Library Plan 2010-2014 - Goldfields Library Corporation€¦ · Victorian public libraries are...

NORTH CENTRAL GOLDFIELDS REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION

Trading as GOLDFIELDS LIBRARY CORPORATION

LIBRARY PLAN 2010-2014

1 Introduction | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Library Plan

2010-2014

Goldfields Libraries - Enriching our Community





Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3

The Big Picture .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Community and Service Profile ..................................................................................................................... 7

Our Vision ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

Our Mission ................................................................................................................................................... 8

Our Values ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

Our Commitment .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Goldfields Library Corporation - Strategies for Excellence ........................................................................... 9

Goldfields Library Corporation - Strategies for Excellence ......................................................................... 10

Meeting Community Needs .................................................................................................................... 10

Buildings and Creative Spaces................................................................................................................. 11

Collections and Resources ...................................................................................................................... 12

Programs ................................................................................................................................................. 13

Partnerships and Stakeholders ............................................................................................................... 14

Working Smarter ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Spreading the Word ................................................................................................................................ 18

The Future ............................................................................................................................................... 19

Key Strategic Performance Indicators for 2009-2010 ................................................................................. 20

Key Performance Indicators ........................................................................................................................ 24

Strategic Resource Plan 2010 -2014 ........................................................................................................... 26





Introduction

The North Central Goldfields Regional Library Corporation (trading as Goldfields Library Corporation), was established in January 1996 to provide library and information services to the City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Council. Roughly based along the Calder Highway and extending outwards, the service covers an area of 12,979

square kilometres, one of the largest library regions in the State of Victoria. With a staff of approximately

43.5 EFT, the service reaches a population of almost 171,000; has a collection of over 280,000 items; lends

over 1.5 million items and has almost 950,000 visitors per year.

The Goldfields Library Corporation (GLC) comprises ten libraries - Bendigo, Castlemaine, Eaglehawk,

Gisborne, Heathcote, Kangaroo Flat, Kyneton, Pyramid Hill, Romsey and Woodend. The Corporation also

provides a Mobile Library service to outer Bendigo and Loddon regions as well as some areas of Buloke

Shire and Central Goldfields Shire. The Mobile Library services 17 stops throughout these regions. A Home

Delivery service also operates to major special accommodation centres and housebound patrons

predominantly in the City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire Councils.

Responsibility for the provision and management of the Library Service rests with the Board of the

Corporation, comprising two representatives from each of the four member Councils who meet bi-

monthly. The Chief Executive Officer appointed by the Library Board manages the Corporation.

The 2010-2014 Library Plan outlines the directions that the Goldfields Library Corporation will be taking

in the next four years. The plan is a requirement under section 125 of the Local Government Act, 1989 and is

produced in consultation with member Councils, The Goldfields Library Corporation Board, staff and the

community.

The purpose of this Library Plan is to establish clear objectives and strategies that will see the Corporation

confidently face the challenges of providing library services and building communities within a sustainable

budget.

The Library Plan clearly identifies the future priorities of the Corporation and establishes the basis on which

performance can be measured. Ideally all goals will be met in the time frame stated but this is dependent, in

many cases, on resource requirements.





Source: Department of Planning and Community Development, Directory of Public Library Services in Victoria, 2010

Romsey




5 The Big Picture | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

The Big Picture

Victorian public libraries are multidimensional, safe public placesi that have a proud tradition of providing free and impartial services to all members of the community.ii Public Libraries are community hubs and focal points within their rural, regional and metropolitan communities. They play a central and valued role in building and strengthening communities by linking people from all backgrounds. They play a crucial role in ensuring that people from disadvantaged groups, in particular, those people from geographic areas already suffering social and economic disadvantage, are able to access information and technology, and have the skills to use them.iii Public libraries are generators of social capital and cohesion that operate in a dynamic technological, economic and social environment, playing a key role in community development. Public libraries have been recognized by Local Government as key enablers for community cohesion,iv and are a conduit to Council and government information. As public libraries continually take on new activities and responsibilities and foster partnerships with community groups, government and business, improvements to facilities and technologies is imminent.v A number of library programs and partnerships have been developed between Victorian public library services, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the State Library of Victoria and the State Government of Victoria. Many of these developments have been influenced by the role libraries play for lifelong learning and places to access and create content. Capitalizing on opportunities to develop cohesive and inclusive communities will be dependent on developing facilities, strategies and partnerships to maximize community benefit.

The steady increase in funding over recent years from Member Councils to the Goldfields Library Corporation has resulted in significantly improved collections, resources and services and a notable increase in loans and visits, while still enabling the Corporation to put money aside for the development of future projects. The Goldfields Library Corporation is now in a position to make significant improvements in the delivery of state of the art resources, programs and services and ensure the Corporation remains relevant to its communities.

The Board of the Goldfields Library Corporation held a planning day in December 2009 and discussed the future of the Corporation.

The Board saw a global perspective of what is regarded as the world‟s best practice libraries – a presentation of a study tour undertaken by a number of Victorian Public Librarians, who saw firsthand some of the world‟s most innovative and exciting public libraries.vi




6 | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

As a result of the discussions held in December 2009, the Board identified a number of priorities which formed the basis for developing a new Library Plan for the Goldfields Library Corporation.

The GLC Library Plan has now been prepared and identifies a number of actions under eight key strategies. These strategies will significantly improve existing resources, programs and services, strategically manage demand and develop new arrangements and partnerships with council and community services.





Community and Service Profile

In June 2007 the Goldfields Library Corporation (GLC), commissioned a community profile of the regions serviced by the Goldfields Library Corporation. The objective of the profile was to provide the Corporation with a clearer understanding of the communities served across the four member Councils, enabling more effective planning and service delivery. The community profile enabled the Goldfields Library Corporation to more effectively predict demand-side planning as opposed to supply side, which was typical of the traditional approach found with the public library sector. Users of the GLC libraries were surveyed and among the highest responses were that the libraries are highly regarded and significantly contribute to the community. vii The profile also identified a number of issues. A key issue from the report was the notable increase in the number of people who are older and/or disabled in the Goldfields Library Corporation region.

The report identified that ageing population is at least 10% higher than the State average, with the population growth heavily skewed towards late career, pre retirement and retirement life stages, accounting for approximately 85% of the total population growth.

The report also noted that “careful consideration should be given to the impact of an ageing population on library services during the strategic planning process”.viii

The State Government has estimated that the regional projected growth will be 17.8% by 2016.ix

“This will be associated by increased visitation and demand for library services; hence the need to ensure that adequate provision is made in the key areas of library collections, staffing levels and infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand.”x

Also identified was that almost one person in twenty as having a core need for assistance and this will only increase in the future. Hence, the need for a new Library Plan for the Corporation that addresses these needs has now been developed.




8 Our Vision | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Our Vision

Goldfields Libraries – Enriching our Community

Our Mission

Our libraries provide accessible information, resources and stimulation for the recreational,

cultural, educational and social development of our community.

Our Values

being accessible

providing quality services

being approachable

valuing staff

encouraging creativity

developing innovation

courting partnerships

Our Commitment

Goldfields Library Corporation will set quality standards for all services. The Goldfields Library

Corporation will be:

Responsive - All services provided by the Goldfields Library Corporation will be responsive

to the needs of the community

Accessible - Services provided by the Goldfields Library Corporation will be

accessible to all members of the community

Seeking Continuous Improvement - The Goldfields Library Corporation will continuously

seek improvement in service provision

Consultative - The Goldfields Library Corporation will develop a program of regular

consultation with the community in relation to service provision.




9 Goldfields Library Corporation - Strategies for Excellence | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Goldfields Library Corporation - Strategies for Excellence

1. Meeting Community Needs

We will continue to develop services that maximize opportunities for all members of our

communities to access library programs and services. We will engage with our communities.

2. Buildings and Creative Spaces

We will work with our member local governments to provide our services and programs in safe,

welcoming, enjoyable, purposeful virtual and physical environments.

3. Collections and Resources

We will continue to develop and maintain a diverse and extensive print and digital collection that is

responsive to users „reading and resource needs.

4. Programs

We will deliver library programs, activities and events that are responsive to community needs at

the local level.

5. Partnerships and Stakeholders

We will continue to develop and nurture partnerships with our communities, governments and

business organizations to deliver mutual benefits

6. Working Smarter

We will use appropriate technology effectively to enhance service delivery and improve operational

efficiency. We will equip staff with the skills and knowledge to provide quality customer service

while enjoying a fulfilling career.

7. Spreading the Word

We will promote all our services, facilities and events to encourage everyone to use their local

library through targeted marketing and promotion.

8. The Future

We will be responsive to change and will work to ensure long term financial sustainability,

appropriate service levels and good governance.






Meeting Community Needs

We will continue to develop services that maximize opportunities for all members of our communities to

access library programs and services. We will engage with our communities.

Actions -2010 -2011

1. Conduct a customer satisfaction survey that identifies and reviews current service delivery issues

and develop strategies that address identified issues including library operating hours to determine

community needs.

2. In consultation with member councils identify changing community demographics (aging

population, new arrivals, young families etc.) and develop strategies to address their library needs.

Actions -Years 2-4

Implement actions to address priorities identified in the operating hours review, customer

satisfaction surveys and changing demographics.

Actions – Ongoing

Conduct and evaluate annual user satisfaction surveys to assist in measuring performance and in

forward planning.

Continue to focus on the services and programs that are currently meeting community needs.

Performance Measures

Improved overall satisfaction rating in user surveys.

Adoption of policies by Board.

Completion of reviews.

Members as a % of population to meet the state average.

Increased visits per capita






Buildings and Creative Spaces

We will work with our member local governments to provide our services and programs in safe,

welcoming, enjoyable, purposeful virtual and physical environments.

Actions -2010-2011.

1. Continue to work with, and commit to Greater Bendigo City Council in developing the Bendigo

Library building Master Plan.

2. In consultation with member councils review the sustainability of existing buildings, including

creative and open spaces, and develop strategies to address operational efficiencies, access, security,

OH&S, environmental sustainability and service delivery.

Actions -Years 2-4

Implementation of adopted strategies

Develop a Disability Action Plan for all GLC libraries in consultation with member councils.

Actions – Ongoing

Continuous improvement in environmental sustainability.



Bendigo Library Master Plan completed.

Building and library community spaces improvement strategies developed and adopted in

conjunction with member councils






Collections and Resources

We will continue to develop and maintain a diverse and extensive print and digital collection that is

responsive to users‟ reading and resource needs.

Actions 2010 – 2011

1. Develop a new policy to respond to the increasing demands placed on GLC resources, in particular

loans, reservations etc.

2. Investigate and develop strategies and policies in relation to E-books.

3. Review current collections to address new technologies, changes in format, de-selection, and

rotation of collection between GLC libraries.

4. Develop new acquisitions and collection management policies.

Actions Years 2-4

Identify collections that are rare or at risk and develop a business case to digitize those vulnerable

materials.

Evaluate the role and function of the corporations‟ special collections.

Seek grants to digitize rare/ special collections

Actions Ongoing

Maintain high standard of cataloging.


Policies adopted by Board.

Material expenditure as a % of total budget to be equal to or higher than the state average.






Programs

We will deliver library programs, activities and events that are responsive to community needs at the local

level.

Actions 2010 – 11

1. Completion of the purchase and commissioning of the new mobile library trailer.

2. Review mobile library timetable, service location, frequency and other opportunities such as new

programs.

3. Develop a business plan, complete a cost benefit analysis and explore funding options for the

provision of an outreach services vehicle to service socially isolated communities and clients.

4. Review existing GLC programs and explore opportunities to develop new programs to address

identified needs.

Actions -Years 2-4

Implement revised mobile library timetable, locations and programs.

Implement outreach services plan.

Develop specific business cases arising from identified needs.

Actions – Ongoing

Continue to deliver an innovative mobile library service.

Continue to provide responsive programs to existing library users.


Commissioning of new mobile library trailer

Completion of mobile library service review.

Outreach and program reviews completed and adopted.






Partnerships and Stakeholders

We will continue to develop and nurture partnerships with our communities, governments and business

organizations to deliver mutual benefits

Actions - 2010 – 2011

1. Explore with member councils the development of partnerships with retirement villages, hospitals,

aged care facilities, nursing homes and housebound in the provision of library services, including

service delivery models to the disadvantaged.

2. Investigate opportunities to partner with youth service providers including schools.

3. Investigate opportunities for cross promotion and the sharing of resources across arts, museums,

galleries and associated agencies and organizations.

4. Develop a volunteer policy and procedures to address recruitment, training and roles.

5. Develop and adopt a sponsorship policy and procedures.

Actions - Years 2-4

Implement volunteer and sponsorship policies and procedures.

Develop MOU‟s or service agreements with partners.

Implement service delivery models in conjunction with member councils to provide library

resources to the housebound and disadvantaged.

Actions – Ongoing

Maintain and enhance partnerships with M&CH centres within the GLC region.

Continue to develop and build partnerships with member councils, state and federal government,

funding bodies, philanthropic trusts, friends of the library and neighboring library services.





Performance Measures.


Number of formal partnerships entered into.

Service delivery models adopted

Council contribution per capita to be maintained at a level greater than the state average.






Working Smarter

We will use appropriate technology effectively to enhance service delivery and improve operational

efficiency. We will equip staff with the skills and knowledge to provide quality customer service while

enjoying a fulfilling career.

Actions -2010 /2011

1. Develop an operation plan that identifies the resources required to implement the Library Plan.

2. Implement the GLC enterprise agreement.

3. Develop a business case for the implementation of RFID technologies.

4. Develop an environmental sustainability policy and procedure, including recycling and waste

management and utilities management.

5. Identify a professional development plan for staff to address changing technologies skill

requirements and procedures.

6. Explore new technologies to support existing technologies and services to our users.

7. Develop a policy for the planned obsolescence of equipment and technology.

Actions -Years 2-4

Review staff structure to address changing needs.

Investigate and develop a business plan for the outsourcing of back of office work practices.

RFID – continue

Implement the environmental sustainability policy and procedures.





Actions Ongoing

Continue to address and improve the corporation‟s financial sustainability, environmental

responsibility, risk management, governance and compliance with legislative requirements.

Maximize the use of volunteers (e.g. baby boomers).

Participate in the State Library of Victoria‟s statewide public library development projects.

Represent the corporation on special committees and projects at a state wide level.

Implementation of staff professional development plan.

Continue to monitor state and federal government policies, initiatives and grant opportunities and

respond as appropriate.

Revise and update the operational plan


Policies adopted by the Board.

Staff professional development plan implemented.

Costs per visit to be maintained at below the state average.

Completion and adoption of RFID business case.

Number of Website hits per capita (every unique visit).






Spreading the Word

We will promote all our services, facilities and events to encourage everyone to use their local library

through targeted marketing and promotion.

Actions - 2010 – 2011

1. Develop a communications and marketing strategy.

2. Develop a calendar to address library promotion activities through radio spots, advertorials,

community newsletters etc.

3. Develop a style manual in consultation with stakeholders for branding, promotional material,

external and internal signage etc.

4. Develop a policy and procedures in relation to raising awareness of, and the ability of the

Corporation to provide library services to clubs, community groups, stakeholder groups and

potential partners.

Actions- Years 2-4

Develop a calendar of events and visits for staff visits to organizations to spread the word.

Actions – Ongoing

Use the new mobile library service trailer and existing van to promote GLC services.

Continue staff visits to community organizations to spread the word.



Number of promotion events and visits carried out.

Number of promotional articles, advertorials, radio appearances etc.

Members as a % of population to exceed the state average.

Loans per capita to exceed the state average.

Style manual developed and adopted.






The Future

We will be responsive to change and will work to ensure long term financial sustainability, appropriate

service levels and good governance.

Actions - 2010 –2011

1. In partnership with member councils develop a service provision strategy, program and timetable

to meet changing demographics, technology and innovative new service provision. This may

include new buildings (owned or leased), shared facilities, cultural and community hubs, learning

centres, service kiosks and cafes, vending machines and the use of spaces. This to be carried out

with a view of the outcomes to be included in both Council and GLC future strategic plans.

2. Support and advocate those initiatives and programs identified by the Public Libraries Victorian

Network, the State Library of Victoria and state and federal governments.

Actions - Years 2-4

Continue, in partnership with member councils, to develop and implement a service provision

strategy, program and timetable.

Review the Library Plan annually and advocate to member councils.

Actions – Ongoing

Represent the corporation on special committees and projects at a state wide level.

Continue to monitor and respond as appropriate to state and federal government regional

development policies and initiatives.

Performance Measures.





20 Key Strategic Performance Indicators for 2009-2010 | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Key Strategic Performance Indicators for 2009-2010 (Source GLC Annual Report 2009-2010)

Loans

LOANS Previous year's

2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 % Difference

Bendigo and RHQ 562937 564973 573658 1.54

Castlemaine 239630 240268 243701 1.43

Gisborne 101175 109520 123040 12.34

Heathcote 25768 24154 19406 -19.66

Kangaroo Flat 169511 177258 164106 -7.42

Kyneton 100962 109527 107450 -1.90

Mobile/Eaglehawk 83894 109934 95499 -13.13

Romsey - - 19674 -

Woodend 64565 73818 75847 2.75

Web 59879 81072 100816 24.35

Total 1408321 1490524 1523197 2.19





Visits

VISITS Previous year's

2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 % Difference

Bendigo 411852 433408 476568 9.96

Castlemaine 122650 121422 127015 4.61

Gisborne 65949 57573 64560 12.14

Heathcote 13684 13290 12132 -8.71

Kangaroo Flat 74144 78687 72366 -8.03

Kyneton 64822 67483 67147 -0.50


Romsey - - 48078 -

Woodend 37720 51028 55853 9.46

Total 831338 859899 951609 10.67





Items

ITEMS Previous year's

2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 % Difference

Bendigo and RHQ 126669 133170 135888 2.04

Castlemaine 32357 33730 35403 4.96

Gisborne 14318 16098 16930 5.17

Heathcote 8082 8225 7949 -3.36

Kangaroo Flat 20684 22678 24106 6.30

Kyneton 16888 18315 18862 2.99


Romsey - - 12195 -

Woodend 15807 16821 17199 2.25

Total 249315 266782 286275 7.31





Membership

MEMBERSHIP Previous year's

2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 % Difference

Bendigo 31992 36157 39792 10.05

Castlemaine 9032 9761 10626 8.86

Gisborne 5383 6127 7051 15.08

Heathcote 891 995 1101 10.65

Kangaroo Flat 4641 5108 5531 8.28

Kyneton 4061 4690 5196 10.79

Mobile/Eaglehawk 3252 3496 3840 9.84

Romsey - - 2396 -

Woodend 3118 3518 3923 11.51

Total 62370 69852 79456 13.75




24 Key Performance Indicators | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Key Performance Indicators

Library Membership

2006 - 2007 54,876

2007 - 2008 62,370

2008 - 2009 69,842

2009 - 2010 79,456

* (19,965 members were archived in August 2006 - if not used for more than 3 years)

Hours open Per Week (total)

2006 – 2007 306.5

2007 - 2008 333.75

2008 - 2009 333.75

2009 - 2010 374.75

Average Hours (per service point open per week)

2006 – 2007 30.7

2007 - 2008 37.1

2008 - 2009 37.1

2009 - 2010 37.5

Stock per Capita

2006 – 2007 1.68

2007 - 2008 1.73

2008 - 2009 2.80

2009 - 2010 1.77

Stock Expenditure per Capita

2006 - 2007 4.78

2007 - 2008 4.80

2008 - 2009 4.30

2009 - 2010 4.44




25 Key Performance Indicators | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Stock Turnover

2006 – 2007 6.27

2007 - 2008 6.38

2008 - 2009 6.32

2009 - 2010 6.01

Cost per loan

2006 - 2007 2.72

2007 - 2008 1.90

2008 - 2009 2.25

2009 - 2010 2.73

Visits per capita

(does not include virtual visits)

2006 -2007 5.11

2007 - 2008 5.37

2008 - 2009 5.59

2009 - 2010 5.72

Costs per capita

2006 - 2007 25.43

2007 - 2008 26.04

2008 - 2009 24.37

2009 - 2010 25.68

Total number of visits

Total number of loans

2006 – 2007 1,413,254

2007 - 2008 1,408,321

2008 - 2009 1,494,128

2009 – 2010 1,523,197

2006 – 2007 775,277

2007 - 2008 827,962

2008 - 2009 859,899

2009 – 2010 927,967




26 Strategic Resource Plan 2010 -2014 | Goldfields Library Corporation Library Plan 2010-2014

Strategic Resource Plan 2010 -2014 (Source GLC Budget 2010-2011)





























Endnotes i Alan Bundy ,“Build it and they will come: Public Libraries as the Community‟s third Place” http://www.fola.org.au/pdfs/buildit.pdf accessed 13 November 2009 ii Public Libraries Victoria Network Annual Report 2008-9. iii State Library of Victoria. Libraries Building Communities. Executive Summary, 2005, 3 iv PLSA: Submission to the ALIA Public Libraries Summit 2009. v John Murrell vi Debra Rosenfeldt, “Great Public Libraries of the World: A Tour Summary”. Aplis 22 (1), March 2009, 26 vii Liddle – GLC Community Profile Project

viii Goldfields Library Corporation - Community Profile Project, John Liddle and Associates. October 2007. p.iii. ix Refer to John Liddle and Associates report for the Goldfields Library Corporation Community Profile Project, October 2007. x Liddle References Bundy, Alan “Build it and they will come: Public Libraries as the Community‟s third Place” Address at the Stratford Library, 17 April 2009 http://www.fola.org.au/pdfs/buildit.pdf accessed 11 November 2009. Goldfields Library Corporation - Community Profile Project, John Liddle and Associates. October 2007. Library Board of Victoria. Content and Access in Victorian Public Libraries: A Strategic Blueprint 2006-2010. AEC Group. July 2006. Murrell, John “Statewide Public Library Development projects –Where are we now? “ Presentation c. 2009. Public Libraries South Australia: Submission to the ALIA Public Libraries Summit 2009. http://www.alia.org.au/governance/committees/public.libraries/summit09/pdfs/PLSA.Submission.to.the.ALIA.Public.Libraries.160709.Summit.pdf accessed 25 November 2009. Public Libraries Victoria Network – Annual Report 2008-9. Rosenfeldt, Debra “Great Public Libraries of the World: A Tour Summary”. Aplis 22 (1), March 2009. State Library of Victoria. Libraries Building Communities. Executive Summary, 2005.

http://www.fola.org.au/pdfs/buildit.pdf

http://www.fola.org.au/pdfs/buildit.pdf

http://www.alia.org.au/governance/committees/public.libraries/summit09/pdfs/PLSA.Submission.to.the.ALIA.Public.Libraries.160709.Summit.pdf

http://www.alia.org.au/governance/committees/public.libraries/summit09/pdfs/PLSA.Submission.to.the.ALIA.Public.Libraries.160709.Summit.pdf

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