Strategic Plan

I.  Strategic Goal:  We will develop OCLS as the gold standard for public libraries.

A.  Continue to cultivate the reputation of OCLS as a national model

1. Participate in national meetings as presenters
2. Publish in national library literature- periodicals and other publications
3. Create unique opportunities for colleagues to learn from us
4. Communicate our achievements with our colleagues and our local community
5. Establish staff committee to focus solely on criteria for application for Library of the Year and favorable placement in library rankings and awards
   
   

B.  Connect the community to our services and products

1. Develop a Library Ambassador program
2. Ensure that OCLS is recognized as an important community institution
   
   

C.  Use psychographics to develop and market services

 

1. Find resources to identify markets
2. Cross promote bundled programs and services to meet the needs of various audiences/populations/interest/ demographics
3. Maximize attendance of computer classes and library programs by reaching out to target group
   
   

D.  Establish OCLS as an Employer of Choice

1. Communicate competencies to attract candidates with appropriate skill levels
2. Expand OCLS employment website to provide a more transparent and welcoming introduction into the organization, our mission, and our staff

II.  Strategic Goal:  We will ensure continuous innovation

A.  Create dynamic opportunities for customers and staff that move beyond the traditional Library experience

1. Develop concierge library services where information finds you
2. Utilize traditional and innovative approaches to the provision of library services
3. Enhance our virtual presence

B.  Manage continuous innovation so that ideas and analysis become an integral part of the innovative process

1. Capture ideas from customers and staff
2. Establish an Innovation team to manage ideas, research, prioritize, create proposals and evaluate results

C.  Establish and support a creative culture that values the free flow of ideas

1. Develop a culture where risk taking is encouraged
2. Establish Innovation Champions
3. Provide timely recognition and feedback
4. Foster the contribution of creative ideas and solutions

III.  Strategic Goal: We will maximize the public's Return on Investment

A.  Pursue additional revenue sources/Cultivate active partnerships

1. Expand fundraising activities
2. Dedicate staff/teams to identify and recommend more grant opportunities
3. License and sell our value added products and services
4. Expand and strengthen community partnerships

B.  Foster a financially accountable culture/offer services that provide maximum value to our customers

1. Determine service & policy priorities through cost-benefit analysis to seek operation efficiencies
2. Evaluate library services for relevancy and efficiency
3. Maximize energy efficiency

IV.  Strategic Goal: We will develop and optimize communication

A.  Improve Electronic Communication tools

1. Establish icon-linked Orange Peel page for quick policy and procedures reference- "OP 411"
2. Improve Orange Peel alerts, announcements, and search box results
3. Enhance staff online training tools on the Orange Peel
   
   

B.  Establish Communication as an organizational priority for OCLS

1. Provide tools and formal training to promote best practices for communication (such as It's How You Say It)
2. Evaluate effectiveness of communication practice

C.  Expand methods for communicating with the public.

1. Implement user-friendly ways to get feedback
2. Create targeted focused customer surveys to gather more data and evaluate findings to improve customer service

V.  Strategic Goal: We will empower staff to achieve their potential

A.  Establish expectations for technology and professional competencies so staff will be well-prepared and knowledgeable

1. Establish consistent and ongoing technology competencies for existing staff and applicant
2. Establish competencies and standards for employee performance and development

B.  Implement additional training opportunities to cultivate future success

1. Create consistent comprehensive on the job training plans for all new OCLS employees
2. Centralize training for all public service staff
3. Create an OCLS training blog where staff can share and learn from others' successes and challenges
4. Establish inter-departmental tech circles to assist with promoting and coordinating training when new technology is introduced
5. Make training tips, presentations, etc. available on the OP so they can be shared with new staff and reviewed at any other time
6. Provide recognition for learning new technologies

C.  Develop training for employees and managers for understanding and interpretation of data

1. Create a site where statistical data compiled by the organization can be easily accessed by all OCLS employees
2. Develop opportunities for ongoing application of organization metrics

D.  Establish a talent development initiative that will provide employees with an understanding of internal opportunities and career development within OCLS

1. Improve employee access to career, development, and leadership information and opportunities
2. Establish mentoring programs to foster employee growth and development
3. Provide training to employees in OCLS shared beliefs, practices, and change management

If you have any comments or questions please email us at comments@ocls.info