. The Board decided to review the drafted mission statement, core values, and vision statement at the February Board meeting, and schedule an additional special meeting at that time to finish the strategic plan. The meeting ended at 8:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacey R. Hendren Secretary, Library Board of Trustees The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights services, programs, and activities. 3