Developing a VisionFor the Media-Upper Providence Library

Agenda

1. Complete environmental scan/gap analysis

2. Discuss technology & libraries

3. Imagine patrons’ needs in 2012 and 2017

4. List key points of emphasis

5. Summarize vision

Ground Rules

No discussing the building!

Keep focus on products, programs & services

Base projections on facts (if possible)

Environmental scan

Tally findings

Where do the greatest opportunities lie?

What products, services & programs should we emphasize?

Libraries & TechnologyHere today:

WiFi eBooks & digital libraries (e.g., Google Book & Scholar)RSS feeds, Podcasts, & downloadable media (e.g., MP3s)Social networking software (e.g., Library Thing, MySpace)User tagging of catalogue records (e.g., WorldCat)Ratings & reviews, shareable lists, personal profilesRecommender/notification services“Library 2.0”

Libraries & TechnologyComing soon:

Lightweight, high resolution e-readers (e.g., Amazon “Kindle”)

Rapid expansion of digital libraries (especially if copyright issues are resolved)

Print on demand (NY Public Library - “POD ATM machine”)

The Paradigm Shift

From: Libraries as “temples to books,” with librarians as gatekeepers & decoders of catalogue systems (Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress)

The Paradigm Shift

To: Libraries as “mental gymnasiums,” with librarians as facilitator-guides, and patrons as contributors & co-cataloguers of a wide range of print & virtual resources

The Paradigm Shift

Imagining Future Needs

What will our youngest patrons (0-12) need in 2012? 2017?

What will our teenage patrons (13-19) need in 2012? 2017?

What will our adult patrons (20-65) need in 2012? 2017?

What will our senior patrons (65+) need in 2012? 2017?

Our Vision

What products, programs & services to emphasize?

What activities do we want to enable? (read - connect - grow?)

What’s our niche?