For Immediate Release
Contact: Tia Towe Freeman
(757) 664-7338

NORFOLK PUBLIC LIBRARY RELEASES STRATEGIC DIRECTION FOR 2006-2011

Norfolk, VA (January 24, 2006) – Norfolk Public Library has released its new 5-Year strategic directions covering 2006 to 2011. The Creating a City of Readers Strategic Directions identifies the vision, mission, values, and goals that will shape the Library’s actions for the next 5 years, and highlights the initiatives the library will undertake to achieve these goals.

Developed under the guidance of Library Director Norman Maas, the Directions will help library employees, trustees, and volunteers design library services that best meet the informational, educational, reading, and technological needs of Norfolk’s diverse community.

“Our Strategic Directions will ensure that the Library’s energy and resources are used to provide library services that matter most to the people of Norfolk,” says Norman Maas. “Developing detailed action plans and objectives based on the directions will be our next step in the planning process, “adds Maas.

The Directions represent the contributions of many diverse groups and individuals. A broad data-gathering effort involving library staff, trustees, Friends of the Library, and numerous groups in the community including local elected officials and library customers was utilized.

Goals & Strategies

The Creating a City of Readers report identifies 11 major directions and lists strategic actions areas under each direction.

  • Strategic Direction 1 - Build the collection of books and other materials to better meet customer needs

  • Strategic Direction 2 - Improve current facilities and develop plans for new building facilities to better accommodate our customers

  • Strategic Direction 3 - Enhance library staff ability to better serve our customers

  • Strategic Direction 4 - Use technology and computer resources to improve library services to the public

  • Strategic Direction 5 - Strengthen Early Childhood Literacy and parent education through improved services available to children, families, and caregivers

  • Strategic Direction 6 - Develop the After-School Initiative to provide constructive after-school activity for school-aged children and teenagers

  • Strategic Direction 7 - Enhance local history and genealogy resources

  • Strategic Direction 8 - Address the need for information related to community services, agencies, and organizations

  • Strategic Direction 9 - Provide career information in support of people who are trying to find employment

  • Strategic Direction 10 - Increase awareness of library services and activities while highlighting the value of the library to the community, both users and non-users alike

  • Strategic Direction 11 - Increase external support for quality library services
    • For a printed copy of the Library’s Strategic Directions call Tia Freeman, Public Relations Specialist of the Norfolk Public Library at 757-664-7338. The Directions are also available online at     www.npl.lib.va.us.

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