Brooks
Free Library
FY2008
Action Plan
This action plan has been prepared to implement the
Library’s 2004-2008 Long Range Plan.
Goal 1: The Library will be open sufficient hours to provide all segments of the community with the ability to fully utilize Library services and programs. (Note: Increased funding provided to add 3 open hours per week. New hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 7 pm and Friday and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.)
Objective 1.1: Implement revised schedule of open hours
Activities:
1. Revise staff schedules and implement new hours of operation
2. Open the Local History Room for two hours on Saturdays
3. Open the Local History Room on Wednesdays this summer for 2 hours using State Aid funds
4. Publicize new hours through press releases to local media, weekly newspaper column, the Library website, revised brochures and appearances on Channel 18 programs
5. Obtain feedback from patrons, community members, and Library staff and volunteers
6. Collect information on circulation, attendance, programming, reference, and computer use
General Information Service Response: The Library will provide access to a
wide range of popular, informational and cultural resources in print, non-print
and electronic formats. The following
goals and objectives relate to this service response:
Goal 2: Inform residents about Library programs and services, including reference services
Objective 2.1: Maintain brochures about Library services and programs in community locations
1. Update and print monthly calendars of adult and children and youth services programs.
2. Review brochures quarterly, update and arrange printing as needed.
3. Visit community locations monthly to re-supply materials.
Objectives 2.2: Increase coverage of Library programs and services in local publications.
Activities:
1. Library Clerk serves as publicity coordinator.
2. Continue weekly “@ Your Library” column in Harwich Oracle
3. Submit monthly press releases to other local print and radio outlets
5. Follow-up with media outlets to determine how to improve chances of publication
Objective 2.3: Continue other methods of outreach
Activities:
1. Staff members will discuss Library services on Channel 18 at least once every two months
2. Update the Library’s website monthly with Adult and Children’s & Youth programs
3.
Promote programs on changeable signboard on Main Street
4.
Send quarterly notices for inclusion in COA newsletter and
School newsletters.
5. Develop “new patron” packet of information with information on programs and services.
6. Join the Chamber of Commerce and participate in networking opportunities
7. Library staff will participate on inter-departmental Town committees.
Goal 3: Library users will obtain the information they need.
Objective 3.1: Staff will provide correct information on Library
policies, programs and services
Activities:
1. Fund and hold monthly staff meetings when the Library’s closed
2. Schedule appropriate staff to attend workshops and CLAMS committee meetings
3. Request regional training programs on Reference and Reader’s Advisory services be held at the Brooks Free Library so more staff members may attend
4.
Fund and hold department
head meetings with professional librarians twice a month.
5.
Fund and hold meetings
every two months for circulation staff
6.
Staff members will share
information from meetings and workshops with other staff members
7.
Develop training program
for new and substitute employees
Objective 3.2: Encourage patrons’ unmediated use of the online catalog, periodical databases, Virtual Catalog, and self-check out module
Activities:
1.
Recruit volunteers to
provide Computer Tutoring and How to Use CLAMS classes
2.
Offer small group
training sessions on the online databases three times
3.
Revise written
instructional materials to be attractive and appealing
4.
Maintain attractive,
appealing signs to aid in use of self-checkout
5.
Purchase second self
check license
6.
Set up workstation in
Children’s with OPAC and self-checkout station.
7. Add additional icons to Reference OPAC desktop so staff can demonstrate and assist users
8. Publicize these resources in weekly newspaper columns, appearances on Channel 18 programs, School Open Houses, and meetings of community groups and organizations.
Goal 4: The Library will provide staff skillful in assessing user's needs and in locating relevant information that satisfies those needs
Objective 4.1: In-service training will be provided to paraprofessional staff members who cover the Reference and Children's Desks when the Librarian is not present
Activities:
1. Para-professional staff members will attend
training as opportunities arise
2. A full-day
Staff Training Day will be held in September
3. Two monthly
staff meetings per year will be devoted to in-service topics
Objective 4.2
Improve resources available to staff
Activities:
1.
Upgrade staff computers and
peripherals such as receipt printers and barcode readers
2.
Standardize settings,
programs and peripherals available on staff computers
3.
Investigate purchase of
server for staff network for file storage and retrieval
Goal 5: The Library will improve technology access for the public.
Objective 5.1: Assess and improve the Library's technology
Activities:
1.
Purchase hotspot
controller with additional memory to improve functioning of wireless service
2.
Provide training and
opportunity for staff members to become familiar with wireless laptops
3.
Appropriate
staff will receive continuing education on technology issues such as computer
security, maintenance, management of public computers, networking, and wireless
access
4. Promote use of Boston Public Library’s downloadable audio-book service as alternative to defunct NetLibrary/Recorded Books which is no longer available to CLAMS member libraries
5. Replace aging computer for the VITAL instructional program, and keep existing VITAL computer to reduce competition for time slots for ZoomText and typing instruction.
6. Establish second self-check station in Children’s Department
7. Develop written procedures and establish instructional program for use of Braille embosser
8. Purchase flat screen monitors for public
computers to provide more workspace for users
Objective 5.2: Standardize operating systems and software versions
Activities:
1.
Install server on public
computer network
2.
Standardize settings and
programs installed on public computers
3. Upgrade remaining Windows 2000 computers to XP
4. Replace Windows 95 computer used to manage public network’s Comcast connection
5. Investigate use of Open Office as alternative to Microsoft Office
6. Upgrade to latest version of Microsoft Office and install on public and staff computers if Open Office will not meet needs
7. Upgrade to latest version of Public Web
Browser
8. Evaluate functioning of security software and
upgrade/modify as necessary
Commons Service Response:
Brooks Free Library will provide public space for formal meetings and informal gatherings that is recognized as inviting and welcoming by all individuals and groups in the community. The Library facility, programs and activities help foster a sense of community in the town. Goals and objectives in the following section relate to this service response:
Goal 6: The Library facility, programs and activities enrich the life of the Town's residents and help foster a sense of community.
Objective 6.1: Provide programs that give community members the opportunity to meet and interact with each other.
Activities:
1.
Support and publicize
on-going programs so they attract new members and remain active
2.
Recruit
volunteer coordinators for a new discussion group, craft or game program and
begin offering one new on-going program for adults
3.
Continue offering 2
weekly story-times and bi-weekly children’s creative movement program
4.
Schedule monthly special
children’s activities such as puppet and magic shows and storytellers
5.
Hold at least 1
children’s activity on Saturday each month to provide the opportunity for
families with working parents to attend together
6.
Make older children and
teens feel welcome and comfortable in the Library by establishing reasonable
rules that do not target them or unnecessarily restrict activity
7.
Schedule regular
activities for children and teens such as DDR, Wii Sports, and book groups
8.
Continue developing
collections that appeal to older children and teens
9.
Publicize
programs by press releases, messages on changeable signboard on Main St.,
distribution of flyers, appearances on local cable channel, and monthly
updating of website
Goal 7: Increase outreach activities to the homebound and others with disabilities
Objective 7.1: Continue
Books on Wheels homebound delivery program
Activities:
1. Publicize with article in
newspaper, Friends’ newsletter and
Council on Aging newsletter
2. Discuss Books on Wheels program on local cable channel 2 times
3. Send flyer
to recipients of Meals on Wheels in January
Objective 7.2: Expand and improve services to individuals with disabilities
Activities:
1.
Recruit and hire
permanent six-hour per week assistive technology coordinator
2.
Continue VITAL (Vision
Impaired Technology Assistance at the Library) instructional program to train
individuals with sight loss in the use of assistive computer technology
3.
Revise instructional
program as needed following updates to the software programs
4.
Recruit and train
volunteer instructors
5.
Train additional staff
following loss of Reference Librarian trained in JAWS and ZoomText
6.
Continue VITAL outreach
to make people in need aware of program and recruit volunteers
7. Make assistive technology programs available on more than 1 computer
8. Purchase and install appropriate audio assistance for people with hearing loss in meeting room
9. Investigate options and modify HVAC air exchange system to reduce noise level which interferes with hearing in meeting room, Circulation, Local History and Reference areas
10. Maintain deposit collection of Talking Books and players
11. Expand collection of audio-described videos by adding 10 additional titles
12. Coordinate use of COA van to bring seniors and others
with disabilities to Library regularly
13. Develop 1 program to provide people with disabilities
an opportunity to interact and socialize
14. Continue support of the COA Low Vision Reading Group
by providing a location for weekly meetings and supplying information of
interest to participants
15. Purchase wheelchair accessible tables and workstations
Lifelong
Learning Service Response -
The Brooks Free Library
will provide Lifelong Learning service to help address the desire for
self-directed personal growth and development opportunities. The following goals and objectives apply to
this service response:
Goal 8: The Library will provide lifelong learning opportunities for all segments of community
Objective 8.1:
Provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults:
Activities:
1.
Establish adult
programming committee consisting of, at minimum, the Public Services Librarian,
one member of the Friends, one Trustee and the Library Clerk
2.
Develop guidelines for
funding programs
3.
Arrange 12 lectures /
programs for adults from September through June
4.
Hold at least 4 Adult
programs on Saturdays between September and June to provide opportunity for
community members who are working during the week to attend
5.
Publicize
programs by press releases, messages on changeable signboard on Main St., distribution
of flyers, appearances on local cable channel, and monthly updating of website
Objective 8.2: Provide lifelong learning opportunities for children and young adults.
Activities:
1. Incorporate activities in story-times that promote the development of early literacy skills
2. Provide attractive displays of new picture books, books on selected themes, and parenting materials in high visibility locations
3. Provide a variety of special programs (for example: story-tellers, puppet shows, magicians, craft activities and musical programs)
4. Continue Homework Center for support of school assignments and recreational interests
5. Continue young adult book clubs to encourage a lifelong love of reading
6. Hold annual collection of new hardcover books for the Family Pantry holiday gift program
Objective 8.2: Collaborate with schools and support the local school curriculum.
Activities
1. Publicize the availability of “Teacher’s Section” materials, institutional cards for teachers, and library services and programs by attendance at school meetings and open houses
2. Provide copies of “Resources for Teachers” brochure to faculty
3. Meet with School Library Media Specialists and classroom teachers at the start of school year
4. Request inclusion in Chamber of Commerce’s tour of the town for new teachers
5. Host three library instruction/orientation field trips for Harwich classes
6. Promote use of Homework Center and after-school programs by discussion at Open Houses and inclusion of information in school newsletters quarterly
7. Children’s Librarian will participate in Schools of the 21st Century community committee
8. Continue conducting special monthly story-time for the Harwich School’s Make Way for Kids preschool at the Library or on-site if children are unable to come to the Library