New York State Library

Division of Library Development


Division of Library Development

2003-2004 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 Initiative Training Program Grant and Staying Connected 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.
  • Library and system staff trained to use NOVEL resources.
  • Public school libraries meet the NOVEL/Electronic Doorway 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 2004 Performance Targets for Goal 1

  • 4,600 libraries are using NOVEL databases
  • 2,500 public school libraries meet EDL criteria.
  • 400 libraries receive annual E-rate discounts
  • 25% increase in public libraries offering technology training to public
  • Use of NOVEL databases increases 25%
  • 500 public libraries and 1,500 library staff participate in Gates training.

GOAL 2: All New Yorkers will have access to library services and resources 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 and Great New York ReadAloud.
  2. Help systems and libraries secure more funding for basic English literacy and information literacy resources and services:
  3. Encourage full participation of libraries and systems in the Alliance for Family Literacy campaign and training programs.
  4. 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.
  5. Strengthen partnerships with systems 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 adults and young people with learning disabilities and language barriers.
  6. 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 and Great New York ReadAloud.
  • 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.

    Key 2004 Performance Targets for Goal 2

  • One million participants in Statewide Summer Reading Program.
  • 10% increase in Great New York ReadAloud participants.
  • 3% increase in number of school libraries with certified staff.
  • NOVEL incorporated into EMSC Virtual Learning Space (VLS) Portal

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, the New York State Association of Library Boards (NYSALB) and other organizations to help libraries and communities create and strengthen Public Library Districts.
  2. 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.
  3. Partner with library systems and others to develop and fully implement the New York's Excellent Library Service Program (NY EXCELS) and to 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.
  4. 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.
  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.
  • Average statewide per capita of local income for public libraries.
  • New library buildings and major renovations.
  • Libraries and systems benefiting from NY EXCELS program.
  • State Library, library system and library staff trained in service improvement and evaluation methods; management and leadership.
  • Library and library system staff and trustees receive expert advisory services provided by the State Library.

    Key 2004 Performance Targets for Goal 3

  • 250,000 formerly unserved New Yorkers now with a public library.
  • 100 State Library and system staff will complete training in service improvement and evaluation methods.
  • 74 systems benefiting from NY EXCELS.
  • Average statewide per capita local income increases 5%.

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 advocate for the New Century Libraries Act, a Regents priority budget and legislative initiative.
  2. Lead effort to implement the July 2000 Regents Commission on Library Services recommendations.
  3. Develop a statewide advocacy plan in partnership with representatives from the library community, and communicate this plan to the library community and other stakeholders.
  4. Develop advocacy tools with the help of the library community that will explain the need for all types of library services.
  5. Form partnerships with policymakers, stakeholders, and the business community that strengthen public awareness and library advocacy efforts throughout the State.
  6. Assist in creating advocacy task forces within various library and education groups to further statewide library initiatives.
  7. Improve mechanisms to share information concerning the impact of State and LSTA federal funds with the library community, policymakers and the general public.
  8. 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.
  • Advocacy tools developed to help libraries at local level.
  • Organizations requesting advocacy materials.
  • Web site hits for advocacy and LSTA information.
  • Endorsements and supportive partners for New Century Libraries Act.

    Key 2004 Performance Targets for Goal 4

  • 25% increase in advocacy tools for libraries at local level.
  • 25% increase in requests for advocacy tools
  • 10% increase in web site hits for advocacy and LSTA information
  • Statewide Advocacy Plan developed.
  • 20% increase in endorsements and partners for New Century Libraries.

GOAL 5: Library Development will have a supportive work environment which 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. Develop a comprehensive communications, staffing, staff development and funding plan for Library Development.
  3. Provide frequent opportunities for regular strategic and operating team updates with staff and customers.
  4. Improve the range and depth of expert advisory services available to libraries and systems by providing onsite technical assistance visits.
  5. Encourage LD staff to exceed minimal competence levels with office technology and software.
  6. Provide thorough new staff orientations including training in teamwork, customer relations and telephone courtesy.
  7. Encourage all Supervisors to exceed minimal required SED supervision courses.
  8. Develop new performance plans based on this new strategic plan and adjusted operations plan.
  9. 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 competitive grants.

    Key 2004 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.
  • 100% of systems and libraries with LSTA grant projects will receive a visit.


*Go to Strategic Plan Page


Last modified on April 7, 2004 -- asm
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URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/stp122402.htm