1. Steering Committee
Athens-Clarke County Library
Strategic Plan
July 15, 2012
Gail Griffith

2. Athens-Clarke County Library
Planning Process Overview
Athens-Clarke County:
The Comprehensive
Plan
Library Board
Input Session
Our wiki is a place to share and learn:
http://athenslibraryplan.pbworks.com
Library
Steering
Committee Board
Confidential project hotline: Meeting #3: Adopts
athens.library@comcast.net Review and react Plan
to draft documents
Steering Committee
Meeting #2:
Learning more about the
library and best practices;
gap analysis
Gail L. Griffith for Athens-Clarke County Library

3. Three Meetings
May July September
•Provide information •Learn more about the •Review project
about community Library and what it is findings and
needs well-positioned to do recommendations
•Participate in a trends •Learn about trends in
analysis libraries
•Help build a vision of •Help to identify
the community and priorities
the library‟s role in
meeting that vision

4. What We Heard in May
Board, Steering, Staff
SWOT
Visions

5. Organizational Strengths and Weaknesses
(From Board, Staff)
Strengths Weaknesses
•Staff! •Shrinking resources/need financial
independence
•Youth programming
•How to engage non-users?
•Access and inclusiveness
•Technology upgrades
•Technology needed/mobile presence
•Collection, including newer •Patron behavior issues and how
formats they affect perceptions
•Leadership and advocacy, •Stronger programming for adults
including at the State level
•Internal communication
improvements

6. Trends that Bring Opportunities and
Threats
Common to the Lists of Board, Steering, and Staff Groups
1. High poverty level
2. Becoming international, multicultural, and multiracial community—
still segregated
3. E-books and changes in the publishing industry
4. Growing population of seniors
5. Education system facing large cuts, flight of affluent families
6. High dropout rate
7. Technology changing rapidly—what and when to acquire?

7. Vision Themes
Steering: Ideal Athens Staff: Library of the Year, 2016
 Diversity  Libraries can‟t operate in a bubble.
Much more partnering is needed.
Some of our uniqueness has been
 Opportunity lost—so we need to work on that.
 Connectedness  The library is an unlimited and inclusive
resource for the community,
 Caring dedicated to public service with
person-to-person interaction, and
focusing on learning.
 Empowerment
 Serving the community by developing
 Progressive internal and external relationships,
bringing people into the library, and
improving the community‟s quality of
 Prosperous life
 Educated

8. Stakeholder Interviews
Summary (8 of 13—Interviews
still in progress)
July 2012
8

9. Purpose of Interviews
To collect data from
keystakeholders for input into the
strategic plan
To enhance relationships and
opportunities for collaboration
9

10. Who we interviewed
Barbara Dooley, businesswoman and motivational
speaker
 Valdon Daniel, Principal of
Doc Eldridge, President and CEO, A-CC Chamber of
Oglethorpe Middle School
Commerce (retired)
Kay Giese, attorney and retired Municipal Court Judge  Phil Pollock, former head of UGA
Institute of Government, Talking
Commissioner Kelly Girtz Book volunteer
Don Nelson, Communications Coordinator, Athens  Mary Quinn, former City Council,
Technical College Friends of the Library
Dr. William Gray Potter, UGA Associate Provost and  Commissioner Harry Sims
University Librarian
 Julie Walker, Deputy State
Diego del Pozo, UGA Lecturer, Romance Languages Librarian, Athens resident
Amanda Tedrow, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Extension Agent, Cooperative Extension Service
10

11. Relationship with the Library
All positive!
Some worked closely with the library
Even non-users felt positive about the
library and its importance to the
community
11

12. Strengths
Library
 Outreach (3)
 Is a presence in the community, makes itself
accessible (2)
 Levels the playing field, providing opportunities to all
 Involves the community
 Provides good community meeting space
 Provides broad range of services—programs,
collection, public meetings, literacy
12

13. Strengths
Technology Staff
 Helpful and knowledgeable overall
 Computer access for
public, well-used (2)  Provide good service
 Children‟s department staff
 Keeps up to date especially strong
 Leadership and Advocacy—Kathie is
 Online access to one of the strongest Directors in the
state
PINES and account
 “Kathryn and her staff have done an
incredible job with limited resources
 Computers important of providing what the community
needs. “
for job seekers
13

14. Strengths
Programs Collection
 Youth programs excellent  Good collection overall (2)
and important, help
introduce children to  Book collection well-used
reading (3)
 Galileo
 Community programs (2)
 Library is a good partner
for programs—handles
logistics well and attends
to partner‟s needs
14

15. Weaknesses or Limitations
 More current e-Books—  Wish we still had bookmobiles—
hard to find anything both a symbol and a way to
provide access
both interesting AND
available (2)  More social networking
 More activities to draw in the
 More books on CD (2) whole community? Example—
 Would love to see a film festival around cultural
significant branch with issues
great children‟s services  More computer access for
on the east side of town disadvantaged?
 Website could be more  Expand Heritage Room,
provide access to statewide
user-friendly digitized materials (or promote
if already doing)
15

16. Trends
 Shift to digital and online (6)
 Must be online to participate in the world; can‟t even find a job
without it
 Technology influences how people read, learn, are entertained
 Free access to downloadable books, music, and movies could
attract a group of non-users
 Easy to get so much from home and office, need to work harder
to draw people in
 It‟s everywhere—plants at Botanical Garden will have QR codes
 Economic turnaround—when? (2)
 Caterpillar plant coming, with jobs (2)
16

17. Trends
 High poverty rate (2)
 Athens is a music town—could the library tie into it? (2)
 High teen pregnancy rate
 Latino population growing
17

18. Unmet Community Needs
 Bifurcated community in terms of education, jobs, wealth—
need to serve both parts of the community (5)
 Need to engage children in their own education
 Tremendous resources exist (UGA, Athens Tech); need to do
more to determine what synchronicities are possible
 20% of public school population is Hispanic, many come
from homes where only Spanish is spoken
 Community always needs space to come together and
engage in activities
18

19. Ideas for Partnering
 Local history/genealogy programs with UGA Special Collections
Library
 More digitization projects with UGA
 Orientations for AT students
 Full-day conference with multiple speakers from CES—maybe a
fundraiser for the library?
 Hold more community events that appeal to broad range of
people—not just literature-based programs
 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UGA (OLLI)
 Whatever It Takes: Athens Community Plan for Children
19

20. Opportunities to Improve Relationship
 “You are doing it now by reaching out to me! I feel like I
need to get involved now.”
 Be more visible participants in events like those of the
Chamber of Commerce, where many potential partners
come together.
 Many expressed interest in creating more links to the
community themselves—seemed to be waiting to be asked!
20

21. Ways to Tell Story
 Outreach (3)
 Go to schools and talk to students
 Visit large employers and tell them what‟s in it for their
employees
 Distribute online newsletter to partners, have them link or
distribute within their network
 Create relationships with opinion leaders and use their word-
of-mouth; face-to-face works here (2)
 Social media—does library have a Facebook page? (2)
 Get a consultant, skilled volunteer, or marketing intern to
help analyze your promotion. Community has large group
of retirees with expert knowledge. (2)
21

22. Ways to Tell Story
 Need a new marketing campaign with new attitude to go
along with the new building. “We‟re here—we rock and
roll.” (2)
 Seek out opportunities to have events like candidate forums
that could be broadcast from the library
 Library Board is key—they should be connected and use
their connections
22

23. Advice for Us
 Continue to think about how to leverage resources and
keep them going
 Make sure you have marketing and technology expertise on
your Board
 Serve everyone, including the disadvantaged
 Look for ways to draw non-users in
 Work with leaders of the Hispanic community
 Ask for suggestions from the public and show how you‟re
acting on them
23

24. Advice for us
 It‟s all going digital, you have to be there!
 “Don’t give up! Think of yourselves as a crucial community
resource. Don’t lose sight of this—you are education and
learning at the core. And don’t be afraid to say it!”
24

25. Keep at all Costs…
 Basic collection (2)
 Facilities in lower-income neighborhoods
 Keep technology alive
 “Children‟s services are the most critical. Nobody else is
doing what you are doing for children.”
25

26. $1,000,000
 Improve the lives of the  Outreach—go into the
disadvantaged (5) community with books and
 Partner with social programs
workers and educators to
raise their sights  Keep up with trends
 Ensure access to
technology  Keep collection as strong as
possible
 Put together a dynamite
marketing campaign that  Improve technology,
makes people think of the including resources
library as exciting (2) accessed remotely
 Put some in an endowment
for future needs (2)
26

27. Library Staff Survey
Summary of Feedback
July 2012
27

28. Survey
 Online Zoomerang survey
 Sent to all staff
 Received 54 responses Response rate =?
 Questions covered
 Programs and services
 Suggestions for change
28

29. Demographics: Length of Service
Less than one year 11%
1-5 years 44%
6-10 years 19%
11+ years 26%
Total 100%
29

30. What would entice the public to use
the library more often?
Number Percent
Easier to use PINES database to find and request books and other materials 45 70%
Have the books and media I want available when I want them 41 64%
Easier to download books from the library's website 40 62%
Better selection of books, music, and other media 36 56%
Knowing more about what services and resources are available 36 56%
More computers in the library 34 53%
Offer drop-off boxes at other locations in the community so I can return my books
more easily 23 36%
Have staff available to help me when I need it 21 33%
Make it possible for me to check out and check in my own materials 20 31%
Staff assistance more proactive--staff roving or maintaining constant awareness
and availability to help me 11 17%
I am completely satisfied with the services and resources available at the Library 9 14%
Staff assistance more courteous 4 6% 30

31. What else?
 Small group meeting spaces (3)
 Better, faster computers and wi-fi throughout building (2)
 Easier to search PINES
 Way to pay fines online or by phone
 More tutorial options for job seekers
 More staff
 More computer training
 Better organized web page, easier to find what services are available
 Way to keep sleeping patrons from discouraging use by others—solution unknown
31

32. Select up to Four Critical Service
Responses
32

33. If You Could Choose Only One…
33

34. Top 3 Improvements with Largest
Impact on Public Service
 Be creative and systematic in the recruitment, training,
and use of volunteers
 Provide programs and services (like computer classes)
off-site
 Offer more opportunities for people to enrich their lives.
Examples: book discussions, digital content creation labs,
programs including music, arts, crafts
34

35. Community Survey
Summary of Feedback
July 2012
35

36. Survey
 Online Zoomerang survey available on website June 5—
July 8
 Also distributed in hard copy
 English and Spanish
 Received 1097 responses (9 in Spanish)
 Questions covered
 Programs and services
 Suggestions for change
36

37. Where are you completing this survey? Number Percent
Athens-Clarke County Library (Athens-Clarke County) 918 84%
Online, from somewhere other than a library 139 13%
On paper, from somewhere other than a library 8 1%
East Athens Resource Center (Athens-Clarke County) 1 0%
Lay Park Resource Center (Athens-Clarke County) 2 0%
Pinewoods Library & Learning Center (Athens-Clarke
County) 8 0%
Winterville Branch Library (Athens-Clarke County) 4 0%
Lavonia-Carnegie Library (Franklin County) 1 0%
Royston Public Library (Franklin County) 3 0%
Madison County Library (Madison County) 5 0%
Bogart Branch Library (Oconee County) 2 0%
Oconee County Library (Oconee County) 4 0%
Oglethorpe County Library (Oglethorpe County) 2 0%
1088 100%
37

38. Demographics: Gender
38

39. Demographics: Age
39

40. Demographics: Computer with
internet access at home
40

41. How often do you visit the library or
the website?
41

42. Do you have a PINES card?
42

43. Primary Reason for Visiting the Library or Website Today
Borrow, use, or reserve library material such as books, CDs, DVDs 529 49%
Use library computers or wi-fi 211 19%
Specifically to complete this survey 84 8%
Other, please specify* 69 7%
Attend a program or event for children (ages birth-10) 40 4%
Get information from the library's resources, including online research tools 35 3%
Use library web site to find information 32 3%
Prepare a resume or look for a job online 24 2%
Get homework help 9 1%
Conduct genealogical research 6 1%
Use the photocopier or fax machine 7 1%
Borrow an e-book or learn more about e-books 15 1%
Attend a program or event for adults 5 0%
Attend a program or event for families 5 0%
Attend a program or event for teens 2 0%
Attend a Friends of the Library meeting or work with the Friends of the Library 4 0%
Attend a computer training session 2 0%
Apply for or get information about a U.S. passport 2 0%
Obtain information from a library staff member 4 0%
43

44. Other Reasons For Visit
 Read, study, work using my own laptop
 Use printer
 Return items
 Summer program info
44

45. How satisfied are you with your visit
today?
45

46. I would have been more satisfied…
If I could have found the material I wanted in the library 95 45%
Other, please specify* 50 24%
If there were more computers available to use in the library 35 17%
If the PINES database had been easier to use 28 13%
If there were more electronic resources available 25 12%
If the library’s website had been easier to use 17 8%
If the website had the information I needed 11 5%
If staff were more helpful and courteous 8 4%
If there were more staff available to help me 8 4%
If the program were more stimulating 6 3%
46

47. “Other”—I would have been more
satisfied if…
 Specific subjects, titles  I could request media from
were available other libraries
 There were quiet rooms  E-book downloads were
more user-friendly
 There were more parking
 Your hours were longer
 I could renew my library
card online  I could get a job here
 I could check out books
using my smartphone
48 comments
47

48. Which of the library‟s services have
you used in the past year?
1. Borrow, use, or reserve library material such as books,
CDs, DVDs 824 80%
2. Use library computers or wi-fi 474 46%
3. Use library web site to find information 290 28%
4. Get information from the library's resources, including
online research tools 243 24%
5. Obtain information from a library staff member 200 19%
6. Attend a program or event for children (ages birth—10) 183 18%
7. Use the photocopier or fax machine 174 17%
8. Attend a program or event for adults 143 14%
9. Attend a program or event for families 131 13%
10. Borrow an ebook or learn more about ebooks 125 12%
48

49. Which of the library‟s services have
you used in the past year? (continued)
11.
Prepare a resume or look for a job online 99 10%
12.
Apply for or get information about a US passport 47 5%
13.
Conduct genealogical research 54 5%
14.
Get homework help 44 4%
15.
Attend a program or event for teens 40 4%
16.
Other, please specify* 42 4%
17. Attend a Friends of the Library meeting or work with
the Friends of the Library 36 3%
18.
Attend a computer training session 23 2%
49

50. Other Services Used
 Host an event  Came on a field trip
 Tutor  Meet friends
 Use digital scanner  Donate books
 Apply for jobs  Attend book sale
 Get tax forms
37 comments
50

51. In my experience with the library, I
am satisfied with the following:
1 Helpfulness/courtesy of staff 94
2 Overall satisfaction with my most recent experience at the library 91
3 Hours of operation 84
4 Availability of the books, movies, and music I want to borrow 83
5 Ease of using the website to find hours, services, and access online research tools 78
6 Ease of using the PINES database to find materials, place holds, or renew 72
materials online
7 Quality of reference services 70
8 Access to online research tools 64
9 Speed of library internet connection 58
10 Waiting time to use computers 50
11 Quality of programs and events for children 49
12 Quality of programs and events for families 45
13 Quality of programs and events for adults 45
14 Ease of locating and downloading e-books and e-audio 35
15 Quality of educational programs, such as computer training 35
16 Quality of programs and events for teens 33
51

52. “Other” Changes
 Longer hours ($)  Branch library on east side
 More e-books  Tutorial on the library
 Finish construction  Longer checkout for DVDs,
renew online
 More fun and free events,
including for adults  And many compliments
 Less noise
 Require better behavior of
patrons
142 comments
52

53. How do you hear about local community events?
1 Friends or family 429 44%
2 Newspaper stories 388 40%
3 Radio 338 35%
4 Newspaper advertisements 308 32%
5 Posters and flyers 273 28%
6 Email from the sponsoring organization 208 21%
7 School 167 17%
8 Local television news 158 16%
9 Social networks like Facebook or Twitter 160 16%
10 Websites of local news organizations 124 13%
11 Other, please specify* 87 9%
12 Television advertisements 81 8%
13 Sponsoring organization's website 72 7%
14 RSS feeds or blogs 25 3%
15 Text message alerts via cell phone 34 3%
53

54. “Other” ways to hear about
community events
 UGA staff listserv  athensparent.com
calendar
 Community volunteers who
visit my neighborhood  Yahoo! Parenting groups
 Flagpole  We need an Athens web
page for cultural events!
78 comments
54

55. What else would you like us to know?
 322 comments! Still being analyzed, but we see:
 Lots and lots of kudos, including compliments for individual
staff
 Requests for specific materials or specific changes to
programs
 Comments desiring a more „quiet, safe, and pleasant‟
experience
55

56. What stood out for you?
What ideas for changing or
emphasizing services do you
get from the survey results?

57. What delights or surprises you?

58. What other ideas would you
like to see in the mix?

59. What are the top 3 ideas you
think the Athens-Clarke
County Library should pursue?

60. Next Steps