Mission Statement Purpose – the work you do Vision Statement Future – the change you wish to create Value Statement Tools – the core beliefs and guiding principles you use to share your mission “Which road do I take?" (Alice) "Where do you want to go?“ (the cat) "I don't know," Alice answered. "Then,” said the cat, “it doesn't matter.”

Goals and Objectives in Strategic Planning Michael Roche Library Development Consultant July 2014

Staff needed Collections needed Facilities needed Technology needed Library Service Responses Goals Objectives Activities Community Needs The Planning Process

Chosen Service Responses From your chosen service responses, write a new planning document, that includes Mission statement Goals Objectives

Library Goal All goals contain these 3 elements: Each goal flows from a service response Each goal names the target audience being served Each goal describes the benefit the audience receives Write a goal based on this service response: “Stimulate Imagination…Reading, Viewing, Listening for Pleasure”

Goal: Residents of all ages will see the library as a premier source for downloading audio books Using the sample goal write 1-3 objectives for your library

Writing Library Objectives Objectives define “the way the library will measure its progress toward reaching a goal” Every objective contains these 3 elements: A target audience A measure A date or timeframe

Sample Service Response: “Stimulate Imagination – Reading, Viewing, Listening for Pleasure” Goal: Residents of all ages will see the library as a premier source for downloading audio books Objective 1: During Teen Tech Week, library staff will sponsor 2 demonstrations for teens in using Listen UP! Vermont (downloadable audio books) Objective 2: During National Library Week, library staff will sponsor 3 demonstrations for adults in using Listen Up! Vermont Objective 3: By July 2012, the number of audio books downloaded through Listen Up! Vermont will increase _______% over previous year

Service Response: Life-long Learning Stowe Free Library Goal 1. Library users will have an array of program offerings that nurture and encourage lifelong reading and learning. Objectives: Annual program attendance will increase by 25% each year. Activities: Add story hours for parents and children only (no school groups). Investigate offering enrichment “courses” for adults. Experiment with different types of book discussions: one- shot, parent/child, young adult, elderly, town-wide read, etc.

Your Library’s Mission

Library Response Mission Statement Possible Mission Statement: The Vermont Public Library is a comfortable and welcoming place where people of all ages learn to be informed citizens, enjoy recreational interests, and pursue a lifelong love of reading and learning What service response do you see in this mission statement?

Measuring Your Success Can be difficult Number of people attending Can be total # of people and/or unique people How well was the program or service received? Audience reaction / satisfaction Total number programs presented Use as a benchmark from past years Outcomes What difference or impact did this program for those who attended?

Michael Roche Vermont Department of Libraries Northeast Region PO Box 574 St. Johnsbury, VT Cell:

This publication is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, through the Library Services and Technology Act.