The State Library of North Carolina has invited the Lincoln County Public Library to participate in a Community Needs Assessment pilot project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Science (IMLS).
The first phase of the project focuses on needs assessment and is to be completed by December 2012. Jennifer Sackett, Library Director, is working with a Steering Committee, chosen from the community, to evaluate the library and collect relevant data. The State Library has provided a consultant, Bill Millett, to assist in conducting interviews, focus groups, community forums and surveys. Lincoln County and the State Library will receive a final written report from the consultant summarizing the Needs Assessment.
The second phase, to be completed by June 2013, involves reviewing the data collected, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the library, and developing a written strategic plan. The Library Director, Steering Committee, and library staff will continue to work with the consultant to establish measurable goals and objectives that support the library’s mission and vision for the future. The library is required to annually submit a long-range Strategic Plan in order to qualify for State Aid to Public Libraries and grants. This assessment process will better enable the library to focus on the community’s needs and values.
We are especially excited about this opportunity since the Lincoln County Public Library is now an independent county library system. As we establish our vision and goals for the future we want to know what the community’s priorities are and how the library can help address those issues and needs. We encourage members of the community to share their thoughts and ideas by participating in our “It’s YOUR library!” public forums and community survey. We want the residents of Lincoln County to help us plan the future of the library to ensure that their needs are met.
Please see the attached flyer for additional information regarding the public forums and the community wide survey.
Letter from State Librarian Forum Schedule and Locations News Release