Serving Our Community

2004-2007
A Strategic Plan
for the
Ramsey Free Public Library

December 2003
 Serving Our Community
2004-2007
A Strategic Plan
for the
Ramsey Free Public Library

Developed by
The Ramsey Free Public Library
Strategic Planning Committee

with assistance from

Library Development Solutions

Adopted by the
Ramsey Free Public Library
Board of Trustees
December 2003
Table of Contents
Executive Summary

Message from the President of the Ramsey Free Public Library Board of
Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The Strategic Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Our Library Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Celebrating Accomplishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

We Listened: Voices of Ramsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Our Library Tomorrow: A New Vision, Mission and shared Values . . . . . . . . . . 8

Key Strategic Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Serving the Community: Goals and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Measuring Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Attachments
Attachment One:
Voices of Ramsey: A Summary of Comments from Ramsey Residents about the
Ramsey Free Public Library

Attachment Two:
Timeline for implementation of Goals and Objectives
Ramsey Free Public Library Board
Director: Wendy B. Bloom
President: Emily Rennie
Vice President: Letitia Sage
Treasurer: Russell Johnson
Secretary: Marie O’Neill
Mayor: Richard Muti
Mayor’s Alternate: Peter Malvasi
Superintendent: Bruce DeYoung
Superintendent’s
Alternate: Betsey Ohnegian
Council Liaison: David Bisaillon
Trustees: Joanne Brown
Patricia Huot
Michael Lonier

Ramsey Free Public Library

Strategic Planning Committee
David Bisaillon
Wendy Bloom
Carol Brighton
Betsy Coyne
Tom Dater
Kathy Elwell
Rose Griffith
Michael Lonier
Thomas Melville
Michael Meyers
Diana Nizamoff
Marie O’Neill
Emily Rennie
Carol Tonnon
Bonnie Waterman

Planning Consultants
Leslie Burger, Library Development Solutions
Alan Burger, Library Development Solutions
Executive Summary
In January 2003 the Ramsey Free Public Library Board of Trustees
decided to embark on a strategic planning process to determine long term
future strategies for improving and expanding library service to Ramsey
residents. The Board established a Strategic Planning Committee
composed of trustees, friends of the library, community stakeholders, and
library staff to work with its planning consultants in developing a plan.

Over the next few months the Planning Committee met in monthly sessions
to evaluate the outcomes of community wide focus groups that provided
suggestions for improving the library, to review information about
community demographics and changes in library use, and determine how
the library board and staff should best respond to Ramsey residents
needs for library service over the next three years.

This plan represents the results of these deliberations. The plan sets forth
a long term vision to guide the development of library service in Ramsey –
to create a 21st century destination library that reflects the cultural and
educational aspirations of the Ramsey community. It specifies the
library’s mission – to enrich people’s lives and build community by
providing resources and services that inform, educate, and entertain.
And it outlines seven goals and multiple objectives and strategies to assist
in the accomplishment of those goals to help the Ramsey Library to
provide the exceptional library service that its residents want and
deserve. The seven goals are:

1. To improve the existing library to create a more comfortable

environment for users
2. To create a destination library that enables the trustees and staff
to meet their vision for library service by expanding the library
3. To expand the library’s technology program with a focus on
fostering an information literate community and creating a
greater technology presence in the library
4. To review, refresh and expand library collections to focus on
current titles and topics in all formats
5. To create opportunities for lifelong learning
6. To improve community awareness about the library, its services
and programs and to build broad based community support for
the library
7. To continue providing responsive services to meet community
needs, staying focused on providing friendly, knowledgeable
service

A detailed implementation timeline in Attachment Two provides

information about the specific strategies that will be used to roll out this
plan. It is estimated that the total three year cost of implementing these
recommendations, exclusive of the costs to significantly renovate and
expand the library, will total approximately $435,000.
Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

A Message from the President of the Ramsey Free

Public Library Board of Trustees
Dear Ramsey Community,

On behalf of the Ramsey Free Public Library Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure

to share with you the strategic plan to evaluate and change the Ramsey Library
to become a “Library of the Future.”

Ramsey has grown in both number and diversity in its population since the library
was designed and built in 1968. Our growth, coupled with a strong citizen
demand for electronic technology, new media and other non-traditional library
services has served to provide the direction recommended in this plan.

First and foremost, we envision the evolution of the library to serve as the place
for residents to meet, share ideas, be entertained, educated and informed. It will
become an even greater presence in the lives of the citizens of Ramsey. We do
not have to start at zero, however. We already have a library that provides
enrichment – both educational and cultural – for Ramsey residents.

The plan provides a roadmap, both short and long term, for building upon and
enhancing these resources so we can fully realize the potential value of the
library to our community.

I would like to thank the many groups and individuals who by providing cogent
input helped shape the plan.

Emily Rennie

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Our Strategic Planning Process

The Ramsey Free Public Library’s strategic plan is the result of many hours of
discussion by community residents, library staff and Board and Planning
Committee members. Each of these groups, through their discussions, insights
and commitment to the future of the library, made a valuable contribution to the
ideas included in this plan.

In thinking about developing a plan, the library’s Board and Director determined
that the community’s comments and concerns were an essential part of the
process in order to develop a plan that reflected and responded to real
community library needs. A Planning Committee composed of Library Trustees
and Friends, community members, and library staff met to establish the
framework for the library’s planning effort. This group, assisted by the library
staff, organized a series of seven focus groups in which more than 80 residents
and staff shared suggestions and ideas for continued library improvement to
firmly establish the library as a central feature of Ramsey’s community life. The
planning process was facilitated by Library Development Solutions, a Princeton,
New Jersey based library consulting firm.

The process leading up to the development of the plan included the following:

Planning Committee
The Library Trustees appointed a Planning Committee of Board members,
staff, friends and community representatives to guide the development of this
plan. This group met monthly to review the outcomes of the focus group
sessions, review staff and Board recommendations for the future of the
Library, develop a new vision and mission for the library and set goals and
objectives for the plan.

Planning Assumptions
The Planning Committee adopted certain key assumptions as an underlying
basis for the strategic plan’s development. The planners agreed that:

• The Borough is committed to meeting the state mandate for support

of public libraries;

• Property reevaluation will result in increased funding for the library;

• The library’s operating budget will continue to be supported

primarily with public funds;

• Public demand for library services and the building will continue to
grow with increased expectations for library improvements and new
services for adults and children;

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

• The borough will respond to public demand for more library

programs and an improved facility;

• Public institutions, like the library, that support the community’s

overall quality of life will remain important to residents;

• The community will continue its strong support for formal and
informal educational programs;

• Ramsey residents, particularly those living on fixed incomes, will be

reluctant to support initiatives that raise taxes unless they value the
service;

• The library will need to become a “firecracker” if it is to capture the

community’s attention; and,

• The library board, friends, staff and other library stakeholders will
think expansively in planning for library services and programs.

Library Board Meetings

The Library Board met with the consultants in February and March 2003 to
review planning assumptions, offer their important ideas regarding the future
direction of the library, and to assist in organizing the focus group sessions. A
number of Board members also participated on the Planning Committee to
discuss recommendations and develop priorities based on community
comments from the focus groups.

Community Focus Groups

Seven focus groups provided planners with new information and reinforced
information about the community’s perception of the Library and their desire
for new or improved services. Residents also commended the Library and
Wendy Bloom, the Director, for many innovative and high quality services and
programs that are offered today. The consultants and planners also reviewed
valuable data that was available from the Library’s 2002 user survey, in which
158 people participated.

Library Staff Meetings

The consultants met with library staff to review community and user
comments and to provide an additional forum for staff input and leadership of
the planning process. The Library staff offered important perspectives on the
feasibility of implementing library services and programs and was
instrumental in developing implementation strategies for the plan’s goals and
objectives.

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Our Library Today

The Ramsey Free Public Library is committed to excellence. The library
continues to improve its services and facility in response to increased resident
use and greater expectations of the library. The library is growing more popular
among Ramsey and Bergen County residents. Compared to an average 59%
registration rate of all BCCLS (Bergen County Cooperative Library System)
libraries, 63% of Ramsey residents hold a library card. Residents have
commented that the Ramsey Free Public Library is responsive to the needs of
the community and that staff readily assist requests for information and materials.

Recent user statistics also reflect a growing trend among libraries in general and
the Ramsey Library in particular describing increased book and video loans,
increased visits to the library and participation in programs by both adults and
children.

The following charts describe the increased use in the Ramsey Free Public
Library for library visits, circulation of materials and library program
attendance.

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Library Visits

110,000

105,000

100,000

95,000

90,000
2000 2001 2002

Circulation

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0
2000 2001 2002

Library Program Attendance

7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2000 2001 2002

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Celebrating Accomplishments

Over the last three years, the library staff and Board have much to celebrate
about the library and its many accomplishments. These accomplishments have
helped increase the value of the Ramsey Free Public Library to the community.
Among the most significant accomplishments are:

• Reaffirmation that the library is a public service organization with staff

who value their customers and understand that they work at the library
to meet the library and information needs of Ramsey residents

• The addition of new staff members who can creatively address the
needs of Ramsey’s children when it comes to library and information
services

• An increase in the number of library materials loaned per year to

become one of the top five libraries for circulation increases among the
Bergen County Cooperative Library System’s (BCCLS) 73 member
libraries

• A revitalized Friends of the Library that increased its membership to

500 people

• An expanded array of program offerings for adults and children

• A refreshed collection with the addition of more desirable library

materials, a reduction in the number of obsolete, damaged and worn
materials, and a renewed focus on collection development

• The addition of PC workstations for library users and staff

• An increase in the number of grant applications and research leading

to other sources of funding

We Listened: Voices of Ramsey

In making the decision to develop a long range plan for the library, the Board of
Trustees determined that community input to the process was essential in
developing a plan that responded to community needs and desires. Two
approaches were used to gather data and information from the community
regarding their library and information needs – a survey distributed to library
users and focus group interviews. The Planning Committee used the data from
the survey and focus groups to help shape recommendations contained in this
plan.

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Survey Results
158 people responded to a library users’ survey distributed in the library in 2002.
The survey results provide a snapshot of the typical Ramsey Free Public Library
user. Significant results included:

• 39% use the library weekly, 4% more than once per week, and 16% once
per month

• The primary reasons for coming to the library are (in order of response):
for adult fiction (64%) and non-fiction (45%), to borrow a video (42%), to
borrow children’s books (31%), and books on tape (27%).

• When people are in the library 68% ask for help from the library staff, 35%
use a photocopier, 34% read magazines, 30% consult reference
materials, and 20% use the Internet computers.

• 60% said they request materials from other libraries using interlibrary loan
services.

• 65% indicated they were very satisfied with the current level of library
service but only 35% said that the library provided enough computer
workstations, study tables and casual seating.

• 86% said that the library is a very important part of the Ramsey
community.

Community Focus Groups

The Planning Committee, Library Board, and staff invited members of the
Ramsey community to participate in seven focus group sessions to learn more
about community needs for library services. Participants included frequent and
infrequent library users, nonusers, seniors and retirees, teens, parents,
educators and civic leaders, volunteers and Friends from the Ramsey Free public
Library and staff. A detailed report summarizing the focus group comments is
available in the Library.1 Many of the issues brought up during the focus group
discussions reinforced data collected during the community survey.

Though many participants were satisfied with services and collections that are
available today, they enthusiastically discussed improvements to the library that
would meet the community’s changing needs and provide even better service.
Included in the suggestions were:

• Additional and easier access to computers, the Internet and computer

instruction.

1
Voices of Ramsey - A Summary of Comments from Ramsey residents about the Ramsey Free Public
Library.

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

• After school access to Internet and word processing computers for school
research and projects.

• Services, programs and space specifically for children, teens and seniors

• Changes to the library layout to accommodate more seating, reading and

study areas, and community meeting space for programs, small meetings
and tutoring programs.

• Changes to the library layout to keep children’s activities and collections in

one area.

• Continued improvement to the collections with more modern newer

materials.

• Increased collaboration between the schools and the library.

• A renewed public relations or marketing campaign to identify the library as

the prime destination for community information and resources, popular
and current materials, for computer and Internet use and for children and
adult programs.

• Increased information and publicity about library funding and advocacy.

Our Library Tomorrow: A New Vision, Mission and

Shared Values for the Ramsey Free Public Library
The vision, mission and values set the stage for what the Library Trustees and
staff hope to achieve during this three-year planning cycle. The goals and
objectives provide a glimpse into the specific strategies that the Library Trustees
and staff will employ to achieve the vision.

The Ramsey Free Public Library is fortunate to have a community that

understands the importance of the Library and the centrality of the library in the
overall health of the community. It’s now up to the Library Trustees and staff to
create new opportunities to attract more people to the library and to increase use
and support for all that the library has to offer.

Our Vision
To create a state of the art, 21st century destination library that reflects the
cultural and educational aspirations of the Ramsey community.

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

As the Ramsey Free Public Library works to fulfill this vision, library users will
experience the following as they use the library and its services.

The Library will:

• provide services and programs that go far beyond those of a traditional
library
• offer an exciting, easy to use, safe and comfortable space that
accommodates a variety of activities at the same time
• continuously integrate new technology to deliver better services
• bring people together to build a sense of community
• provide a customer driven library program that offers convenience,
relationships and great service

The mission describes the library’s purpose and its reason for being. The
mission guides the allocation of library resources and helps in establishing
priorities.

Our Mission
The Ramsey Free Public Library enriches people’s lives and builds
community by providing resources and services that inform, educate, and
entertain.

Values to Guide the Ramsey Free Public Library

• Our library provides free and equal access to ideas and information for all
members of the community regardless of their age, sex, physical
condition, or economic, ethnic, religious or political status.
• Our staff protects the privacy of all who use its resources.
• Our staff and trustees are flexible, adaptable and open to change.
• Our staff provides responsive, personalized customer service and
assistance.
• Our library empowers people to become independent lifelong learners.
• Our library is a safe, comfortable and supportive community destination.
• Our library records and preserves the historic record of our community
and makes it available for future generations

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Key Strategic Issues

Library planners reviewed the community comments, analyzed demographic
trends in Ramsey and library usage trends. Planners then focused this wealth of
information into 5 strategic issues which the plan addresses with its goals and
objectives. These are the issues that drive the plan and will guide the library
during the next few years.

The Library Experience and Hub of the Community

Residents will frequent public facilities that are convenient and easy to use.
This holds true for libraries. Public libraries need to become destinations by
offering user friendly services, eliminating obsolete policies, and creating an
enjoyable space with easy to use materials and services. This may also
include one on one technology instruction and reference assistance, more
intuitive catalogs and shelving arrangements as well as convenient book drop
off locations, extended hours and after school homework centers. Public
libraries can become the community’s “living room” or “front porch”, a
destination of first choice for reading materials and information.

Services to Children and Teens

Intergenerational use of the library is at the heart of its value to the
community. Teens especially, need to find a home at the library to support
their educational and leisure interests. Children are avid users as their
parents bring them to the children’s programs, but interest wanes in the
middle school years. The challenge for the library is to continue to maintain a
safe place for children and teens while developing interesting and creative
resources for them.

The Library Building: A Community Asset

Accessible physical space is the key factor in creating “destination” libraries.
Comments from the community revealed that they often go to newer libraries
in the area for the ease of use, pleasant environment and expanded space for
collections and programs. Residents want library space that can
accommodate a variety of uses at the same time, from quiet study and
reading to group study and programs. If Ramsey has outgrown its existing
facility what are the options for the future of our library and community?

Technology Access
Changes in information technology are transforming the way that libraries
operate. Internet and email use have become ubiquitous among large
numbers of people, both young and old. At the same time there is a digital
divide that has developed, not only in terms of affording one’s own equipment
but in relation to one’s skills and knowledge to access new information
resources. Many people already rely on their library as the first or only access
to electronic information sources. Libraries face a growing challenge in
providing adequate access to the computers, software, databases,

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

infrastructure and instruction that make easy access possible to the whole
community.

Advocacy, Marketing and Resource Development

The Ramsey Free Public Library relies primarily on Borough tax support to
fund its programs, collections and services. The Library will need to explore
additional funding opportunities as well as explain to the community the
unique role of the library in the Ramsey community. The library is the main
intergenerational public space serving all residents of the community in an
environment of diminishing public spaces. Libraries will need to renew their
image and offerings to appeal to all residents in a changing environment.

Serving the Community: Goals and Objectives

These goals and objectives provide the roadmap for the Ramsey Free Public
Library to guide the development of the Library’s budget and operations in living
its vision and fulfilling the library’s mission.

GOAL 1: Improve the existing library to create a more comfortable

environment for users

The Need
We live in a world in which people are seeking “experiences.” Whether it’s a trip
to the supermarket, a visit to a bookstore or a shopping expedition to the mall,
retailers and not-for profit service providers are seeking ways to differentiate the
services they offer from other competitors. The Ramsey Free Public Library
needs to find ways to ensure that the library continues to be a destination for
those looking for a public library experience by offering services and programs
that respond to changing demographics, expectations and needs. This goal
addresses the challenge of taking a 35 year old library and making physical
modifications that will continue to attract current users and encourage people
who do not currently use the library to see what it has to offer.

Objectives:

1.1 By June 2005, evaluate the current library space and make short
term improvements that make it easier for people to use the library.

Strategies:
• Identify equipment and furniture no longer required and arrange for
temporary offsite storage until it can be sold or offered to other libraries
(Jan. 2004)

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

• Schedule a semi-annual “sparkle day” to clear the library of

unused/little used items to improve the overall appearance (remove the
drapes, paint, clear the store rooms, etc.) (Jan. 2004 and ongoing)
• Replace the circulation service desk with updated furniture that
accommodates current functions (January -March 2004)
• Add a second drop box for media returns (March 2004)
• Engage an interior designer/architect to evaluate the current space and
develop recommendations for short term, low cost solutions to improve
space (January - August 2004)
• Relocate the children’s area and reference area (June - August 2004)
• Provide more comfortable seating (November 2004 - January 2005)
• Purchase and install new tables and chairs for the children’s area
(November - January 2005)
• Improve lighting throughout the Library (January 2005)
• Work with the Borough to implement improvements in the library
parking lot (January - June 2005)

1.2 By March 2004, create opportunities to highlight and display library

resources

Strategies:
• Create areas for display of new and topical materials (Ongoing)
• Purchase display tables and shelving (January - March 2004)
• Create a display area for community information and flyers (January -
March 2004)

GOAL 2: Create a destination library that enables the trustees and staff
to meet their vision for library service by expanding the library

The Need:
Goal One addresses short term improvements to the library building to retain
current users and attract new users in updated space. On a long term basis,
Ramsey needs to develop a library expansion plan that will result in a modern
library facility capable of accommodating a variety of community needs for library
service. This is a more long term project which focuses on the need to provide
additional space to accommodate new technologies, expanded programming for
children, teens and adults, more space for library materials, and community
meetings. The long term goal is to have a new library or significantly renovated
and expended library in place in time for Ramsey’s centennial celebration in
2008.

Objectives:

2.1 By December 2005, identify a preferred strategy for expanding or

relocating the library

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

Strategies:
• Engage a library building consultant and/or architect to determine the
optimal size for an expanded library and evaluate options for
expanding the library at the current site versus a new location
(November 2004 - June 2005)
• Incorporate some of the following features into an expanded library
design: separate children’s room and story room; separate teen area
with space for teen materials, computers and listening and viewing
stations; a community room with a stage and piano; smaller meeting
rooms for tutoring, group projects, small meetings; improved work
space for staff (November 2004 - June 2005)
• Engage an architect to develop a concept plan and preliminary costs
for an expanded library (June 2005- Dec. 2005)
• Evaluate the various options and costs and agree upon a preferred
approach (November – December 2005)

2.2 Secure funding and community support for the library expansion
project (January 2006 - Dec. 2006)

Strategies:
• Work with the Borough to identify options for financing the new
library (January – March 2006)
• Obtain a commitment from the Borough for municipal funding
(March 2006)
• Identify the amount of funds to be raised privately and work with a
fundraising consultant on a feasibility study for raising funds to
support the library project (March – June 2006)
• Implement a capital campaign to support the library expansion
(September 2006 – December 2006)

GOAL 3: Expand the library’s technology program with a focus on

fostering an information literate community and creating a
greater technology presence in the library

The Need:
In the last seven years libraries have become technology dependent
organizations. Increasingly much of the information that was once available only
in expensive reference books is produced only in online, subscription databases.
To accommodate its users, the Ramsey Free Public Library needs to invest in a
technology infrastructure that permits its users to access technology based
information in convenient locations throughout the library. This means greatly
expanding the availability of PCs in the library so people visiting the library can
obtain needed information via databases or the World Wide Web. This goal

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

incorporates a conservative approach to enhancing access to technology in the

library that is totally dependent on the budget available to support this project.

Objectives:

3.1 By December 2004, create a greater technology presence in the

library

Strategies:
• Purchase or lease 6 additional Internet ready PCs for public use
(March 2004)
• Group PCs in a “cluster” to highlight their availability (March- April
2004)
• Purchase additional PCs for staff use in order to streamline work flow
and improve efficiency (June 2004)
• Purchase additional PCs for the children’s area (June 2004)
• Install a wireless network throughout the library (June 2004)
• Purchase laptops with wireless cards that can be loaned to patrons for
use throughout the library (September 2004)
• Develop a wireless laptop training center in the library’s meeting room
(September 2004)
• Install flat screens and PCs or tablet PCs on the book stack end panels
for easy access to the catalog (December 2004)

3.2 By December 2004, improve the library’s technology infrastructure

Strategies:
• Develop a technology plan for the library to provide recommendations
for purchasing servers and creating a server room, increasing
bandwidth for Internet access, upgrading the PC processors
(September 2004 - January 2005)
• Install an LCD projector in the meeting room (March 2005)
• Create a staff intranet for easier sharing of organizational information
(January 2005)

3.3 By June 2004, use technology to streamline work routines and

improve efficiency

Strategies:
• Use a dedicated printer and software to produce computer generated
spine labels for library materials (June 2004)
• Provide training for staff in MSWord, Excel and PowerPoint (Ongoing)

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

GOAL 4: Renew, refresh and expand library collections to focus on

current titles and topics in all formats

The Need:
Libraries are about books and information. To a great extent library use
increases or decreases based on it current inventory of up to date, current, in
demand titles that appeal to the interests of all age groups in the community. In
the last few years the Ramsey Free Public Library has successfully refocused its
collection to provide more copies of in demand titles but it needs to increase its
materials budget significantly to keep up with community demands.

Objectives:
4.1 Revisit the current collection development policy annually

Strategies:
• Develop new selection criteria that reflects demographic changes in
the community and changes in people’s interests (Current and
ongoing)
• Use BCCLS statistics to review circulation trends of all formats and
“dusty book” holdings percentages (Ongoing)
• Analyze current use and trends to determine areas of the collection
that need expansion or reduction (Ongoing)
• Develop an ongoing weeding policy to provide shelf space for
desirable titles (ongoing)
• Identify books that are beyond repair and remove from the collection
(Ongoing)

4.2 Develop collections to meet specific community needs

Strategies:
• Increase the number of college guides and other college prep
materials to assist the high school and families in making college
decisions (ongoing)
• Expand the health, travel, gardening, home decoration and cook book
collections to meet growing needs of retirees and adult users for more
current materials (Ongoing)
• Purchase more popular novels in Spanish, Polish, German and other
languages that may be spoken or read in the community (Ongoing)
• Make it easier for library users to offer suggestions for purchase
(Ongoing)
• Communicate new purchases to the community (Ongoing)

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

4.3 Increase accessibility to popular titles and resources

Strategies:
• Increase the library materials budget (June 2004)
• Create shorter loan periods for popular materials to increase turnover
(June 2004)
• Purchase more copies of current materials to meet demand (Ongoing)
• Review ideas to help create an increased materials budget (Ongoing)
• Increase public awareness about the collection (Ongoing)

GOAL 5: Create opportunities for lifelong learning

The Need:
The Ramsey Free Public Library can provide a variety of resources to assist
people in meeting their lifelong learning goals. Whether it’s attending a library
program, participating in computer training class, taking an independent study
exam, or attending a book or film discussion group there are many ways to learn
at the library.

Objectives:
5.1 Create ongoing programs to attract all ages to the library

Strategies:
• Expand programming for all ages (June 2004)
• Inform the community about all the library resources available to help
them (Ongoing)
• Make the library the “winter venue” for the town with expanded
programming (Ongoing)
• Expand the budget to include more adult, children’s and teen
programming (June 2004)
• Create a homework help center with tutors and exam night activities
(June 2005)
• Develop a series of technology training programs for all ages and
especially for retirees and seniors (June 2005)
• Use the library for tax preparation when the Borough offices are closed
– a tax cram night (April 2004)
• Develop the skills and a timetable for grant writing to obtain funding to
support programs and new services (Ongoing)

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

GOAL 6: Improve community awareness about the library, its services

and programs and build broad based support for the library

The Need:
The Ramsey Free Public Library needs to continuously communicate all that it
has to offer. Current and potential customers should understand that the Library
is a valuable resource in their day to day lives and how to find and use library
resources either by visiting the library and using the library’s web site. From the
focus groups and town meeting we learned that there are specific segments of
the community who are currently underutilizing the library. The Ramsey Free
Public Library needs to broaden its reach through continuous promotion,
merchandising and marketing to make the Library an even more exciting
destination.

Objectives:
6.1 Create a heightened awareness throughout Ramsey so there is a
constant positive “buzz” about the library

Strategies:
• Develop a marketing plan for a new logo and public identity for the
library (December 2004)
• Work with the local press to ensure regular story placement about the
library (Ongoing)
• Create a brochure about the library and its services for new residents
(Ongoing)
• Use e-mail alerts to inform people about library activities (June 2005)
• Contribute a library news item to the Borough’s quarterly newsletter
(Ongoing)

6.2 Develop stronger partnerships with community agencies and

schools

Strategies:
• Work with school administrators and parent groups to identify
opportunities for common programs and support services for students,
teachers and parents (Ongoing)
• Work with the schools to place a link to the library on their web sites
(Ongoing)
• Identify community agencies and organizations to form alliances with
the library (Ongoing)
• Cooperate with local businesses to develop marketing plans that
promote library use (Ongoing)

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

GOAL 7: Continue to provide responsive services to meet community

needs, staying focused on providing friendly, knowledgeable
service.

The Need:
Good customer service distinguishes the Ramsey Free Public Library from its
book store competitors. The ability to invest in training that permits
Library staff to continually update their skills is important to maintaining the high
quality service that community residents have come to expect from their library.
Providing up to date physical and technological systems will ensure that the staff
have the tools required to provide exceptional library service.

7.1 Provide opportunities for staff to continue developing a service

attitude

Strategies:
• Increase the current level of service by providing additional staffing
at the service desks during busy hours (June 2004)
• Reexamine staffing patterns (Ongoing)
• Identify staff training and development needs and provide
opportunities for staff to learn new skills (Ongoing)
• Reexamine work flow routines in the technical services area (March
2004)
• Streamline work routines in all public service positions (March
2004)

7.2 Implement physical and system changes to enhance library services

Strategies:
• Upgrade the library’s phone system to include messaging
capabilities (March 2005)
• Have a dedicated phone to call other libraries to find out if book is
available for pick up (June 2004)
• Create service desks that encourage people to interact with staff
(March 2004)
• Redesign the library’s existing space so good customer service is
more easily provided (March 2004)

Measuring Success
This is an ambitious plan that will significantly change the quality of library
service in Ramsey. It is essential that library staff and trustees set aside time
annually to assess progress in meeting the plan’s goals and objectives, to make
mid-course corrections that may be required to deal with changing circumstances
and needs, and to celebrate their accomplishments. The results of this effort
should be reported on an annual basis to all of those who helped shaped the

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Serving our Community – A Strategic Plan for the Ramsey Free Public Library

plan – the Planning committee, focus groups participants, members of the

Friends of the Library, library staff – as well as members of the Library Board of
Trustees and the Borough governing body.

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