Library users will be provided with services and resources to develop information literacy in the community, including one or more items from the following skill set , with a 10% increase observed by staff conducting an annual sample survey at the end of FY 2006/2007 and each subsequent year:

Learned how to use the library catalogue.     
Learned how to ask a librarian for help.
Learned how to use a computer.
Learned how to use standard software products.
Learned how to use email/emailing lists/chat rooms.
Learned how to evaluate the quality of information on the web.
Learned how to create a website.
Learned how to use the library catalogue.
Learned how to search the World Wide Web.
Learned how to use databases.
Learned how to use reference books.
Learned how to use the library and its resources because a librarian helped me.      

Computer classes will be offered in both library locations a minimum of 5 times per year.

Annually at least 85% of the surveyed adults who have attended information literacy classes will indicate on a survey that the library has helped them develop the skills needed to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

The number of adult information literacy programs sponsored by the library will increase by 5% over the next five years.

At least 5 children's information literacy programs sponsored by the library will be held each year.

Library will continue to provide computers for self-instruction as well as for typing reports, resumes or assignments.

The library staff will continue to purchase materials in various formats on a monthly basis to enable adults and children to learn and use computer resources on their own.

The library staff will continue to provide one-on-one assistance in the use of the library's computer hardware and software daily.

The library will investigate the possibility of establishing a volunteer corps of teenagers to provide computer assistance at night and on weekends.

Continue to provide and market computer and Internet search classes at both libraries, monthly

The library will develop and market classes to diverse demographic groups annually.

The library will market informational/instructional tours of the library to schools, seniors, etc. annually, using the library's Marketing/Communication Plan and Library Advocacy Now! materials from ALA to guide the library's marketing efforts.

The library will offer a basic class on "How to Utilize YOUR Library" by FY 2007/2008.

The library will create a list of the services and amazing facts about the library, and then use it as a marketing tool to make people more aware of what we do, by FY 2007/2008.

The library will offer instructional classes in genealogy know-how, and instructional classes to cover the electronic resources we have in the areas of genealogy / local history annually.

The library will acquire a self-check system and train patrons how to use it by FY 2009/2010.

The library will establish on-line information literacy webpage. This could eventually be expanded to provide tutoring/training in an interactive manner.

The library will develop a   "pathfinder" project, which will aim to encourage readers to find information in their own areas of interest.   The library will create FAQs, Pathfinders, etc in both print/electronic forms for public use quarterly in FY 2006/2007 and each subsequent year.  

Literacy program participants using library facilities and resources will complete one or more items from the skill set listed below , with a 10% increase observed by staff conducting an annual sample survey at the end of FY 2006/2007 and each subsequent year :

Improved reading/writing/math.
Prepared for GED.
Passed the GED.
Prepared for the naturalization exam.
Became a citizen.
Read to a child or helped w/ book.
Helped a child with homework.
Applied for a job.
Got a job/better job/raise in pay.
Managing personal finances better.
Learned about bus/car/education/jobs/money.
Participated in a community activity.
Wrote a letter/postcard/email.

Objective 3: Cultural Literacy:
Library users from diverse cultures and subcultures will engage in program opportunities relating to American ethnicity, social equity and global awareness at the library.

The library will partner with the Polk County Cultural Council, Friendship Council, regional museums and other arts, humanities, diversity and global awareness organizations in an effort to bring free multicultural experiences to the public at the library and other community cultural spaces.

The library will focus on creating activities and educational opportunities related to such things as issues of disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and global awareness.

The library will develop programs that recognize, appreciate, respect, understand, and value our differences, and acknowledge that support of all groups in our community is fundamental to the transformative process needed to continue to move our community toward a truly inclusive and diverse environment.

The library will give weight to examining concerns and issues advanced by advocates of underrepresented groups in cultural program planning. The library will continue to sponsor or co-sponsor Black History Month, Women's History Month, an annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and other multicultural programming.

The library will assist those library users exploring their personal and regional historical past by providing an adequate collection and assistance with resources containing genealogy, local and state history, and special collections information.

Users of the library's genealogy, local and state history, and special collections area will accomplish one or more of the items in the following skill set , with a 10% increase observed by staff conducting an annual sample survey at the end of FY 2006/2007 and each subsequent year :

Learned how to use genealogical databases
Made progress researching family history
Met/reunited with a family member or friend
Learned about family medical history
Learned about cultural heritage
Shared data with others in person/print/online
Published family history
Identified new source of information to search
Met others interested in local history or genealogy
Did research for a school project
Worked on historic preservation/renovation/real estate
Learned about community/local history
Obtained a document or record

Objective 4: Visual and Media Literacy:
Library users will engage in public forums and dialogue by viewing, hearing and discussing current issues prominent in the media, in programs at the library and in family discussions in the home, supported by library audiovisual materials and computer technology.   Library users will also gain the ability to construct and present visual and written statements and engage actively in design and evaluation of their own web pages.

The library will engage visual and media literacy eductors to provide training at the library that utilizes the audiovisual collection, by FY 2010/2011.

Annual film discussion series will be developed at the library to stimulate public discourse on current events and national issues depicted in the media, through FY 2010/2011.

Free discussion materials provided by public television and radio networks to support their programming, and that of other media organizations or sponsors offering educational or cultural programming will be publicized and promoted at the library.

An audiovisual handout will be developed enabling customers to "troubleshoot" problems they may have in using our AV materials at home.

Training in the development of personal web pages as a form of visual expression will be offered by the library by FY 2010/2011.