Fitchburg Public Library Long Range Plan

Part 1: Introduction

Needs assessment activities during March and April 2004 involved approximately 600 people, and were comprised of focus groups, written surveys, a web-based survey, and Planning Board meetings. In addition, the 2003 study published by Professor Alan L. Bernstein of Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg City View Project: Resident Quality of Life Perceptions and Recommendation, provided data for this document.

Other sources provided guidelines and ideas. The processes for constructing the Mission, Goals, and Objectives statements were derived from The New Planning For Results: A Streamlined Approach by Sandra Nelson for the Public Library Association.

From Outreach to Equity: Innovative Models of Library Policy and Practice edited by Robin Osborne for the Office for Literacy and Outreach Services and Future-Driven Library Marketing by Darlene E. Weingand provided ideas about library service delivery systems and marketing.

Part 2: Library Needs Assessment

The needs assessment activities revealed needs for library services by the following groups of people within the community:

• Needs of the general public
• Needs of elementary and secondary students and parents
• Needs of special populations

Part 3: Service Responses

The New Planning for Results manual defines thirteen library service responses. Service responses are the ways in which libraries serve the public in an effort to meet the needs of the community.

Based on the needs assessment data we collected, and having identified the three groups above, four service responses from The New Planning for Results that could reasonably be addressed by the Library, rose to the top. In addition, the Library added another service area: Marketing. The five service responses are:

1. Marketing: A library that provides Marketing addresses the need to develop an equitable service delivery strategy that identifies, attracts, and meets the needs customers.
   
2. Basic Literacy Support Services: A library that offers Basic Literacy service addresses the need to read and to perform other essential daily tasks.
   
3. Current Topics Support Services: A library that provides Current Topics & Titles helps to fulfill community residentsπ appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences.
   
4. General Information Support Services: A library that offers General Information helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school, and personal life.
   
5. Commons: A library that provides a Commons environment participates in community building and helps address the need of people to meet and interact with others in their community and to participate in public discourse about community issues.

It is evident from the data and from the nature of a main central library serving a large and diverse populous, that the Fitchburg Public Library does not and can not only offer these four service responses. Fitchburg Public Library does provide the following services in addition to the five high priority responses:

• Business and Career Information: A library that offers Business & Career Information service addresses a need for information related to business, careers, work, entrepreneurship, personal finances, and obtaining employment.
  
• Community Referral: A library that provides Community Referral addresses the need for information related to services provided by community agencies and organizations.
  
• Consumer Information: A library that provides Consumer Information service helps to satisfy the need for information that impacts the ability of community residents to make informed consumer decisions and to help them become more self-sufficient.
  
• Cultural Awareness: A library that offers Cultural Awareness service helps satisfy the desire of community residents to gain an understanding of their own cultural heritage and the cultural heritage of others.
  
• Formal Learning Support: A library that offers Formal Learning Support helps students who are enrolled in a formal program of education or who are pursuing their education through a program of home-schooling to attain their educational goals.
  
• Government Information: The library that offers Government Information service helps satisfy the need for information about elected officials and governmental agencies that enable people to participate in the democratic process.
  
• Local History and Genealogy: A library that offers Local History and Genealogy service addresses the desire of community residents to know and better understand personal or community heritage.
  
• Information Literacy: A library that provides Information Literacy service helps address the need for skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively.
  
• Lifelong Learning: A library that provides Lifelong Learning service helps address the desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities.

Part 4: Library Mission

People young and old can build a brighter future, enrich their lives, and realize their dreams and ambitions through the exceptional services provided by the Fitchburg Public Library. As a lifetime center for literacy, learning, culture, and information, our resources are accessible to all: we connect people to materials in languages and formats they can use; we enable fast and convenient access through virtual and physical delivery points; and we evolve to meet the changing needs of our community.

Part 5: Goals FY 2005-07

Goal 1: Marketing: Everyone residing and working in Fitchburg will look to the Library first for enrichment, information, self-directed learning, and its ≥commons≤ environment.

Goal 2: Basic Literacy: Library customers of all ages will find the assistance, referrals, or resources they need to pursue their personal literacy goals.

Goal 3: Current Topics and Titles: People of all ages will have opportunities and resources in a languages and formats that will enhance their leisure time experience.

Goal 4: General Information: People of all ages will have access to high quality, timely informational resources and services to support them in their work, school, and personal life.

Goal 5: Commons: All residents and visitors to Fitchburg will have a welcoming and inviting civic destination that enlightens, democratizes and provides spaces and opportunities for positive social interaction, cooperation, and understanding.

Part 6: Action Plan

Goal 1: Marketing: Everyone residing and working in Fitchburg will look to the Library first for enrichment, information, self-directed learning, and its commons environment.