Strategic Plan

Our Mission 

The Kirtland Public Library, through its friendly, knowledgeable staff and its resources, provides materials, services, and programs to help all people meet their aspirational, educational, and professional needs.

Our Vision

The Kirtland Public Library is the community hub of resources that support lifelong learning and personal growth.

Our Values

Community

We maintain a community focus in all that we do. Materials, programming, and services are developed to effectively engage and enrich the community. 

Excellent Service

We provide exceptional service to all with integrity, respect, and kindness. The digital and physical library space is safe and inclusive.

Access to Information

We are committed to providing equitable access to reliable and accurate information to all people. 

Education

We believe in the importance of life-long learning. We seek to provide relevant, inspiring resources and programming that encourage continuous development.

Adaptability

We remain flexible and innovative in our response to the changing needs of our patrons and the community. 

Our Future: Strategic Goals

  1. Implement creative and effective marketing initiatives 
  2. Leverage community partnerships to strengthen programs and services
  3. Design current and accessible library spaces
  4. Maximize staff excellence and efficiency 
  5. Select and maintain a well-balanced collection

Introduction

The Kirtland Public Library began its strategic planning process in July 2022 in order to prepare for its future. The Kirtland Public Library is committed to serving its community and was equally committed to involving the community in the strategic planning process via a Community Survey. The resulting strategic plan focuses on launching creative marketing initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, modernizing library spaces, empowering library staff, and improving the library collection. 

The strategic plan is organized around five strategic goals, each supported by strategic objectives and action items. The plan serves as a guide for decision-making and effective resource allocation. Above all, the plan reinforces Kirtland Public Library’s commitment to its values, vision, and mission as it strives to become the community hub of resources and life-long learning. 

The Process

The Kirtland Public Library gathered input from the community through an online survey yielding 301 responses. 

The information acquired from the survey was shared with the Board of Trustees and the library team. The survey indicated that the Kirtland Public Library maintains a high level of satisfaction in the community with many offering praises to library staff for their excellent customer service and providing positive feedback regarding library facilities. Suggestions for improvements included more effective marketing, curbside and after-hours pick up options, and self-checkout. Several suggestions for specific programs and services were also offered including a larger children’s area, a creative or makerspace in the library, and technology classes. 

During a half-day retreat in August 2022 the Board of Trustees developed the library’s mission, vision and values. The Board of Trustees also utilized the knowledge gained from the surveys and focus groups in the context of a SWOTA (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, and Aspirations) analysis which was essential to the formation of new strategic goals.

The Board of Trustee’s retreat was followed by a four-hour Library Team retreat September 2022 to consider the strategic goals through five library-specific perspectives (Customer, Staff, Internal Processes, Financial Resources, and Non-financial Resources), resulting in objectives to be employed in achieving the stated goals. The library team also participated in a session devoted to creating action items using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time framed) method. All of the compiled information was then used by the Leadership Team and staff to create and prioritize the action steps identified in the plan.

The themes from the survey and staff sessions are carried throughout the plan and are supported by objectives and action steps that will propel the Kirtland Public Library on its course for the future. 

Planning Team

Board of Trustees

Administration

Leadership Team

Strategic Planning Facilitator:  Northeast Ohio Regional Library System 

Goal 1

Implement creative and effective marketing initiatives 

Objectives and Action Items:

  1. Establish a marketing framework.
  2. Boost visibility in the community.
  3. Equip staff with tools and resources to support marketing.

Goal 2

Leverage community partnerships to strengthen programs and services

Objectives and Action Items:

  1. Develop a comprehensive strategy to facilitate community partnerships.
  2. Build programs and services that capitalize on collaborations.

Goal 3

Design current and accessible library spaces 

Objectives and Action Items:

  1. Evaluate current spaces and collections.
  2. Invest in space planning.
  3. Ensure a welcoming environment with intentional usability.

Goal 4

Maximize staff excellence and efficiency 

Objectives and Action Items:

  1. Streamline staff workflows.
  2. Foster staff development.

Goal 5

Select and maintain a well-balanced collection

Objectives and Action Items:

  1. Perform a regular review of subject areas and genres to monitor circulation and need
  2. Follow library literature to keep abreast of new formats
  3. Create displays to encourage circulation