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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
From their perspective as key leaders in the communityTrends that could create opportunities for the library or impact its futureImprovement in terms of additional, more effective, or more efficient services to the community Wanted to learnTheir relationship with the libraryStrengths and weaknesses of the libraryTrends Unmet community needsOpportunities for improvementAdvice for us$1,000,000
It is a gift to have the input of non-users.
One partner said they weren’t really clear on the library’s story—would like to know more.
Later, see how many used library computers or wi-fi over the past year—it’s a lot higher
90% do
Satisfied = very satisfied + somewhat satisfiedLower rates of satisfaction correlate with high NA responses in these categories: Quality of programs and events, downloading ebooks and audio, and wait time to use computers