Strategic Directions
FY 2009 - FY 2014

Mission

The mission of the Public Libraries of Jefferson County is to encourage and coordinate services and resource sharing among the public libraries of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Value Statements

• The strength of the Public Libraries of Jefferson County comes from diversity, unity of purpose and excellent library service.
• Member libraries work together to provide the best public library services and information technology to the citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama.
• By working together and with other institutions, the Public Libraries of Jefferson further strengthen public library service and lifelong learning for all citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Roles

In fulfilling its mission, the Public Libraries of Jefferson County play many roles. Among them are:

• Leader
• Collaborative and Cooperative Promoter
• Trainer and Educator
• Facilitator and Catalyst
• Trend Spotter
• Technology Innovator
• Marketer and Promoter
• Consultant
• Trusted Agent
• Best Practices Model
• Advocate

Strategic Directions

Broadly defined, the Public Libraries of Jefferson County have six strategic directions: sustainability, leadership, technology, resource sharing, advocacy, and learning. Within each direction listed below, the Public Libraries of Jefferson County have identified goals and activities designed to help meet those goals.

Sustainability

Goal 1: Increase funding opportunities for the Public Libraries of Jefferson County.

Activities:

1. Determine a base level of public and member services.
2. Pursue grant possibilities (e.g., LSTA, etc.).
3. Evaluate current use of Out-of-County fees. Investigate the possibility of tiered levels of public and member services

Goal 2: Provide administrative services for member libraries.

Activities:

1. Distribute state aid.
2. Distribute ecommerce funds.
3. Bill member libraries for shared services.
4. Provide centralized record keeping.
5. Monitor member libraries for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and laws.

Goal 3: Provide and maintain the database of material and patron records.

Activities:

1. Create, read, edit, and delete material and patron records as needed.
2. Develop online tutorials and train staff.

Goal 4: Work with JCPLA to sustain mutual objectives.

Activities:

1. Collaborate with JCPLA to further their mission and objectives.
2. Avoid duplication of efforts with JCPLA.

Leadership

Goal 1: Provide relevant consulting to assist member libraries in improving the effectiveness of library services.

Activities:

1. Assist member libraries with state reports upon request.
2. Create a database of sample policies and procedures, disaster plans, building plans, security, by-laws, etc.
3. Enhance the public library trustees’ knowledge of libraries and library management through development of uniform materials for trustee orientation.
4. Serve in a consulting collection development capacity as needed.

Goal 2: Raise public awareness of the Public Libraries of Jefferson County.

Activities:

1. Develop a strategic marketing plan for the Public Libraries of Jefferson County.
2. Continue with existing marketing and public-relations activities.

Technology

Goal 1: Maintain and improve existing electronic communications.

Activities:

1. Increase bandwidth by replacing copper-based T1 lines with fiber optic Metro-area Ethernet for all member libraries.
2. Evaluate the current communications providers and cost effectiveness (e.g., email system, Internet access, Website hosting).

Goal 2: Coordinate support and maintenance of information technology.

Activities:

1. Evaluate equipment and peripherals of ILS system.
2. Evaluate and recommend updates for computer hardware.
3. Help develop security policies for computer access.
4. Continue to leverage group purchasing opportunities.
5. Provide discounted software to member libraries.
6. Evaluate the efficacy of the existing Computer Services Liaison (CSL) program.
7. Help member libraries apply for and update e-Rate funding.

Goal 3: Monitor emerging technology trends.

Activities:

1. Coordinate research and development of cutting edge technology applications for member libraries (e.g., RFID, etc.).
2. Explore options for mobile technology (e.g., Airpac, SMS/text notifications, etc.).
3. Leverage social networking applications (e.g., Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.) to promote library awareness.

Resource Sharing

Goal 1: Provide an Integrated Library System (ILS) for the cooperative.

Activities:

1. Evaluate and purchase new modules for existing ILS as needed.
2. Evaluate the ILS as needed.

Goal 2: Provide delivery of physical materials to member libraries.

Activities:

1. Evaluate current delivery system.
2. Fund a capital project to renovate BPL central paging room.
3. Investigate the possibility of mailing reserves.
4. Provide protected delivery areas at member libraries.

Goal 3: Make a variety of electronic materials available to member libraries.

Activities:

1. Coordinate and support access to searchable databases.
2. Coordinate and support access to downloadable materials (e.g., books, videos, etc.) for member libraries.

Goal 4: Investigate opportunities for additional shared resource management.

Activities:

1. Evaluate ILL services.
2. Evaluate Books-by-Mail programs.
3. Investigate options for raising shared funds to be used for all member libraries.

Advocacy

Goal 1: Keep member libraries informed of JCLC activities.

Activities:

1. Utilize monthly Directors’ Meetings to disseminate information.
2. Post information on JCLC Intranet.
3. Distribute library-related information.

Goal 2: Maintain an online presence.

Activities:

1. Evaluate existing Website.
2. Evaluate email publicity options.
3. Evaluate online donation options.

Goal 3: Actively pursue opportunities to promote libraries.

Activities:

1. Lobby elected officials.
2. Stay in contact with media.
3. Develop a repository of shared PR materials (e.g., posters, videos, etc.).
4. Update and share PR opportunity list.
5. Update Speakers Bureau information.

Goal 4: Re-brand JCLC.

Activities:

1. Form a re-branding committee.
2. Investigate a partnership with the University of Alabama Marketing Department.
3. Seek funding for re-branding initiative.

Goal 5: Coordinate literacy projects.

Activities:

1. Lead cooperative in Big Read projects.
2. Coordinate and plan Project Read.

Learning

Goal 1: Leverage existing resources for staff training.

Activities:

1. Support and utilize JCPLA activities.
2. Consult member libraries for available shared resources (e.g., staff, materials, and services).

Goal 2: Develop new technologies for online training.

Activities:

1. Evaluate efficacy of RLCC in its current form.
2. Explore opportunities to develop a traveling training lab.
3. Investigate alternative training opportunities.

Goal 3: Provide mentoring to member libraries’ staff.

Activities:

1. Develop orientation and training materials and opportunities.
2. Promote mentoring programs.
3. Create lists of experts in their fields for consultation.

Approved by the JCLC Board of Directors
August 13,2009