Backup — original pdf

Backup

Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Library Commission Meeting August 25, 2025 Building Our Strategic Plan 2022 - 2023 A Year of Collaborative Planning • Over 6,500 Austinites contributed to shaping the vision • Guided by a dedicated Steering Committee, including:  Chief Administrative Officer  Assistant Director of Public Services  Community Engagement Librarian  IDEAL Program Manager  Business Process Consultant Sr Workgroup Engagement • 5 workgroups aligned with the strategic goals • 86 staff members from across the department participated • Members were selected for their diverse roles, perspectives, & expertise 2024 IMPLEMENTATION Rolling Out the Strategy 2024 - 2025 Engaging Staff Across the System • Conducted a “Road Show”, visiting over 40 work groups in just 3 months Partnering with the University of Texas • Collaborating on a Data Dictionary and Reporting Tool to support data-informed decision-making Coordinating with the City & Office of Operational Excellence • Aligning metrics with the City’s Strategic Direction 2028 • Prioritizing metrics and data collection • Tweaking our systems to collect meaningful data Ongoing Communication & Training • Presenting at Staff Development Days, Management Team Meetings, Branch Meetings, Library Orientation, and other key internal events • Providing on-demand training for use of new tools • Creating and communicating new procedures Technology Design & Buildout2024 - 2025 Background • New Strategic Plan • Consistency of Tracking and Reporting • Consistency of Process Server and Infrastructure • Library – All New Server Hardware, Software and Platforms • Security and Privacy take the lead • New Tools, Methods, and Processes • Built from the ground up (New Stacks) Standardization of data and methods • Database decisions • Methods and Tools 2024 - 2025 Database & Applications A Phased Approach • Prioritize buildout • 50+ metrics for the Strategic Plan alone • Proof of Concept as we build Phase I • Library Highlights Report – Library Commission • Completing Phase I Now Phase II – Remaining Strategic Plan Metrics • Strategic Plan Metrics • Capture …through presentation • Long Term Vision – Make sense Actions Phase III – Misc Metrics, New Mediums and Presentations • Non- Strategic Plan metrics • Audience Access Expansion • New Presentation Methods STRATEGIC GOALS Goal 1: Provide Community-Centric Programs and Services • Include staff feedback in designing programs and services • Making sure that resources are allocated equitably • Use data to better understand how libraries are used • Offer programs that represent Austin’s diversity Goal 2: Design and Develop Spaces for Community Connections • Make the library a hub for the creative community • Foster win-win opportunities for joint/shared spaces with partners • Increase people space • Design branches for resiliency and sustainability 2.4.1 Track the percent of branches with sustainable and green features 2.3.2 Monitor the rate of library space expansion throughout the CY Goal 3: Foster Stakeholder Relationships • Engage strategic partners in co-creating programs and opportunities • Increase partnerships with the Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association Goal 3 Data Insert visualizations Goal 4: Expand Library Access • Raise awareness of library services • Reduce barriers to technology, increase support for customers technical needs • Use data to evaluate ways for customer to better use library materials and services Goal 4 Data Insert visualizations Goal 5 Data Insert visualizations Goal 5: Engage Staff • Strengthen internal communications and information sharing • Support employee growth and goals • Refine recruitment & hiring processes • Leverage staff's innovative ideas for improvement of the Library overall Goal 5 Data Insert visualizations What’s next? 2025 & beyond! Improvements & Future Plans • Capturing and analyzing qualitative data • Telling APL’s story • Creating benchmarks for metrics • Data availability (for staff and public) • Continue partnering on projects with UT for platform enhancement And… Preparing for another century of data analysis and library growth!!! Thank You! Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer Katherine.Cantrell@austintexas.gov Joe Faulk, Library Information Systems Manager Joe.Faulk@austintexas.gov