LIBRARY FIVE YEAR GOALS & OBJECTIVES: 2017-2022

The Boylston Public Library will be a community hub for the Town of Boylston, enriching lives by providing a means of social and cultural interaction.

• Foster community partnerships for library programs and services.

• Host a diverse range of programs for all ages that encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world while promoting social engagement with neighbors.

• Hold large community events at least twice a year.

• Promote community unity through annual One Book, One Boylston program.

• Utilize Friends of the Library and Foundation to supplement funding and hosting of programs.

• Seek grants for speaker fees and program supplies.

• Continue outreach efforts to homebound patrons through home book delivery.

• Expand offering of museum and local attraction passes and discounts.

• Investigate feasibility of serving coffee in the library.

The Boylston Public Library will provide a flexible and adaptable physical space that is accessible to all residents and adequately supports collections and services.

• Investigate options for a dedicated meeting room.

• Add additional shelving for DVD collection in Reading Room.

• Keep all public areas free of physical clutter.

• Update library web site to meet current ADA standards.

• Add comfortable outdoor seating spaces.

• Provide interactive children’s spaces that encourage a love of learning and exploration.

The Boylston Public Library will enhance existing collections and services.

• Complete comprehensive collection studies to identify gaps in collection.

• Cultivate core collections for all print materials.

• Develop collection standards and weed all collections accordingly.

• Identify popular trends in print materials and purchase materials accordingly.

• Work with C/WMars and MLS to broaden eBook and eAudio offerings.

• Monitor use statistics for all collections and allocate budget monies according to most popular collections.

• Seek patron recommendations for collections.

• Organize all collections in ways that promote exploration and discovery of materials.

The Boylston Public Library will improve marketing, outreach, and communications with patrons, media, and stakeholders.

• Develop welcome packet with an overview of library collections and services.

• Create marketing plan for the library.

• Seek funding for design software and cost of printing materials.

• Provide timely information on library web site and social media accounts.

• Issue press releases to local media as needed.

• Issue monthly Director’s Report to Library Trustees, Friends of the Library, Foundation, and other stakeholders.

• Increase coordination efforts between Trustees, Friends of the Library, and Library Foundation.

The Boylston Public Library will provide the highest level of customer service to all residents.

• Determine need for additional staffing levels in order to increase services.

• Provide opportunities for staff to attend trainings, conferences, and workshops.

• Maintain a friendly, knowledgeable, and customer oriented staff.

• Update job descriptions as requirements change.

• Provide training for all customer service staff on all library resources and equipment.

• Provide access to library periodicals and other resources related to library trends.

• Seek funding for increased hours of operation.

• Request feedback from patrons on ways the library can improve.  

The Boylston Public Library will develop new offerings to patrons as community needs change.

• Explore non-traditional library collections for possible purchase.

• Seek funding for additional collections.

• Address space concerns for additional collections.

• Identify needs of the community through patron surveys, discussions, town meetings, and other means.

• Analyze circulation statistics to identify trends.

The Boylston Public Library will adapt services as new technology becomes available.

• Maintain updated Technology and Equipment replacement plan that correlates to current equipment inventory.

• Identify emerging trends in technology that further the library’s mission.

• Seek grants or other funding for trials of new technology.

• Evaluate effectiveness of existing technology and identify areas for improvement.