New York State Library

Division of Library Development

Division of Library Development

2006-2007 Strategic Plan

Improving Library Services for All in the New Century

GOAL 1: All New Yorkers will have reliable and equitable statewide electronic access to information resources through the creation of the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL) and through enhancement and expansion of libraries' technology capabilities to meet users' informational needs.

Key Strategies

  1. Lead effort to carry out the August 2001 NOVEL implementation plan through the work of the NOVEL Steering Committee and partner organizations.
  2. Develop a communications plan that will provide broad and deep awareness of the NOVEL program among New Yorkers.
  3. Partner with systems to increase statewide access to full-text electronic databases and other electronic resources for libraries of all types through NOVEL.
  4. Help systems and libraries secure more funding for technology, including:
  5. Partner with systems in implementing the Gates Library Foundation Grants to strengthen the ability of New York's libraries to help library users acquire basic computer literacy skills.
  6. Improve the range and depth of expert advisory services available to libraries and library systems to help them respond to changing technologies by providing training and development for State Library and library system staff on major technological issues facing libraries.

    Key Performance Measures for Goal 1

  • Action items in NOVEL Implementation Plan carried out.
  • Libraries and library systems registering for and using NOVEL databases.
  • Number of NOVEL database searches.
  • Library and system staff trained to use NOVEL resources.
  • Public school libraries meet the NOVEL-Ready Library criteria.
  • New funds available for technology.
  • Libraries and systems receive annual E-rate discounts.
  • Public libraries offer technology training to the public.
  • Library and system staff trained to offer technology training to the public.
  • Professional development opportunities attended by LD staff.

    Key 2006 Performance Targets for Goal 1

  • 5,270 libraries are using NOVEL databases
  • 32 million NOVEL database searches
  • 2,700 public school libraries meet EDL criteria.
  • 350 libraries receive annual E-rate discounts
  • 10% increase in public libraries offering technology training to public
  • Use of NOVEL databases increases 20%
  • 550 public libraries and 3,000 library staff participate in Gates training.

GOAL 2: All New Yorkers will have access to library resources and services that advance and enhance their lives as workers, students, family members and lifelong learners.

Key Strategies

  1. Increase the visibility of and participation in New York's Statewide Summer Reading Program.
  2. Help systems and libraries secure more funding for basic English literacy and information literacy resources and services:
  3. Lead efforts to implement a statewide recruitment and retention program that will result in a highly skilled library workforce to serve all New Yorkers.
  4. Encourage full participation of libraries and systems in the Libraries for the Future EqualAccess program.
  5. Strengthen the State Library's partnership with the State Education Department's Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education (EMSC), school library systems and others to improve and enhance New York's school library media programs with a focus on high needs school districts.
  6. Strengthen partnerships with library systems, literacy providers, public broadcasting stations and others to improve the capacity of New York's libraries and library systems to meet special client needs, including expansion of access to library services for very young children and their parents, as well as adults and young people with learning disabilities and language barriers.
  7. Strengthen partnerships with EMSC, the Department of Labor and others to increase the visibility of library programs and services that contribute to workforce development and economic revitalization.

Key Performance Measures for Goal 2

  • People and libraries participate in the State Library's Statewide Summer Reading Program.
  • Libraries and library systems are partners in literacy, K-12 education, workforce and economic development initiatives.
  • School library media centers with certified School Library staff.
  • New funds available for literacy services
  • Systems offering services benefiting persons with learning disabilities and language barriers.

    Key 2006 Performance Targets for Goal 2

  • 1.5 million participants in Statewide Summer Reading Program by 2010.
  • 40 students complete their MLS.
  • 3% increase in number of school libraries with certified staff.
  • NOVEL incorporated into EMSC Virtual Learning Space (VLS) Portal.
  • 30 libraries complete EqualAccess training.

GOAL 3: Libraries, library systems, and the New York State Library will deliver programs that meet and anticipate constantly changing needs for library services.

Key Strategies

  1. Partner with library systems and other organizations to help libraries and communities create and strengthen Public Library Districts.
  2. Partner with library systems and others to develop and fully introduce service improvement and evaluation processes to all types of libraries and systems to help them use performance and results in measuring progress towards excellence and in meeting high performance standards.
  3. Strengthen State Library partnerships with academic, research, and special libraries and reference and research library resources systems, the State Education Department's Office of Higher Education, and others to improve and enhance New York's academic, research and special libraries.
  4. Improve library system programs and services by aligning system plans of service to other key activities such as annual reports, grant applications and program evaluations.
  5. Partner with public library systems and others to periodically assess public library needs for building construction, expansion and renovation and actively use data to propose solutions to policymakers.
  6. Improve the range and depth of expert advisory services available to libraries and library systems by providing State Library and system staff with training opportunities to improve skills in the areas of leadership, facilitation, communication, project management, conflict negotiation and others.

Key Performance Measures for Goal 3

  • Formerly unserved New Yorkers now with a public library.
  • Number of public library districts established.
  • Average statewide per capita of local income for public libraries.
  • New library buildings and major renovations.
  • State Library, library system and library staff and library trustees will complete training in service improvement and evaluation methods.
  • Library and library system staff and trustees receive expert advisory services provided by the State Library.

    Key 2006 Performance Targets for Goal 3

  • 300,000 formerly unserved New Yorkers now with a public library.
  • 30 public library districts established since 1999.
  • 150 State Library and system and library staff and trustees will complete training in service improvement and evaluation methods.
  • 50 system and library staff and trustees will receive public library district training and/or consultations.

GOAL 4: New York State libraries, library systems, library organizations and the New York State Library will strengthen public policy support for upgrading library services for every New Yorker through statewide communication and advocacy efforts.

Key Strategies

  1. Lead effort to develop and promote the New Century Libraries Act, a Regents priority budget and legislative initiative and implement the July 2000 Regents Commission on Library Services recommendations.
  2. Develop a statewide communications plan in partnership with representatives from the library community and other stakeholders.
  3. Develop education and information tools with the help of the library community that will explain the need for all types of library services.
  4. Form partnerships with policymakers, stakeholders, and the business community that strengthen public awareness of the importance of libraries throughout the State.
  5. Improve mechanisms to share information concerning the impact of State and LSTA federal funds with the library community, policymakers and the general public.
  6. Enhance and expand State Library web site products and services.

Key Performance Measures for Goal 4

  • New Century Libraries Act legislation is passed by Legislature and signed by Governor.
  • Commission on Library Services recommendations implemented.
  • Education and information tools developed to help libraries at local level.
  • Organizations requesting education and information materials.
  • Web site hits for Library Development products and services.
  • Endorsements and supportive partners for New Century Libraries Act.

    Key 2006 Performance Targets for Goal 4

  • 25% increase in education and information tools for libraries at local level.
  • 25% increase in requests for education and information tools.
  • 3 million web site hits for LD-sponsored web sites by 2010.
  • 20% increase in endorsements and partners for New Century Libraries.

GOAL 5: Library Development will have a supportive work environment that enables all staff to provide high-quality, cost-effective services to customers in a timely manner.

Key Strategies

  1. Continue to improve the physical work environment of Library Development staff.
  2. Provide frequent opportunities for regular strategic and operating team updates with staff and customers.
  3. Improve the range and depth of expert advisory services available to libraries and systems through onsite technical assistance visits.
  4. Encourage LD staff to exceed minimal competence levels with office technology and software.
  5. Provide thorough new staff orientations including training in teamwork, customer relations and telephone courtesy.
  6. Encourage all Supervisors to exceed minimal required SED supervision courses.
  7. Develop new performance plans based on this new strategic plan and adjusted operations plan.
  8. Encourage each LD team member to adhere to OCE Core Work Values.

Key Performance Measures for Goal 5

  • Staff satisfied with physical work environment.
  • Customers and staff are knowledgeable about progress on strategic and operating plans.
  • Customers are satisfied with Library Development's products and services.
  • Library Development is adequately staffed and has sufficient funding to carry out strategic and operating plans.
  • Staff improving their office technology and software skills.
  • Staff improving supervision and coaching for performance competencies.
  • Staff with current performance plans and annual performance evaluations.
  • Number of visits to library systems and other sites receiving State and Federal grants.

    Key 2006 Performance Targets for Goal 5

  • 80% of LD staff satisfied with physical work environment.
  • 80% of LD customers satisfied with products and services
  • 80% of LD staff indicate they have improved office technology and supervision skills.
  • 100% of LD staff have current performance plans and evaluation.
  • 25% of systems and libraries receiving State and Federal funds will receive an annual visit.

Previous Strategic Plans: 2003-2004 Strategic Plan | 2001-2002 Strategic Plan | 1999-2000 Strategic Plan

Last modified on December 28, 2005 -- asm
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URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/strgplan.htm