Williamsburg Regional Library Completes Strategic Plan

By Amber Lester Kennedy Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Libraries are being forced to adapt quickly to the new realities of declining revenues combined with interest in new ways to consume their products. To face those challenges, the Williamsburg Regional Library has attempted to craft a vision for the next three years in its newly released strategic plan.

The Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) started its third strategic planning process in February. A committee gathered feedback from the community, library users and staff members. The new plan revises the direction of the library for 2012-2015, including creating a comprehensive communications plan, expanding offerings of digital content, rearranging spaces in both library buildings, providing opportunities for staff development and expanding service to teenagers.

The plan is based on several assumptions, including how the library will be funded by all of the localities in the Historic Triangle. The planners also assumed user demand for digital content will increase, along with the demand for the libraries to keep patrons updated through social media. Library staff members will also be expected to be capable of assisting with technology.

The planners also assumed the libraries will continue to occupy their current spaces, and will continue to be affected by the poor economy. It is also assumed the local population will continue to grow, though not at the pace expected in 2006.

In the past 10 years, the city of Williamsburg’s population grew 17 percent and James City County grew by 39 percent. The Hispanic population increased significantly, from 2 percent to 5 percent of the total population of both localities, but the African-American population decreased from 15 to 13 percent. In 2009, James City County had a lower-than-average poverty rate of 7.1 percent, while the city had a higher-than-average poverty rate of 20.3 percent. The statewide average that year was 10.6 percent.

The plan was formed after collecting opinions from users, staff members and the community. A graduate class at the Mason School of Business conducted four focus groups, choosing two adult groups from a database of local residents and two teen groups, chosen with assistance from the Youth Services Division and Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. The focus groups provided opinions of library programs, collections and services, which were collected in a report. The library also conducted an online survey completed by 921 users.

Most users indicated a high degree of satisfaction. The library’s recent decision to restrict borrowing privileges to residents received both positive and negative comments, according to the plan. A few common themes emerged: many users are not aware of the library’s offerings; users want more access to digital content and assistance using it; the library should expand its services for teens; and library staff members need more opportunities for professional development.

The library plans to focus its efforts on addressing those needs. In addition, it will continue to ensure collections are up-to-date, plans to enhance collection access through technology, continue to provide Mobile Library Services and explore options to deliver outreach services electronically. In addition, its programs will promote lifelong learning, and continue to function as a community center. Some spaces will be rearranged to maximize their effectiveness, as well.

The Strategic Plan Committee intends to assess WRL’s progress periodically in the next few years. The committee included Susan Geary, William C. Porter, Jr., Victoria Gussman, Max Burry, John A. Moorman, Genevieve S. Owens and Melissa O. Simpson.

The plan is available in its entirety here.