Objective for Year One of the Library's Strategic Plan

As the Library’s Strategic Plan was intended to be a living document to guide the library through a changing environment, work toward the eight strategic goals will be reassessed each year to provide realistic progress that remains attuned to community needs. Reflecting upon the Library's stated values of Community, Learning, Access, and Innovation as well as the community input that contributed to each stated goal, Library staff of all levels gathered to focus on first concrete steps.

Create opportunities for Learning and Discovery

Dallas Public Library's programming will focus on meeting specific community needs and filling recognized gaps in city services. Within this effort, the Library will focus its efforts in three main areas: emphasizing programming that closes opportunity gaps in early literacy, for families, and for seniors.

Year one objectives:

1. Collaborate with other departments to identify existing programs offered across city departments to reduce duplication of efforts.

2. Identify and strengthen strategic partnerships to address needs in early childhood literacy and senior programming.

3. Develop strategic programming priorities that are hyper-localized to the neighborhood needs of each library location.

Provide Customer-Responsive Technology

Dallas Public Library will adopt customer and future-focused technology improvements that ensure stable and up-to-date service for Dallas residents. The primary outcomes of this goal are reducing the Library's demands on the Information Technology Services Department while improving staff and public access to the Internet and innovative technologies.

Year one objectives:

1. In collaboration with the Information Technology Services Department, adopt a 5-year technology plan that includes E-rate network improvements.

2. Move the Library's Integrated Library System, Polaris, to a web-hosted instance that will improve functionality and facilitate regular updates.

Cultivate a Vibrant Materials Collection

Dallas Public Library's physical, electronic, and special collections will adapt to reflect the needs of an increasingly diverse community. The outcome in this area will be a right-sized collection that serves residents with physical and digital materials.

Year one objectives:

1. System-wide inventory and strategic weeding to right-size the physical collection to provide residents with the most accurate, up-to-date, and accessible materials.

2. Within the Collection Development Policy, develop a purpose statement for the physical and digital collection materials to guide future resource allocation decisions.

3. Launch a new digital repository to provide easy, intuitive access to special collection materials.

Reduce Barriers to Access

Dallas Public Library will ensure all community members have equitable access to its physical facilities, digital presence, collections, programs, and services.

Year one objectives:

1. Develop and implement plan for sensory story time to address the needs of neuro-divergent Dallas children.

2. Implement new design of the Dallas Public Library website that includes a human-designed true Spanish language version.

3. Implement program to deliver library materials to home-bound individuals.

Provide Inspiring and Welcoming Facilities

Dallas Public Library's buildings will be community-focused to adapt to the current and future needs of Dallas' neighborhoods and residents. Two major outcomes within this goal are addressing the recommendations of the 20-year facilities plan and right-sizing the balance between space dedicated to the physical collection and space dedicated to personal study and community use.

Year one objectives:

1. Implement ADA bathroom upgrades at 8 locations (program approved by the 2024 bond election).

2. Review the 20-year facilities plan and develop a plan to address the recommendations

3. Update the kit-of-parts recommendations that outline the requirements for planning library space for renovations and new construction projects.

4. Implement signage improvements based on FY23 Signage audit findings.

Make Community Connections

Dallas Public Library will be a neighborhood center for information and participation in civic life by leveraging partnerships and collaborating with the other organizations to bring services directly to residents. Outcomes in this area include strengthening and growing relationships to serve new immigrants and English learners, provide cultural experiences, and provide workforce and business education opportunities to Library patrons.

Year one objectives:

1. Meet with consulates based in the Dallas area to better understand how the library can be a trusted neighborhood resource for new comers to the city and country.

2. Promote Library spaces as accessible hubs for providing cultural and economic development resources and programming to the community.

Communicate the Library’s Value

Dallas Public Library will tell stories that highlight the Library's service to the community and amplify the Library as a vital city institution. Outcomes under this goal include maintaining existing and attracting new Library card users and developing a robust Spanish language messaging and outreach plan.

Year one objectives:

1. Develop and implement a plan to engage inactive Library card holders.

2. Develop informational materials to help new residents understand the benefits of using their Library and connect with key city partners to increase the Library’s ability to reach these residents.

3. Develop informational materials about Library programs and services to help attract partnerships and funding.

Develop Future Ready Staff

Dallas Public Library will create opportunities for library staff to grow and innovate. Within this goal, the Library will work to upskill managers, prepare and grow staff to provide excellent services and retain good employees.

Year one objectives:

1. Develop training policy and training schedule requirements (specifications by position).

2. Develop a mentorship program that connects library staff across the system to maximize skill-sharing.

3. Develop and implement an internal communications plan.