Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS), which serves Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer counties, has unveiled a new strategic plan that will be implemented through 2021. The plan emphasizes the vision and values of SRLS while defining four goals as part of continued efforts to serve the community. Sequoyah Regional Library System has also rearticulated its mission: “Connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create.” The announcement was made in celebration of the library system’s 60th anniversary in 2018, and included a new logo.
The first goal of the strategic plan is to communicate the library system’s story and impact by sharing and reporting success measures with staff, trustees and the community. This new marketing strategy involves increased focus on the library system’s existing social media channels: Facebook (@SequoyahRegionalLibrary), Twitter (@SequoyahRegLib) and Instagram (@SequoyahRegionalLibrary), with additional media (such as YouTube) to follow. Library patrons also can visit the SRLS website (www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org) to subscribe to an official e-newsletter with updates on upcoming facilities, programming, collections and technology.
The second goal is to ensure convenient, intuitive, purposeful and engaging library experiences for the community. This comes from a desire to better understand library users, create experiences with them in mind, and get rid of any barriers so the library can have something for everyone. In addition to books and services, SRLS offers hundreds of monthly events, with programming for adults, teens and children. By developing programming and services with community-focused objectives and outcomes, users gain just as much from attending an event as the library gains from hosting the user. Likewise, an ever-expanding collection of library technology, which includes eBooks, audiobooks, STEAM kits and robotics programming, helps users increase digital literacy skills and creativity among the community.
The third goal is to develop strategies and resources to engage with the community outside of library walls. After all, how can people benefit from the library if they have no idea what it offers? SRLS is developing tools and training that enable staff to be mobile and expand the library’s offerings with community outreach efforts. Don’t be surprised to see library staff spreading the word at a local public gathering, or teaming up with schools and other community partners to promote programming and services around town. Additionally, a robust collection of online services, accessed via the SRLS website, helps users conduct genealogy research, learn a new language, explore foreign countries, and more, without having to leave home.
The fourth goal of the strategic plan is to sustain a high-performing organization that strives for excellence in management. This involves comprehensive staff training that supports the strategic plan and includes a management development component for all leadership positions. The library system also is implementing changes to facilities that incorporate sustainable features, continual improvements, and superior maintenance. This allows SRLS to take the best care of its staff and facilities so that they can take the best care of their community.
“The vision of our libraries is to be the community’s dynamic destination for discovery,” said Anita Summers, director of Sequoyah Regional Library System. “The ever-growing needs of our community have given rise to this new strategic plan, which has been created to re-emphasize Sequoyah Regional Library System’s values: enduring commitment to open access, service excellence, community engagement and continuous learning.”
– John Rodgers
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