Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Core Values, & Strategic Plan

In 2016, the Library developed, and the Library Board adopted, a Vision Statement, Core Values, and a three-year Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan was developed largely by staff, with in-person and online input from over 3,000 community residents. The plan is envisioned as providing the Library with community-focused direction as it moves through the remaining years of the current decade.

Charles M. Brown
Executive Director/City Librarian
New Orleans Public Library

2017-2019 Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan consists of 3 Strategic Initiatives:
Champion Literacy
Strengthen Communities
Enrich Minds

Each Strategic Initiative has a set of Goals and Objectives. Each Goal and Objective is tied to one of the Library's Core Values.

CHAMPION LITERACY

GOAL 1: The Library will establish itself as a primary resource for lifelong literacy education.
Core Value: ACCESS + INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

Objective 1: Increase the number of parents and caregivers trained in early childhood literacy.
Core Value: ACCESS

Objective 2: Support literacy and learning needs for school-aged youth.
Core Value: TEAMWORK

Objective 3: Actively promote the learning opportunities and services offered by YES! YMCA Adult Literacy Center.
Core Value: PARTNERSHIPS

GOAL 2: The Library will take a user-centered approach to technology services and assistance.
Core Value: SERVICE

Objective 1: Develop and offer workshops and programs centered on building digital literacy skills of library users.
Core Value: INNOVATION

Objective 2: Create a dedicated space at the Main Library for youth to develop digital skills.
Core Value: ACCESS

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES

GOAL 1: The Library will increase its community connections and visibility to reach more residents and raise awareness of what the Library offers.
Core Value: PARTNERSHIPS

Objective 1: Develop and implement targeted and effective marketing initiatives.
Core Value: INNOVATION

Objective 2: Develop and implement a targeted outreach plan that includes pre-readers, the homebound, older adults, and non-English speakers.
Core Value: ACCESS

Objective 3: Develop and implement a service plan that meets the unique needs of our homeless population.
Core Value: RESPECT & COMPASSION

Objective 4: Nurture established partnerships with outside organizations that strengthen both organizations and the people we serve. Core Value: ACCOUNTABILITY

Objective 5: Seek new partnerships with outside organizations that strengthen both organizations and the people we serve.
Core Value: TEAMWORK

GOAL 2: The Library will empower its employees with the knowledge and tools to provide each user with a positive experience.
Core Value: TEAMWORK

Objective 1: Develop and implement a plan to increase communication between and among library staff and departments Core Value: ACCOUNTABILITY

Objective 2: Review policy language to transition to a more user-welcoming approach.
Core Value: SERVICE

Objective 3: Adopt initiatives to target, recruit, and hire a diverse staff reflective of the population.
Core Value: ACCESS

Objective 4: Develop and implement a comprehensive staff development program.
Core Value: INNOVATION

Objective 5: Develop and implement a comprehensive technology training program for staff to increase proficiency in serving users’ digital needs.
Core Value: SERVICE

Objective 6: Develop an awards and recognition program to acknowledge the achievements of teams and individual staff members.
Core Value: RESPECT AND COMPASSION

ENRICH MINDS

GOAL 1: Library programs and workshops will be user-centered, reflecting the wants and needs of users.
Core Value: SERVICE + RESPECT AND COMPASSION

Objective 1: Evaluate the way programs are currently planned and administered both on the system level and the branch level.
Core Value: Core Value: ACCOUNTABILITY

Objective 2: Develop and implement a plan to streamline efficient and quality programming practices both on the system level and the branch level.
Core Value: INNOVATION

Objective 3: Ensure that programs offered for teens are guided by best practices and input from teens.
Core Value: SERVICE

GOAL 2: The community will have access to library collections, online resources, and services.
Core Value: ACCESS

Objective 1: Continually maintain collections to reflect community needs.
Core Value: INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

Objective 2: Market and display library materials more effectively.
Core Value: ACCESS

Objective 3: Maintain and further develop the library’s website as a continuous access point for users.
Core Value: INNOVATION

Objective 4: Increase our capacity to assist job seekers through resources, workshops, and one-on-one assistance.
Core Value: PARTNERSHIPS

GOAL 3: The Library will support the Louisiana Division/City Archives and Special Collections’ efforts to ensure access, protection, and preservation of the records in its care.
Core Value: PRESERVATION

Objective 1: The Louisiana Division/City Archives and Special Collections will continue to collect, process and preserve records and other historical materials to provide access to the public.
Core Value: PRESERVATION + ACCESS

Objective 2: Louisiana Division/City Archives and Special Collections will increase programming and services that promote usage and awareness of the collections it holds.
Core Value: INNOVATION

Objective 3: Seek capital funds to undertake a comprehensive facility study of the Main Library to transform it into a state-of-the-art 21st-century facility that also provides secure housing and increased access to the library’s Louisiana Division/City Archives and Special Collections.
Core Value: PARTNERSHIPS

Questions?