Today for Tomorrow - Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011

Today

For Tomorrow Vaughan Public Libraries Ansley Grove Library Bathurst Clark Resource Library Dufferin Clark Library Kleinburg Library Maple Library Pierre Berton Resource Library Woodbridge Library ELibrary - www.vaughanpl.info

Contact Us 905-653-READ(7323) Administrative Office 900 Clark Avenue, West Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8C1

Today

For Tomorrow Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011

Tactics: of the community, Library Board, Library staff and City of Vaughan staff including focus groups, surveys, interviews and workshops to gather input on the Libraries’ resources and services, technological advances, customer satisfaction and needs.

• Promote relevant services, programs and customer satisfaction surveys in languages other than English.

• Extend the range of communication options to encompass technological advances.

• Develop a brand identity strategy.

• Communicate the benefits and convenience of using the ELibrary (www.vaughanpl.info), highlighting its 24/7 access.

Pierre Berton Resource Library

• Merchandise and display collections and resources in the libraries and on the ELibrary

Vaughan Public Library Board

• Consult with local school boards and other educational institutions on library services required by parents, teachers and students and create an awareness of our ability to assist them through the Libraries’ collections and services.

Library Directors Alex Gutelius Director of Service Delivery Marilyn Guy Director of Operations Yvonne Kharag Director of Finance Margie Singleton Director of Planning and Communication

• Continue to produce and publicize an annual progress report on our strategic plan achievements.

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programs to aid customers’ access to library resources.

2007- 20 0

Trustees Rocco Capone Marie Chiaromonte Lorraine de Boer Isabella Ferrara Mario F. Ferri Tony Genco Filippo Gravina Mary Lascala Suri Rosen Devender Sandhu Alan Shefman Rajbir Singh Jeffrey Stone

• Develop additional customer education

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• Investigate opportunities for the integration

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of Library operations with the City, such as emergency and business continuity planning, Access Vaughan and collaboration on City initiatives.

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www.v ug www.va haan nppl au gh l..in inffo o www.vaughanpl.info Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~19~

es

2007- 2 00 8 200720 08

Michael McKenzie Vice-Chair

@ the @ the @ the

Gino Rosati Chair

LIBR ARYNEWS LIBRAR NEWS LIBRARY Y NE WS

Communicate with Stakeholders

• Develop a model to facilitate ongoing consultation with members

DELIVERING Value

Communicate with stakeholders to create, cultivate and expand awareness, usage and relevance of Vaughan Public Libraries’ collections, services and programs designed to fulfil their information, learning, leisure and cultural needs.

What You Told Us: “Vaughan Public Libraries provides excellent service to the

Strategic Directions: • Analyse our customer base and usage patterns to tailor our

collection development, programming and services to respond to and anticipate their needs.

community. The residents of Vaughan under-appreciate it and I intend to take FULL advantage of the equipment, facilities, resources and personal assistance until the secret comes out. Keep up the good work!”

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to promote Vaughan Public Libraries’ collections, services and programs to the community.

• Continue pursuing outreach and partnership opportunities with the City of Vaughan, community agencies, cultural groups, businesses and schools to assist in assessing community needs and to build and share audiences to increase the awareness of Vaughan Public Libraries.

• Establish additional, convenient methods for the community to provide feedback.

• Develop an advocacy plan.

“I like reading @ The Library (ATL) so I know what’s going

• Integrate Vaughan Public Libraries as a strategic partner in

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18

CONTENTS

Message from the Mayor

Message from the Library Board Chair

Our Changing Community

The Planning Framework

Our Mission and Values

Our Vision

Champion Literacy

Collaborate with the Community

Connect the Community

Commit to Empower Staff

Communicate with Stakeholders

Vaughan’s Vision 2020.

on.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~18~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~3~

“

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Vaughan Public Libraries provide an invaluable service to the residents of Vaughan, reaching out to people of all ages to promote learning and community education.

Linda D. Jackson Mayor, City of Vaughan

We can all be proud of our modern and accessible Libraries. Convenient locations, a comfortable setting, and a welcoming staff make every visit an enjoyable experience.

More importantly, our Libraries are centres of community activity. By participating in a wide variety of innovative programs and services, our residents can become more involved in community life and explore the rich cultural and social diversity that makes Vaughan such a great city to live in.

children, teenagers and adults, there is an opportunity to learn and grow every day.

Vaughan Council is fully committed to providing our residents with a learning resource that responds to the changing needs of our community. New collections, expanded services and a strong community focus are some of the ways our residents continue to be served by Vaughan Public Libraries.

Please visit often.

Yours truly,

A vibrant community such as ours looks to a future full of promise and exciting challenges. Our Libraries offer a world of discovery for the young child learning to read, the student researching a class project, or the senior being introduced to a new hobby.

With an extensive schedule of original programming for

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~4~

Tactics: • Develop an employee service award and recognition program that rewards leadership, loyalty, creativity, innovation and risk taking.

• Establish a training and development plan that will continually upgrade staff skills; offer safe workplace, customer-service, technology, service delivery and leadership training.

• Expand Vaughan Public Libraries’ commitment to continuous improvement initiatives which promote teamwork, problem-solving and encourage communication between staff at all levels.

• Create and implement an internal communications strategy.

• Facilitate staff collaboration through participation in cross-functional teams.

• Define core competencies and update training matrix for all staff positions to provide consistent high-quality service delivery.

• Build relationships within the library profession and post-secondary institutions.

• Develop a plan for the implementation of Public Sector Accounting Board asset reporting.

Our employees, a core strength.

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~17~

Commit to Empower Staff

“

Our Libraries offer a world of discovery for the young child learning to read, the student researching a class project, or the senior being introduced to a new hobby.

staff

Commit to empower to continue to provide excellent public service in a dynamic culture that reflects the quality of service the community expects from their Libraries.

What You Told Us: “From an overall standpoint of services received everywhere in

Strategic Directions: • Design an environment with the organizational structure and qualified staff complement to support the Mission of Vaughan Public Libraries, its corporate goals and strategic directions.

the community the library provides the best service I am receiving especially in terms of

• Provide a positive work environment that offers rewarding career opportunities: a safe, secure and stimulating work environment, effective training and professional development, and employee recognition program.

courtesy and genuine desire to

• Encourage staff to participate in and contribute to the Libraries’ help.”

“Staff goes out of their way to

service delivery goals, priorities, future, training and sharing of knowledge.

• Enhance the profile of Vaughan Public Libraries in order to attract and employ a high-quality, diverse and professional work force.

help. They are friendly and professional at the same time.

They always remember us (a

“

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The residents of Vaughan told us how much they value their Libraries. Whether we talked to teens, adults, seniors, students or parents it was apparent that Vaughan Public Libraries is a thread running through the fabric of Vaughan.

You told us. We listened. Now, in response to your comments and suggestions we present Today For Tomorrow, the Strategic Plan that will guide Vaughan Public Libraries over the next four years.

Vaughan Public Libraries has a rich history of success in serving residents as they read, learn, study, look for a new job, meet with friends or celebrate and share their culture. We have kept pace with the changes in Vaughan growing alongside the City, with two resource libraries, five branches and an ELibrary equipped to meet the needs of our diverse community.

During this strategic planning process, the residents of Vaughan told us how much they value their Libraries. Whether we talked to teens, adults, seniors, students or parents it was apparent that Vaughan Public Libraries is a thread running through the fabric of Vaughan.

In developing Today For Tomorrow, the Vaughan Public Library Board, residents and library staff identified five areas for Vaughan Public Libraries to focus on: champion literacy; collaborate with the community to ensure a responsive library service; provide welcoming

very good thing) and make us feel welcome.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~16~

“

DELIVERING Value

destinations to connect the community; remain committed to empower staff in providing the highest calibre of service to the residents of Vaughan and communicate with stakeholders to raise awareness of the collections, programs and services available.

We thank everyone that participated in the focus groups, completed the surveys either in the Libraries or online, and contributed comments during the planning process. We look forward to working together in implementing a shared vision for delivering valued library service to the residents of Vaughan.

Gino Rosati Chair Vaughan Public Library Board

Vaughan Public Library Board Front (from L): Mary Lascala, Michael McKenzie (Vice-Chair), Gino Rosati (Chair), Rosemary Bonanno (former Chief Executive Officer), Suri Rosen Back (from L): Marie Chiaromonte, Mario F. Ferri, Rocco Capone, Rajbir Singh, Alan Shefman, Filippo Gravina, Isabella Ferrara, Lorraine de Boer Absent: Tony Genco, Devender Sandhu, Jeffrey Stone

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~5~

OUR CHANGING COMMUNITY

1,165,429 visits were made to the Libraries’ 7 locations

visits were made to the ELibrary at www.vaughanpl.info

2,142,867

The City of Vaughan has grown rapidly. Today’s population of 247,464 is projected to reach 265,057 in 2011. Forty-eight per cent of Vaughan’s population reported having a mother tongue other than English in 2001 and that percentage is expected to increase to 52% in 2011. An affluent and educated community, the average family income in Vaughan was $92,734 in 2001, 16% higher than the average for Ontario. Statistics Canada also reported in 2001 that 24% of the population over the age of 20 had university degrees and another 31% had a college diploma or some university education.

Figure 1: 2006 Vaughan Population Pyramid

items were borrowed

people attended 3,324 public programs

476,245 questions were answered

Age Cohort

83,444

90+ 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 5-9 0-4

Figure 2: 2011 Vaughan Projected Population Pyramid

Male

Female

90+ 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 5-9 0-4

Tactics: • Plan and design Vaughan’s third resource library, centrally located within the footprint of the new Vaughan Civic Centre Campus.

• Deliver library services outside of traditional buildings through the Internet, outreach partnerships and using Libraries on the Go techniques to offer collections conveniently located in niches throughout the community.

• Create interactive activity centres in each library for parents and children.

• Adopt quiet study opportunities at all library locations.

• Develop an Accessibility Plan.

• Develop library locations in response to recommendations from the Male

Female

Master Plan for the Development of Recreation and Culture, Parks, Building and Facilities and Libraries

200 computers were available for customers to use

210,778 customers used the computers

527,000 items are in the collections

32,585 new titles were added to the collections

FIRST Canadian library system to offer customers free Video download as part of digital collection launch that also includes eBooks and eAudio Books.

Employment, Industry and Housing Within York Region, the City of Vaughan is the largest employment centre with over 7,700 businesses employing over 143,000 people.

This is expected to climb to 178,000 in 2011. While Vaughan’s population represents 26% of York Region’s population, Vaughan’s employment represents over 34% of the Region’s employment.

Small business, those with fewer than 20 employees, accounts for 84% of all business enterprises. Housing units in Vaughan reported in 2006 totalled 71,265, a number projected to increase to 81,358 in 2011.

• Maintain active participation in the City of Vaughan’s planning initiatives such as the Growth Management Study, the Official Plan and the Environmental Master Plan.

Impact on Vaughan Public Libraries Vaughan Public Libraries will deliver a highly visible library service, responsive to customers, through the development of facilities, collections, services and programs that meet the evolving needs of the City of Vaughan.

Sources: Statistics Canada, Census 2001 and 2006, York Region Planning Departments 2006, Toronto Real Estate Board 2006, Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~6~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~15~

Connect the Community

440,104

Changing Demographics

Age Cohort

Quick Facts from 2006 at VPL

THE PLANNING FRAMEWORK

DELIVERING Value

The Strategic Planning Process

Connect the community by providing enjoyable, welcoming destinations for people of all ages to spend time, gather with friends, learn something new, read, meet neighbours, study, attend a program, conduct a business meeting, hear a story, see culture in action, meet an author, search the Internet, live life.

What You Told Us: “I like to read the newspaper and magazines here. I feel welcome and relaxed.”

Strategic Directions: • Develop library service locations in tandem with rapid community growth and migration and their residual impact on the community.

• Configure and revitalize library facilities in response to customer needs both now and in the future while maintaining existing infrastructure.

“The Library is really nice looking, close to home and has lots

• Identify and adopt progressive library service models to ensure that collections and services respond to the community they serve.

Initiation In November 2006 a working group was established and charged with the task of creating a Strategic Plan to guide the direction of Vaughan Public Libraries from 2008 to 2011.

Research and Consultation The strategic planning process began with an environmental scan and analysis of trends and issues facing libraries today: social and demographic factors, economic and political issues, and technological advances that will impact Vaughan Public Libraries.

We also partnered with the City of Vaughan in the Master Plan for the Development of Recreation and Culture, Parks, Building and Facilities and Libraries’ household telephone survey to Vaughan residents.

Customers and staff provided suggestions and feedback during the six public and five staff focus groups, and through surveys conducted in the Libraries and online. Participants were forthcoming about the Libraries’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and had definite ideas about what our priorities should be over the next four years.

Analysis and Creation Research was analysed, compiled and presented to the members of the Vaughan Public Library Board at a strategic planning summit held to discuss the Libraries’ future. To identify corporate priorities, survey and focus group comments were grouped by theme. Five key areas of focus emerged to form the basis of our Strategic Plan for 2008-2011.

“I like the art gallery wall at Dufferin Clark Library.”

RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION November - April 2007 ANALYSIS AND CREATION April - June 2007 REFINEMENT AND DELIVERY June - December 2007 IMPLEMENTATION January 2008

STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM Margie Singleton, Chair Elaine Barr David Broughall

Refinement and Delivery The Plan was drafted to include corresponding strategic directions and tactics. It was then presented to the Libraries’ executive management team and Library Board for further revision and approval. The Strategic Plan is delivered to stakeholders through a variety of channels.

of parking.”

INITIATION November 2006

Christine Fiorini Andrea Krakowski Lisa McDonough Yue Sun Nick Wesson

Implementation Work plans outlining timelines and success measures for tactics were created by library staff in order to implement the Strategic Plan, Today For Tomorrow. Vaughan Public Libraries will continue to report to the community annually on achievements through our Progress Report, available in library branches and on the ELibrary at www.vaughanpl.info.

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~14~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~7~

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

Tactics:

Mission

• Maximize and redistribute service hours in response to customer

Vaughan Public Libraries

• Celebrate the diversity of our community through partnerships

contribute to the success

and events complemented by joint programs with immigrant settlement agencies to keep abreast of community needs: support areas of the collection and foster intercultural understanding in the community.

of our growing diverse community; serving its

• Improve access to the collection by delivering requested

information, learning,

materials to customers more efficiently and welcoming their suggestions for modification of the library catalogue.

leisure and cultural needs in a welcoming and safe environment.

• Make popular materials available more quickly and continue to

Corporate Values

introduce materials in emerging formats.

• Develop partnerships with local school boards and other Intellectual Freedom VPL supports all expressions of knowledge and intellectual creativity providing global access to a full variety of information sources and ideas.

educational institutions to foster collaboration on service delivery and curriculum support.

• Investigate ways with the City of Vaughan, to offer the community seamless access to select municipal and library services.

Literacy VPL promotes and fosters an informed and literate community.

Accountability VPL optimizes quality through effectiveness, values fiscal integrity and is accountable to our community.

Expertise VPL respects staff expertise and invests in ongoing professional growth and skills development.

Innovation VPL fosters and rewards innovation, creativity and visionary leadership.

Collaboration VPL strengthens service to our community through collaboration and cooperation.

• Network with seniors groups, residences, facilities and agencies to develop collaborative initiatives, programs and enhanced library services designed specifically to meet the needs of the community’s aging population.

• Steward preservation of and access to Vaughan’s heritage by developing the Local Studies collection.

• Build bridges and opportunities to connect generations and cultures by developing programs and volunteer opportunities for seniors, adults, teens and children.

• Promote library services, such as fast, reliable access to information, that will assist local businesses and professional associations.

• Maximize efficiencies and review new and enhanced sources of revenue.

Service Excellence VPL achieves excellence in all library services recognizing and responding to the diverse needs of our community.

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~8~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~13~

Collaborate with the Community

needs.

DELIVERING Value

OUR VISION

Collaborate with the community, to ensure responsive and accessible library collections, services and programming tailored to the needs of an ever-changing and growing community.

What You Told Us: “We think that the new email notification regarding

Strategic Directions: • Establish regular communication with the City of Vaughan, local businesses, education, health institutions and community groups to respond to the community’s evolving needs.

upcoming due dates and books available for collection is an outstanding addition to the

• Deliver a customer-driven collection that responds to the community it serves.

• Ensure library services meet the needs of our diverse community.

services you offer.”

• Leverage technology to respond to customer needs, ease and

Over the next four years, Vaughan Public Libraries will continue to grow to meet the needs of our ever-changing community. Relevant, timely collections and facilities to accommodate a variety of activities will make the Libraries the destination of choice for the entire community to work, study, learn, and enjoy themselves.

Skilled and motivated staff will develop services and programs tailored to Vaughan’s diverse community. Partnerships with community groups, strong ties to the City of Vaughan and increased communication that reaches all stakeholders will enhance Vaughan Public Libraries’ efforts to reach out to the public and provide the community with opportunities to reach into the Libraries.

The Libraries’ key areas of focus for delivering value to the community over the next four years will be to: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Champion literacy Collaborate with the community Connect the community Commit to empower staff Communicate with stakeholders

convenience.

“VPL caters to all groups,

• Identify revenue opportunities.

adults and children as well as Senator Vivienne Poy celebrates Asian Heritage Month at Vaughan Public Libraries.

those looking for re-training or who are starting a business.”

“The hours the library is open could be better.”

“You need more multilingual, Asian and Arabic materials.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~12~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~9~

Our vision portrays the future of Vaughan Public Libraries.

DELIVERING Value

Strategic Directions:

“My children love the Summer

• Increase teen literacy skills.

Reading Club; they wanted to

• Encourage family literacy, which can help children develop a

come to the library at least once a week to report on the books they had read, even while we were away on holidays!”

“Would like to see new ideas

lifetime love of reading and learning.

• Support newcomers’ access to English as a Second Language resources and services.

Tactics: • Create friendly, welcoming libraries for teens by providing opportunities for them to study or socialize with friends; increase their awareness of services both in the Libraries and online that can assist them with research, schoolwork or their leisure reading, viewing or listening needs.

• Increase teen use of Libraries through a teen membership campaign; develop online services such as Teen Vortex, Blogging Vortex, instant messaging and future technology advancements they will use in their daily lives.

• Build on the success of our Family Literacy Day festivities through additional innovative programming within the Libraries and in and around the community while offering family reading areas in all Library locations.

• Promote literacy among children through our early literacy programs; increase participation in the Summer Reading Club and encourage more children in Vaughan to have their own library card through outreach visits and our Library Card Just For Kids membership campaign.

• Provide customers with opportunities to develop research skills to assist them in locating reliable, quality information.

• Advance lifelong reading by offering customers a customized reader’s

• Facilitate the development of computer literacy skills.

advisory service and an electronic reading lounge on the ELibrary (www.vaughanpl.info).

Toronto Raptors Legend, Jerome Williams, Honourary Chair, Library Cards Just For Kids!

• Provide educational opportunities and resources for residents of all ages learning to read and speak English as a Second Language through collections and partnerships with literacy organizations.

about how people with developmental disabilities could better use the library services, either

• Include research skills training

by having special materials

when assisting customers seeking information.

available or having someone

• Foster computer literacy by

coordinate a group book club

providing free computers and increasing access to technology training both in the Libraries and online via the ELibrary (www.vaughanpl.info).

or meeting.”

“You even help by training people for Internet and technology use.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~10~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~11~

Champion Literacy

What You Told Us:

literacy

Champion for all members of the community by providing literacy programming and education for all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to build a healthy and prosperous Vaughan.

DELIVERING Value

Strategic Directions:

“My children love the Summer

• Increase teen literacy skills.

Reading Club; they wanted to

• Encourage family literacy, which can help children develop a

come to the library at least once a week to report on the books they had read, even while we were away on holidays!”

“Would like to see new ideas

lifetime love of reading and learning.

• Support newcomers’ access to English as a Second Language resources and services.

Tactics: • Create friendly, welcoming libraries for teens by providing opportunities for them to study or socialize with friends; increase their awareness of services both in the Libraries and online that can assist them with research, schoolwork or their leisure reading, viewing or listening needs.

• Increase teen use of Libraries through a teen membership campaign; develop online services such as Teen Vortex, Blogging Vortex, instant messaging and future technology advancements they will use in their daily lives.

• Build on the success of our Family Literacy Day festivities through additional innovative programming within the Libraries and in and around the community while offering family reading areas in all Library locations.

• Promote literacy among children through our early literacy programs; increase participation in the Summer Reading Club and encourage more children in Vaughan to have their own library card through outreach visits and our Library Card Just For Kids membership campaign.

• Provide customers with opportunities to develop research skills to assist them in locating reliable, quality information.

• Advance lifelong reading by offering customers a customized reader’s

• Facilitate the development of computer literacy skills.

advisory service and an electronic reading lounge on the ELibrary (www.vaughanpl.info).

Toronto Raptors Legend, Jerome Williams, Honourary Chair, Library Cards Just For Kids!

• Provide educational opportunities and resources for residents of all ages learning to read and speak English as a Second Language through collections and partnerships with literacy organizations.

about how people with developmental disabilities could better use the library services, either

• Include research skills training

by having special materials

when assisting customers seeking information.

available or having someone

• Foster computer literacy by

coordinate a group book club

providing free computers and increasing access to technology training both in the Libraries and online via the ELibrary (www.vaughanpl.info).

or meeting.”

“You even help by training people for Internet and technology use.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~10~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~11~

Champion Literacy

What You Told Us:

literacy

Champion for all members of the community by providing literacy programming and education for all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to build a healthy and prosperous Vaughan.

DELIVERING Value

OUR VISION

Collaborate with the community, to ensure responsive and accessible library collections, services and programming tailored to the needs of an ever-changing and growing community.

What You Told Us: “We think that the new email notification regarding

Strategic Directions: • Establish regular communication with the City of Vaughan, local businesses, education, health institutions and community groups to respond to the community’s evolving needs.

upcoming due dates and books available for collection is an outstanding addition to the

• Deliver a customer-driven collection that responds to the community it serves.

• Ensure library services meet the needs of our diverse community.

services you offer.”

• Leverage technology to respond to customer needs, ease and

Over the next four years, Vaughan Public Libraries will continue to grow to meet the needs of our ever-changing community. Relevant, timely collections and facilities to accommodate a variety of activities will make the Libraries the destination of choice for the entire community to work, study, learn, and enjoy themselves.

Skilled and motivated staff will develop services and programs tailored to Vaughan’s diverse community. Partnerships with community groups, strong ties to the City of Vaughan and increased communication that reaches all stakeholders will enhance Vaughan Public Libraries’ efforts to reach out to the public and provide the community with opportunities to reach into the Libraries.

The Libraries’ key areas of focus for delivering value to the community over the next four years will be to: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Champion literacy Collaborate with the community Connect the community Commit to empower staff Communicate with stakeholders

convenience.

“VPL caters to all groups,

• Identify revenue opportunities.

adults and children as well as Senator Vivienne Poy celebrates Asian Heritage Month at Vaughan Public Libraries.

those looking for re-training or who are starting a business.”

“The hours the library is open could be better.”

“You need more multilingual, Asian and Arabic materials.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~12~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~9~

Our vision portrays the future of Vaughan Public Libraries.

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

Tactics:

Mission

• Maximize and redistribute service hours in response to customer

Vaughan Public Libraries

• Celebrate the diversity of our community through partnerships

contribute to the success

and events complemented by joint programs with immigrant settlement agencies to keep abreast of community needs: support areas of the collection and foster intercultural understanding in the community.

of our growing diverse community; serving its

• Improve access to the collection by delivering requested

information, learning,

materials to customers more efficiently and welcoming their suggestions for modification of the library catalogue.

leisure and cultural needs in a welcoming and safe environment.

• Make popular materials available more quickly and continue to

Corporate Values

introduce materials in emerging formats.

• Develop partnerships with local school boards and other Intellectual Freedom VPL supports all expressions of knowledge and intellectual creativity providing global access to a full variety of information sources and ideas.

educational institutions to foster collaboration on service delivery and curriculum support.

• Investigate ways with the City of Vaughan, to offer the community seamless access to select municipal and library services.

Literacy VPL promotes and fosters an informed and literate community.

Accountability VPL optimizes quality through effectiveness, values fiscal integrity and is accountable to our community.

Expertise VPL respects staff expertise and invests in ongoing professional growth and skills development.

Innovation VPL fosters and rewards innovation, creativity and visionary leadership.

Collaboration VPL strengthens service to our community through collaboration and cooperation.

• Network with seniors groups, residences, facilities and agencies to develop collaborative initiatives, programs and enhanced library services designed specifically to meet the needs of the community’s aging population.

• Steward preservation of and access to Vaughan’s heritage by developing the Local Studies collection.

• Build bridges and opportunities to connect generations and cultures by developing programs and volunteer opportunities for seniors, adults, teens and children.

• Promote library services, such as fast, reliable access to information, that will assist local businesses and professional associations.

• Maximize efficiencies and review new and enhanced sources of revenue.

Service Excellence VPL achieves excellence in all library services recognizing and responding to the diverse needs of our community.

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~8~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~13~

Collaborate with the Community

needs.

THE PLANNING FRAMEWORK

DELIVERING Value

The Strategic Planning Process

Connect the community by providing enjoyable, welcoming destinations for people of all ages to spend time, gather with friends, learn something new, read, meet neighbours, study, attend a program, conduct a business meeting, hear a story, see culture in action, meet an author, search the Internet, live life.

What You Told Us: “I like to read the newspaper and magazines here. I feel welcome and relaxed.”

Strategic Directions: • Develop library service locations in tandem with rapid community growth and migration and their residual impact on the community.

• Configure and revitalize library facilities in response to customer needs both now and in the future while maintaining existing infrastructure.

“The Library is really nice looking, close to home and has lots

• Identify and adopt progressive library service models to ensure that collections and services respond to the community they serve.

Initiation In November 2006 a working group was established and charged with the task of creating a Strategic Plan to guide the direction of Vaughan Public Libraries from 2008 to 2011.

Research and Consultation The strategic planning process began with an environmental scan and analysis of trends and issues facing libraries today: social and demographic factors, economic and political issues, and technological advances that will impact Vaughan Public Libraries.

We also partnered with the City of Vaughan in the Master Plan for the Development of Recreation and Culture, Parks, Building and Facilities and Libraries’ household telephone survey to Vaughan residents.

Customers and staff provided suggestions and feedback during the six public and five staff focus groups, and through surveys conducted in the Libraries and online. Participants were forthcoming about the Libraries’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and had definite ideas about what our priorities should be over the next four years.

Analysis and Creation Research was analysed, compiled and presented to the members of the Vaughan Public Library Board at a strategic planning summit held to discuss the Libraries’ future. To identify corporate priorities, survey and focus group comments were grouped by theme. Five key areas of focus emerged to form the basis of our Strategic Plan for 2008-2011.

“I like the art gallery wall at Dufferin Clark Library.”

RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION November - April 2007 ANALYSIS AND CREATION April - June 2007 REFINEMENT AND DELIVERY June - December 2007 IMPLEMENTATION January 2008

STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM Margie Singleton, Chair Elaine Barr David Broughall

Refinement and Delivery The Plan was drafted to include corresponding strategic directions and tactics. It was then presented to the Libraries’ executive management team and Library Board for further revision and approval. The Strategic Plan is delivered to stakeholders through a variety of channels.

of parking.”

INITIATION November 2006

Christine Fiorini Andrea Krakowski Lisa McDonough Yue Sun Nick Wesson

Implementation Work plans outlining timelines and success measures for tactics were created by library staff in order to implement the Strategic Plan, Today For Tomorrow. Vaughan Public Libraries will continue to report to the community annually on achievements through our Progress Report, available in library branches and on the ELibrary at www.vaughanpl.info.

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~14~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~7~

OUR CHANGING COMMUNITY

1,165,429 visits were made to the Libraries’ 7 locations

visits were made to the ELibrary at www.vaughanpl.info

2,142,867

The City of Vaughan has grown rapidly. Today’s population of 247,464 is projected to reach 265,057 in 2011. Forty-eight per cent of Vaughan’s population reported having a mother tongue other than English in 2001 and that percentage is expected to increase to 52% in 2011. An affluent and educated community, the average family income in Vaughan was $92,734 in 2001, 16% higher than the average for Ontario. Statistics Canada also reported in 2001 that 24% of the population over the age of 20 had university degrees and another 31% had a college diploma or some university education.

Figure 1: 2006 Vaughan Population Pyramid

items were borrowed

people attended 3,324 public programs

476,245 questions were answered

Age Cohort

83,444

90+ 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 5-9 0-4

Figure 2: 2011 Vaughan Projected Population Pyramid

Male

Female

90+ 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 5-9 0-4

Tactics: • Plan and design Vaughan’s third resource library, centrally located within the footprint of the new Vaughan Civic Centre Campus.

• Deliver library services outside of traditional buildings through the Internet, outreach partnerships and using Libraries on the Go techniques to offer collections conveniently located in niches throughout the community.

• Create interactive activity centres in each library for parents and children.

• Adopt quiet study opportunities at all library locations.

• Develop an Accessibility Plan.

• Develop library locations in response to recommendations from the Male

Female

Master Plan for the Development of Recreation and Culture, Parks, Building and Facilities and Libraries

200 computers were available for customers to use

210,778 customers used the computers

527,000 items are in the collections

32,585 new titles were added to the collections

FIRST Canadian library system to offer customers free Video download as part of digital collection launch that also includes eBooks and eAudio Books.

Employment, Industry and Housing Within York Region, the City of Vaughan is the largest employment centre with over 7,700 businesses employing over 143,000 people.

This is expected to climb to 178,000 in 2011. While Vaughan’s population represents 26% of York Region’s population, Vaughan’s employment represents over 34% of the Region’s employment.

Small business, those with fewer than 20 employees, accounts for 84% of all business enterprises. Housing units in Vaughan reported in 2006 totalled 71,265, a number projected to increase to 81,358 in 2011.

• Maintain active participation in the City of Vaughan’s planning initiatives such as the Growth Management Study, the Official Plan and the Environmental Master Plan.

Impact on Vaughan Public Libraries Vaughan Public Libraries will deliver a highly visible library service, responsive to customers, through the development of facilities, collections, services and programs that meet the evolving needs of the City of Vaughan.

Sources: Statistics Canada, Census 2001 and 2006, York Region Planning Departments 2006, Toronto Real Estate Board 2006, Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~6~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~15~

Connect the Community

440,104

Changing Demographics

Age Cohort

Quick Facts from 2006 at VPL

staff

Commit to empower to continue to provide excellent public service in a dynamic culture that reflects the quality of service the community expects from their Libraries.

What You Told Us: “From an overall standpoint of services received everywhere in

Strategic Directions: • Design an environment with the organizational structure and qualified staff complement to support the Mission of Vaughan Public Libraries, its corporate goals and strategic directions.

the community the library provides the best service I am receiving especially in terms of

• Provide a positive work environment that offers rewarding career opportunities: a safe, secure and stimulating work environment, effective training and professional development, and employee recognition program.

courtesy and genuine desire to

• Encourage staff to participate in and contribute to the Libraries’ help.”

“Staff goes out of their way to

service delivery goals, priorities, future, training and sharing of knowledge.

• Enhance the profile of Vaughan Public Libraries in order to attract and employ a high-quality, diverse and professional work force.

help. They are friendly and professional at the same time.

They always remember us (a

“

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The residents of Vaughan told us how much they value their Libraries. Whether we talked to teens, adults, seniors, students or parents it was apparent that Vaughan Public Libraries is a thread running through the fabric of Vaughan.

You told us. We listened. Now, in response to your comments and suggestions we present Today For Tomorrow, the Strategic Plan that will guide Vaughan Public Libraries over the next four years.

Vaughan Public Libraries has a rich history of success in serving residents as they read, learn, study, look for a new job, meet with friends or celebrate and share their culture. We have kept pace with the changes in Vaughan growing alongside the City, with two resource libraries, five branches and an ELibrary equipped to meet the needs of our diverse community.

During this strategic planning process, the residents of Vaughan told us how much they value their Libraries. Whether we talked to teens, adults, seniors, students or parents it was apparent that Vaughan Public Libraries is a thread running through the fabric of Vaughan.

In developing Today For Tomorrow, the Vaughan Public Library Board, residents and library staff identified five areas for Vaughan Public Libraries to focus on: champion literacy; collaborate with the community to ensure a responsive library service; provide welcoming

very good thing) and make us feel welcome.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~16~

“

DELIVERING Value

destinations to connect the community; remain committed to empower staff in providing the highest calibre of service to the residents of Vaughan and communicate with stakeholders to raise awareness of the collections, programs and services available.

We thank everyone that participated in the focus groups, completed the surveys either in the Libraries or online, and contributed comments during the planning process. We look forward to working together in implementing a shared vision for delivering valued library service to the residents of Vaughan.

Gino Rosati Chair Vaughan Public Library Board

Vaughan Public Library Board Front (from L): Mary Lascala, Michael McKenzie (Vice-Chair), Gino Rosati (Chair), Rosemary Bonanno (former Chief Executive Officer), Suri Rosen Back (from L): Marie Chiaromonte, Mario F. Ferri, Rocco Capone, Rajbir Singh, Alan Shefman, Filippo Gravina, Isabella Ferrara, Lorraine de Boer Absent: Tony Genco, Devender Sandhu, Jeffrey Stone

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~5~

“

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Vaughan Public Libraries provide an invaluable service to the residents of Vaughan, reaching out to people of all ages to promote learning and community education.

Linda D. Jackson Mayor, City of Vaughan

We can all be proud of our modern and accessible Libraries. Convenient locations, a comfortable setting, and a welcoming staff make every visit an enjoyable experience.

More importantly, our Libraries are centres of community activity. By participating in a wide variety of innovative programs and services, our residents can become more involved in community life and explore the rich cultural and social diversity that makes Vaughan such a great city to live in.

children, teenagers and adults, there is an opportunity to learn and grow every day.

Vaughan Council is fully committed to providing our residents with a learning resource that responds to the changing needs of our community. New collections, expanded services and a strong community focus are some of the ways our residents continue to be served by Vaughan Public Libraries.

Please visit often.

Yours truly,

A vibrant community such as ours looks to a future full of promise and exciting challenges. Our Libraries offer a world of discovery for the young child learning to read, the student researching a class project, or the senior being introduced to a new hobby.

With an extensive schedule of original programming for

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~4~

Tactics: • Develop an employee service award and recognition program that rewards leadership, loyalty, creativity, innovation and risk taking.

• Establish a training and development plan that will continually upgrade staff skills; offer safe workplace, customer-service, technology, service delivery and leadership training.

• Expand Vaughan Public Libraries’ commitment to continuous improvement initiatives which promote teamwork, problem-solving and encourage communication between staff at all levels.

• Create and implement an internal communications strategy.

• Facilitate staff collaboration through participation in cross-functional teams.

• Define core competencies and update training matrix for all staff positions to provide consistent high-quality service delivery.

• Build relationships within the library profession and post-secondary institutions.

• Develop a plan for the implementation of Public Sector Accounting Board asset reporting.

Our employees, a core strength.

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~17~

Commit to Empower Staff

“

Our Libraries offer a world of discovery for the young child learning to read, the student researching a class project, or the senior being introduced to a new hobby.

DELIVERING Value

Communicate with stakeholders to create, cultivate and expand awareness, usage and relevance of Vaughan Public Libraries’ collections, services and programs designed to fulfil their information, learning, leisure and cultural needs.

What You Told Us: “Vaughan Public Libraries provides excellent service to the

Strategic Directions: • Analyse our customer base and usage patterns to tailor our

collection development, programming and services to respond to and anticipate their needs.

community. The residents of Vaughan under-appreciate it and I intend to take FULL advantage of the equipment, facilities, resources and personal assistance until the secret comes out. Keep up the good work!”

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to promote Vaughan Public Libraries’ collections, services and programs to the community.

• Continue pursuing outreach and partnership opportunities with the City of Vaughan, community agencies, cultural groups, businesses and schools to assist in assessing community needs and to build and share audiences to increase the awareness of Vaughan Public Libraries.

• Establish additional, convenient methods for the community to provide feedback.

• Develop an advocacy plan.

“I like reading @ The Library (ATL) so I know what’s going

• Integrate Vaughan Public Libraries as a strategic partner in

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18

CONTENTS

Message from the Mayor

Message from the Library Board Chair

Our Changing Community

The Planning Framework

Our Mission and Values

Our Vision

Champion Literacy

Collaborate with the Community

Connect the Community

Commit to Empower Staff

Communicate with Stakeholders

Vaughan’s Vision 2020.

on.”

Vaughan Public Libraries • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~18~

Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~3~

Tactics: of the community, Library Board, Library staff and City of Vaughan staff including focus groups, surveys, interviews and workshops to gather input on the Libraries’ resources and services, technological advances, customer satisfaction and needs.

• Promote relevant services, programs and customer satisfaction surveys in languages other than English.

• Extend the range of communication options to encompass technological advances.

• Develop a brand identity strategy.

• Communicate the benefits and convenience of using the ELibrary (www.vaughanpl.info), highlighting its 24/7 access.

Pierre Berton Resource Library

• Merchandise and display collections and resources in the libraries and on the ELibrary

Vaughan Public Library Board

• Consult with local school boards and other educational institutions on library services required by parents, teachers and students and create an awareness of our ability to assist them through the Libraries’ collections and services.

Library Directors Alex Gutelius Director of Service Delivery Marilyn Guy Director of Operations Yvonne Kharag Director of Finance Margie Singleton Director of Planning and Communication

• Continue to produce and publicize an annual progress report on our strategic plan achievements.

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programs to aid customers’ access to library resources.

2007- 20 0

Trustees Rocco Capone Marie Chiaromonte Lorraine de Boer Isabella Ferrara Mario F. Ferri Tony Genco Filippo Gravina Mary Lascala Suri Rosen Devender Sandhu Alan Shefman Rajbir Singh Jeffrey Stone

• Develop additional customer education

DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER JANU JANUARY ARY JANUARY FEBRUAR FEBRUARY FEBRYUARY

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• Investigate opportunities for the integration

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of Library operations with the City, such as emergency and business continuity planning, Access Vaughan and collaboration on City initiatives.

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www.v ug www.va haan nppl au gh l..in inffo o www.vaughanpl.info Today For Tomorrow • Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 ~19~

es

2007- 2 00 8 200720 08

Michael McKenzie Vice-Chair

@ the @ the @ the

Gino Rosati Chair

LIBR ARYNEWS LIBRAR NEWS LIBRARY Y NE WS

Communicate with Stakeholders

• Develop a model to facilitate ongoing consultation with members

Today

For Tomorrow Vaughan Public Libraries Ansley Grove Library Bathurst Clark Resource Library Dufferin Clark Library Kleinburg Library Maple Library Pierre Berton Resource Library Woodbridge Library ELibrary - www.vaughanpl.info

Contact Us 905-653-READ(7323) Administrative Office 900 Clark Avenue, West Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8C1

Today

For Tomorrow Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011