Identifiable community needs for library service in South Kingstown are:

 A central library with strong reference services, fiction, and non-fiction collections to serve the needs of adults, young adults and children.
 Branch libraries providing neighborhood access to services.
 Adult, young adult and children’s collections accessible in formats (print, non-print, electronic) that are relevant to the patrons' needs and interests.
 High quality reference/readers' advisory service in-house, by telephone, and via e-mail.
 Programs for adults, families, school-aged children and preschoolers.
 Collections that support the curricula of students in grades K–12.
 Access to materials through interlibrary loan.
 Access to electronic resources through subscription databases and those available on the Internet.
 Hours of service that meet community needs.
 Adequate and safe parking.
 Library service in the community through outreach programs.
 Meeting space for community groups and organizations.

SERVICE POLICY

The South Kingstown Public Library is a tax-supported public library serving the residents of South Kingstown. Complying with standards established by the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) and the American Library Association, the Library also provides service to other Rhode Island residents and visitors and to those residing outside of the state network.

REFERENCE SERVICE: Reference service is available during regular library hours. Staff responds to requests received in person, by telephone, in writing, and via e-mail.

RESEARCH AND REFERRAL SERVICES: Every effort is made to assist with research, time and staff permitting.

CIRCULATION SERVICE: Direct borrowing privileges are available to patrons holding valid Ocean State Libraries cards. The Library complies with Ocean State Libraries policies and procedures.

STATEWIDE NETWORK SERVICES: All circulating materials are available for borrowing through Ocean State Libraries HOLDS and through interlibrary loan, in compliance with LORI standards and the ALA Interlibrary Loan Code. Remote access to the Library’s holdings is made possible through the library’s membership in Ocean State Libraries.

MEETING ROOMS: Meeting rooms are available at both the Peace Dale and Kingston Free Libraries. Please contact individual libraries for rules and regulations that govern the use of the meeting rooms.

RESERVES: Materials can be reserved in person, by telephone, and online from within the Library or from a remote location using the Library’s website. Notification is by telephone, e-mail, mail or text.

DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS: The Library makes exhibit space available as described in the South Kingstown Public Library Exhibit and Display Policy adopted by the Board of Trustees in December 1994. Exhibitors must insure or assume responsibility for items exhibited.

PROGRAMS: The Library offers a variety of educational and cultural programs for patrons of all ages. Library programs are free and open to the public.

GOALS AND ACTIONS

GOAL 1: To provide materials in a variety of formats both physical and virtual for persons of all ages that are relevant to the community’s evolving needs and interests

Actions

 Conduct bi-annual patron survey (print and electronic) to determine patron usage and wants
1. Target “captive group locations” i.e. election day, community events
2. Post survey on website, social media and send email blast
3. Establish an annual focus group

 Collection development and maintenance
1. Review and streamline current Collection Development Policy
2. Continue with ongoing evaluation of all collections, identifying strengths and weaknesses
3. Review circulation statistics to determine high demand/interest areas
4. Purchase materials that will support curricula of grades K-12
5. Review and update R.I. and Local History Collection Policy
6. Add 1 (one) electronic resource per year
7. Analyze current usage of Non-English materials and increase diversity of collection to meet existing and potential needs

GOAL 2: To serve as a center for free, timely and accurate information for all residents in their pursuit of job-related, educational, and personal enrichment opportunities.

Actions

 Programming
1. Conduct a minimum 12 (twelve) informational, cultural or adult educational programs per year
2. Create program exit survey and conduct ongoing informal surveys after each program

 Technology
1. Review and update current technology plan
2. Increase one-on-one technology programs by 10%
3. Hold at least 1 (one) drop-in technology help day per year
4. Hold a least 2 (two) technology classes (i.e. Word, Excel, etc.) per year
5. Explore emerging technologies that can be used to enhance library resources

 Workforce and economic development
1. Reach out to Chamber of Commerce to help identify needs of business community
2. Reach out to community agencies (i.e. Jonnycake Center, Thundermist Health Center, etc.) to determine where library can assist with needed resources or training
3. Investigate new resources (print and electronic) and maintain current collection to support career readiness and life skills

GOAL 3: To assist residents of all ages in the pursuit of life-long learning by offering a variety of free and equitable programs, services, and technologies.

Actions

 Professional Development
1. Provide all staff with appropriate ongoing in-house training
2. Provide a minimum of 1 (one) in-house Ocean State Libraries network training per year for all staff
3. Budget to provide opportunity for professional staff to attend network training and workshops
4. Review job descriptions to ensure they reflect appropriate job duties and relevancy

 Develop and enhance community partnerships
1. Review current partners and identify possible new partners
2. With the assistance of the Board of Trustees, partner with at least 1 (one) new community agency per year
3. With the assistance of the Board of Trustees, participate in at least 1 (one) community event per year

 Outreach
1. With the assistance of the Board of Trustees, hold a minimum of 1 (one) speaking engagement to outside group for awareness of library services
2. With the assistance of the Board of Trustees, identify outside agencies to offer outreach sessions to learn how to use library services
3. With the assistance of the Board of Trustees, identify opportunities to set up “library information tables” at businesses, outside agencies and events throughout the year

GOAL 4: To provide a welcoming library environment and maintain buildings which are clean, comfortable, safe, and accessible to all members of the community.

Actions

 Buildings and Grounds
1. Annually submit needed Capital Improvement Projects to Town
2. Add at least 1 (one) building maintenance item to Champlin Foundation request each year

 Use of space
1. Start R.F.P. process for a feasibility study for maximizing the use of space at the Peace Dale Library by 2020

 Parking
1. Conduct preliminary assessment of parking at Peace Dale
2. Initiate conversation with URI campus officials regarding parking at Kingston Free
3. Conduct preliminary assessment of parking and signage at Hale

 Safety and accessibility
1. Continue to update Disaster Plan
2. Investigate security training for staff
3. Add additional cameras at Peace Dale and Kingston
4. Develop strategy for serving people with disabilities

GOAL 5: To raise community awareness and usage of library materials, programs and services

Actions
 Marketing
1. Identify strengths and weaknesses in current practices
2. Continue to produce monthly newsletter
3. Send a minimum of 4 (four) email blasts per year
4. Encourage staff and Trustees to be word of mouth advocates for library services and events

 Website/Social Media
1. Use pictures and video that highlight past and current events
2. Investigate low-cost promotional opportunities on Facebook
3. Investigate other outlets and tools (e.g. Twitter, Instagram, online registrations etc.)

 Events/Outreach
1. Hold adult and children’s programming meetings for staff on regular basis
2. Hold large community event at least once a year
3. Conduct pop-up libraries at various community locations

 Advocacy and value of the Library
1. Participate in Library Week annually
2. With the assistance of the Board of Trustees, actively seek exposure for services and programming from local media outlets and figures
3. Develop basic “elevator speech” for staff and Trustees

PLAN EVALUATION

The plan will be reassessed annually to evaluate progress and modify objectives.

COMPLETE PLAN REVIEW
Spring 2019.

Approved Board of Trustees July 2009, July 2012, June 2018