This is NOPL's mission statement:
The primary objective of our library is to provide our community with a high-quality resource for education, research and entertainment. It is our goal to provide this service in the most courteous and efficient manner possible
It's okay - practical and straightforward, right? A mission statement describes where you are now. A vision statement has to do with where, and what, you want to be in the future. Because the board is beginning a strategic planning process I've been thinking about the need for a vision statement for NOPL. I'd like to hear from you - what do you see as a vision for NOPL? What would you like us to be? What role should we play in our communities? In our patrons' lives?
Serious thoughts for a sunny Sunday afternoon. I'm going outside!
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It won't surprise anyone to learn that my suggestion with regard to this issue has to do with our labor force. I would like to see NOPL develop policies and programs that will support our efforts to recruit and retain well-qualified staff who are committed to providing the highest level of service to our library patrons. By their very nature, libraries should be dynamic, evolving institutions staffed by dynamic, evolving professionals who are willing to make every effort to develop and adapt their skills in a rapidly changing world. While "people skills" will always be an important thing to look for, future NOPL employees will also need a certain level of technological expertise along with a willingess to pursue further educational opportunities when required in the performance of their jobs.
ReplyDeleteNot to put too fine a point on it,the hiring and retention of a more diverse, dedicated and motivated work force will require a paradigm shift in NOPL's compensation package for employees along with a financial committment to ongoing staff development and education. My hope is that such a committment becomes part of the strategic plan.