LONG-RANGE PLAN 2011-2014

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

MISSION STATEMENT
An informed citizenry and free access to information are fundamental to our democratic society. The Fauquier County Public Library, a basic government service, provides resources and programs that seek to inform, educate, enrich, and entertain every member of our community.

Adopted by the Fauquier County Public Library Board of Trustees: December 2006.

VISION STATEMENT
The Fauquier County Public Library will provide excellent library service with resources and programs that meet the needs of our changing community.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

VALUES
THE LIBRARY SUPPORTS INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM The Fauquier County Public Library supports freedom of speech and the right of residents to select the information appropriate for their needs. Access to information from all library resources will be free, convenient, and confidential. The Library is a forum for information and ideas in the community. THE LIBRARY STRIVES TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Residents of Fauquier County should receive the best library service possible. All patrons will receive friendly, courteous service. The library makes available information, materials, and convenient and responsive programs. Library facilities are inviting, comfortable, and safe. THE LIBRARY VALUES A LITERATE COMMUNITY Literacy is important to the successful functioning of a democratic society. The Fauquier County Public Library promotes literacy through materials collections, programs, services, and cooperative ventures with other community agencies. THE LIBRARY PROVIDES A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE-LONG LEARNING The Fauquier County Public Library is an essential source of knowledge for the community, providing educational resources for all ages and pursuits. It serves the community as a center for reliable information. Reading is vitally important and can open doors as well as expand horizons throughout our lives. The Library supports early reading readiness and lifelong learning. THE LIBRARY FOSTERS A CLIMATE OF RESPECT AND TRUST Patrons and staff are valued, supported, and respected. Mutual respect and trust are honored both internally and externally. THE FAUQUIER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY IS ACCOUNTABLE The Fauquier County Public Library is accountable to the community and its elected officials for the services provided. THE LIBRARY FORMS STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Fauquier County Public Library Long-Range Plan 2011-2014 adopted 2008, updated 2011

The Fauquier County Public Librarys resources, involvement, and leadership in the community are extended through partnerships with members of the community, other County departments, businesses, institutions, and organizations.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

INTRODUCTION
The Fauquier County Public Library serves a population of approximately 65,000 people at three branches. The Warrenton (16,000 sq. ft.), the Bealeton (10,000 sq. ft.) and the John Marshall libraries (3,200 sq. ft.) receive approximately 270,000 visitors a year and circulate roughly 458,000 items each year. More than half of county residents have library cards. Fauquier County is a growing and dynamic community, located 40 miles southwest of Washington D.C. and influenced by the Capital-centered megalopolis. The steady growth of the Fauquier community approximately 18 percent greater since the 2000 census has increased demands for library service. The goals and strategies of the 2011-2012 plan are meant to focus the efforts of the Library Board and staff as they continue to develop services and resources that inform, educate, enrich, and entertain every member of the Fauquier community. Action plans for each goal include measurable benchmarks to determine if expected outcomes have been achieved.

GOALS
That residents of Fauquier County be aware that the library is a source of
current and diverse resources and programs that seek to inform, educate, enrich, and entertain.

That residents of Fauquier County have convenient access to safe and wellmaintained facilities.

That residents of Fauquier County have access to relevant resources and

innovative programs.

That residents of Fauquier County be assisted by a dedicated and well-trained

staff.

That residents of Fauquier County consider that the library is an efficient and
well-run organization.
Fauquier County Public Library Long-Range Plan 2011-2014 adopted 2008, updated 2011

That residents of Fauquier County consider that the library is responsive to

community needs and will collaborate with it to fulfill the librarys mission.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

GOALS, STRATEGIES, OUTCOMES

GOAL #1
That residents of Fauquier County be aware that the library is a source of current and diverse resources and programs that seek to inform, educate, enrich, and entertain.
Strategies 1. Increase community awareness of the library. 2. Increase advocacy for the library among key stakeholders (partners, funders, elected officials, schools, business community, etc.). 3. Increase opportunities for staff to be involved in marketing and public relations. 3. Staff promotes the library throughout the community. 2. Key stakeholders become library advocates. Expected Outcomes 1. Increased use of all services.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

GOAL #2
That residents of Fauquier County have convenient access to safe and wellmaintained libraries in suitable locations.
Strategies 1. Restore hours of operation to meet the needs of the individual communities served. 2. Provide well-maintained, easily accessible, and safe library facilities. 3. Ensure that current facilities are used efficiently and effectively. 4. Ensure multi-purpose spaces available for community use. 6. Continue to promote construction of the New Baltimore community library. 7. Review the future of the central library. 6. New Baltimore community library remains in the Capital Improvement Plan. 7. Plan completed for the central library. 3. There is optimal use of space, systems, furnishings, and equipment at all facilities. 4. Library is a community meeting place. 2. Facilities are clean, safe, well-lit and easy to use. Expected Outcomes 1. Hours of operation are restored to 2009 level.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

8. Develop a mission statement and program of services for the proposed historic resources library. E 9. Evaluate the need to expand the John Marshall branch library.

8. Mission statement and program of services is completed for an historic resources library.

9. Study of the John Marshall branch library completed.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

GOAL #3
That residents of Fauquier County have access to relevant resources and innovative programs.
Strategies 1. Survey patrons about collections and services. 2. Monitor new formats for books and other materials. 3. Expand patrons knowledge of and access to library collections. 4. Provide patrons with access to online resources in an easy-tonavigate virtual library. 5. Provide programs that are in keeping with the library's mission, collections, and services. 5. Programs offered inform, educate, enrich, and entertain. Expected Outcomes 1. Collections and services reflect the needs of the community. 2. Emerging trends inform library decision-making. 3. Patrons' reading interests and information needs are satisfied. 4. Patrons find what they are looking for on the library's web site.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

GOAL #4
That residents of Fauquier County be assisted by a dedicated and welltrained staff.
Strategies 1. Continue the development of a well-trained staff. Expected Outcomes 1. Patrons receive friendly, courteous, knowledgeable service.

2. Restore staffing levels to meet patron needs as county resources allow. 3. Foster an atmosphere that encourages staff ingenuity and creativity.

2. Staff is sufficient to meet patron needs. 3. Staff input is valued and respected.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

GOAL #5
That residents of Fauquier County consider that the library is an efficient and effective organization.
Strategies 1. Develop annual operating and capital improvement plans. Expected Outcomes 1. Funding is available for library priorities.

2. Seek alternate sources of funding to enhance library goals. 3. Develop benchmarks of key performance measures. 4. Continue to review technology to enhance service and improve library operations. 5. Improve internal communication.

2. Funding for some special projects comes from alternate sources of funding. 3. Key performance measures are used to evaluate and plan library services. 4. Current technology is used effectively. 5. Staff is well-informed on library activities.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

GOAL #6
That residents of Fauquier County consider that the library is responsive to community needs and will collaborate with it to fulfill the librarys mission.
Strategies 1. Within and outside the County, pursue educational and cultural partnerships to take advantage of program resources. 2. Expand collaboration with business community to support economic growth within the context of historic and traditional concerns about the quality of life. 3. Support the Friends of the Fauquier Library. 3. Friends of the Fauquier Library is an active, collaborative organization. 2. Business community views library services and resources as essential. Expected Outcomes 1. Community partners support the library.

4. Seek to attract additional volunteers with a variety of skills to support library programs.

4. The number of volunteers will grow.

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011

Fauquier County Public Library

Long-Range Plan 2011-2014

adopted 2008, updated 2011