MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Ligonier

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MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Ligonier Valley Library Association is to provide free, open, and equal access to ideas and information to everyone.

Ligonier Valley Library Strategic Plan 2012-2015 Background Information Circulation

Circulation is calculated by people using a library card to borrow any item from the library. Based on the Circulation Data chart (attachment 2), the following observations are noted: 

In-house use between 2010-2011 increased by 95%. In house use is defines as Pennsylvania Room related activities (75%) plus use of reference books, plus magazine & newspaper counts (20%)

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Internet use decreased between 2010 & 2011 by 1,876. The availability of free WIFI, added in 2010, and people bringing in their own electronics to the library could account for the decline. The library currently houses 8 aging computers with internet access plus 2 word processes.

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A 2011 study of e-books data indicates a very significant increase in this service. One can conclude that this trend will begin to impact our used Bookstore sales as less people will purchase “hard copy” books. The board should begin investigating alternative future uses for the current used bookstore space.

Additional Information:  Circulation has increased 42% since 1999.  Circulation of materials had declined 10% since peak in 2006.*

 Use of Public Internet Computers has increased 107% since 2000. *(Circulation statistics do not include LVL materials loaned to other libraries through the Westmoreland Information Network)  Circulation and catalog automated in 2000  Children’s wing opened in 2000  Main floor renovation completed in 2000  Public Internet computers added in 2000  Joined Westmoreland Information Network in 2008  Wi-Fi hotspot added in 2010  Remodeled lower level Community Room in 2011

Demographics: Recent demographics (2010) for Ligonier Valley continue to show a marked decline (3%) with continued decline expected by 2015 of another 3% In addition, demographics show an increases in age to 45% of the population being over 55 by 2015. Industrialized jobs are not prevalent, but Internet or “work at Home” jobs are becoming more popular. The future success of the Ligonier Valley Library is dependent on keeping the following in the forefront of planning: 1. Aging population 2. Continued decline in population in immediate service area 3. Decline in state per capita funding

Ligonier Valley Library GOALS

1.

Increase the awareness of library services to the community.

2.

Partner with other non-profit organizations and local school communities in the Ligonier Valley.

3. Digitize entire microfilm collection in the Pennsylvania Room 4. Determine need for outreach programs. 5. Investigate possibility of hiring a Technology employee. Possibly share cost with other local libraries. 6. Staff Technology Training 7. Redefine Space utilization 8. Marketing

Ligonier Valley Library Values Values are principles or standards that library staff and board members use to guide their actions and decision. They express the shared beliefs that provide the foundation of the library profession (intellectual freedom and personal privacy) and define expectations for staff work behavior and articulate the quality of services that the public can expect to receive from the library.

1 We defend the constitutional rights of all individuals, including children and teenagers, to use the library’s resources and services. 2 We protect the privacy of every individual who uses the library. 3 We respect each person who uses the library and each employee of the library. 4 We provide friendly, knowledgeable service and work to meet the expectations of users. 5 We value our community’s diversity and reflect that diversity in all of our services, programs, and collections. 6 We encourage personal initiative, problem-solving, enthusiasm, planning for the future needs, and effective use of technology and other library resources. 7 We work collaboratively within the library, with community organizations and groups, with other public libraries and with elected and appointed officials to achieve common goals. 8 We plan for the future and work to continually improve our services, programs and collections to ensure that we meet the changing needs of our users. We manage the resources entrusted to the library in an ethical and responsible manner.

Ligonier Valley Library

MEASURES and OUTCOMES (Use survey results, quantitative data & actual impact, benefits and/or changes resulting from performance of the activity) 

Compare circulation data quarterly to determine consistency with materials use, patron numbers, etc.

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Use surveys and questionnaires at the conclusion of special events to understand program impact on the community.

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Randomly survey patrons on rotating basis regarding library services. Ligonier Valley Library RESOURCE ALLOCATION

Funds, facilities, equipment, materials, personnel time) 

Use Technology Funds for purchasing additional gadgets

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2013 State Budget projection indicates a 5% decrease in funding

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Place a Donation Basket out during no-cost events

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2013 Capital Fund Drive

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Annual Membership Drive

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Investigate seeking donors for magazines, newspapers or other daily/monthly collections ~ Friends of the Library

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Promote book dedications to honor deceased family members or friends

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Utilize library staff to provide technology support for library patrons

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Promote use of Community Room for community events (Long term goal ~ View Library as true COMMUNITY CENTER) Ligonier Valley Library

FORECAST STATEMENT

The Ligonier Valley Library Board of Directors shall review the Strategic Plan twice

annually during the years of implementation. A committee will be designated in January,

2015 to begin development of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.