Vision and Strategic Directions
For Council of Members May 11, 2004

WMRLS Vision

By the year 2008, the Western Massachusetts Library System will be the dynamic center of a vital regional library community:

• Providing leadership and vision regarding the essential role of libraries in today's web-based world.
• Advocating for equal access to information, resources and services for the citizens of Western Massachusetts.
• Promoting innovation and collaboration between libraries of all types.
• Demonstrating the capacity to be fiscally sound, flexible and responsive to the needs of the full range of libraries in Western Massachusetts.

Strategic Directions

Strategic Direction #1: Redefine the role of WMRLS and the appropriate menu of services to meet the needs of libraries in Western Massachusetts for the year 2008.

• Goal 1.1 Reorient WMRLS to play more of a leadership role, highlighting vision, communication and collaboration.
• Goal 1.2 Resolve what it means to be a multi-type system; consider membership levels beyond type of library (e.g. by service or need level).
• Goal 1.3 Develop a clear definition of core services available to meet the essential service needs of all libraries.
• Goal 1.4 Explore the creation of additional services available to members on a menu or cafeteria approach.

Strategic Direction #2: Significantly expand WMRLS visibility and promote the value of libraries and library services in Western Massachusetts.

• Goal 2.1 Develop a recognizable image or "brand" for WMRLS.
  
• Goal 2.2 Actively promote WMRLS and libraries as essential community services.

Strategic Direction #3: Enhance existing funding and identify additional sources.

• Goal 3.1 Create a budget and secure funding which is appropriate to the redefined WMRLS role and service menu, and supports the vision and mission of WMRLS.
• Goal 3.2 Vigorously pursue new funding sources, such as fee-based services, in order to meet the growth in demand for services.

Strategic Direction #4: Ensure that WMRLS human resources support its changing role and service model.

• Goal 4.1 Determine the staffing needs to support the WMRLS changing role and service model and consider ways to retrain, reorganize, hire or contract to meet those needs.
• Goal 4.2 Provide ongoing, consistent professional development opportunities to enable staff to meet the changing needs of members and provide leadership for change.
• Goal 4.3 Establish an organizational culture that promotes and rewards responsiveness and innovation.