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Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 - 2014

Goals

Young children (age five and under) will have materials, programs and services that will prepare them to enter school ready to read, write, and learn.

Children (ages 6-12) will have materials and programs that satisfy their curiosity, stimulate their imaginations, and encourage them to explore topics of personal interest.

Teens (age 13 and older) will have materials and programs that respond to their current interests and provide pleasurable reading, viewing, and listening experiences.

Adults will have the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives.

Residents and visitors will have access to the digital world so they can take advantage of the ever-growing resources and services available through the Internet.

Residents and visitors will have attractive, safe, and welcoming places to meet and interact with others or sit quietly and read.

Residents and visitors will have access to resources and services about the history and culture of Talbot County and Maryland.

Residents and visitors will have convenient and timely access to services and programs that help them find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

*Only Easton branch was counted in FY07.

Organizational Competencies

By September 30, 2008, and each year thereafter, print and nonprint committees will evaluate the library.s collection for needed additions, withdrawals, and replacements.

By January 31, 2009, and each year thereafter, the process by which library activity data is collected, compiled, and distributed will be reviewed and revised as necessary to provide the data needed to monitor progress on the strategic plan.

By June 30, 2009, a plan will be developed by the Library Board, Friends, and Foundation to coordinate efforts that support effective fundraising.

By June 30, 2009, the library staff will have developed a methodology to regularly update the Library Board on progress on all objectives included in the strategic plan.

By June 30, 2010, TCFL will have completed a survey in each of the areas outlined in this plan.s goals and objectives.

By January 30, 2014, TCFL staff will have completed the revision or development of public service policies that support this plan.s goals and objectives.

The Talbot County Free Library will plan and allocate space in accordance with established service priorities.

Beginning in 2008, planning began on the renovation of the Main Library in Easton.

By July 1, 2009, a Facilities Master Plan will be adopted.

The Talbot County Free Library will use technologies that improve access to information, improve service to library patrons, and maximize efficient service delivery.

By June 30, 2009, TCFL staff will have evaluated the library's web site and determined content and navigation changes that need to be made to support the Library.s service priorities.

By in July 1, 2010, TCFL, with the help of Eastern Shore Regional Library, will have completed an authority records clean-up of its online catalog, thus improving its searchability.

By December 30, 2009, TCFL will have formalized its partnership with Carroll County Public Library for a shared integrated library system, thereby providing significant cost savings and ensuring patron access to the library's catalog during the renovation of the main library.

By June 30, 2010, TCFL will have replaced all public access internet computers at all its branches.

The Talbot County Free Library will actively seek and maintain partnerships with organizations and institutions to enable the Library to enhance service to its patrons.

By January 30, 2009, all current partnerships and the library's obligations in support of them will be identified.

By June 30, 2009, criteria for ongoing partnerships will be developed.

By September 30, 2009, staff at all levels will be trained to identify partnership opportunities that help advance the Library's goals and objectives.

The Talbot County Free Library will continue its staff development and volunteer training initiatives to ensure that staff and volunteers have the skills and training they need to respond to current and emerging patron demands.

By December 30, 2009, the library will have a revised Volunteer Manual.

By June 30, 2010, staff will be trained to provide proactive service that meets the needs of our library patrons.

By June 30, 2010, a plan will be in place to address the training needs of staff and volunteers.

Adopted by the TCFL Board of Trustees December 3, 2008.