Objective 1:   Adequate and Efficient Use of Space and Resources:
Library users will have a 21st century library facility in which to access resources.

The library will strive to provide cutting-edge technology annually as budget allows.

By 2006/2007 plans will be in place to construct a child friendly, special story time programming area.   

The library will work toward the possibility of digitizing the vertical file materials, and making these resources available electronically.

During each year of the five-year plan, at least 50% of the children served by the preschool outreach program will be considered at risk children. This will be based on childcare subsidy data provided by the Polk County Partnership for Children.

By 2010/2011 at least 30% of elder care facilities in Polk County will be enrolled in some type of adult outreach library program.

Objective 3: Languages Current materials will be available Polk County residents, especially Latinos, in the languages they read, speak or understand.

The library will provide information about its programs and services in two languages by the end of FY 2010/2011.

A Spanish Collection Committee will be established by the end of FY 2006-07. A collection development plan for library collections in languages other than English will be developed and implemented by the end of FY 2006-07.

The main library in Columbus will be designated as the primary location for Spanish-language materials and services by the end of FY 2006/2007.   The Saluda Public Library branch will utilize components of collection and service strategies developed for the main library.

Library general information resources (books and other materials in all formats, selected reference sites, library informational publications) available in Spanish will increase by 15 percent by FY 2006/2007.

Circulation of Spanish language materials will increase by five percent each year, based on FY 2005/2006 usage.

Objective 4: Remote Access
Library customers will have access to information resources and services without visiting a library building.

Small business remote use of Polk County Library information resources and services will increase by 10 percent per year, beginning in FY 2006/2007.

By the end of FY 2010/2011, at least 75 percent of the library's electronic resources will be available to remote users from home, school, work, community centers and career centers.

The number of unique Polk County remote (e.g., dial-up, Web, telephone, and mail) users will increase annually by 10 percent.

Objective 5: Valuing of the Library
Library users and community stakeholders will recognize the library as a unique community asset and a personally valuable resource.

The library will continue to develop partnerships for programming, particularly with schools/colleges and other community organizations - presenting at least ten partnership programs each year.

Library staff will do radio, television and print media interviews promoting programs and services.

The library will participate in the Polk County Resource Council and other community partnerships to communicate the availability of library resources, programs and services.

A professional marketing consultant will design a comprehensive, consistent library image for print materials, website, and signage, which will be used in FY 2006/2007 and each subsequent year.  

The library will serve as a commons for library users to achieve one or more 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:  

1) Met friend/co-worker
2) Made a new friend
3) Learned about new books, videos, or music
4) Completed or made progress on school work
5) Learned about or was referred to another community organization
6) Quiet place to think, read, write, or study
7) Enjoyed a lecture, concert, film, or other public event
8) Attended or participated in a public meeting
9) Visited library-sponsored chat room on the Web
Every library plan or other document produced by the library in the next five years will conclude with a statement of the ethical impact of government provisioning of optimal library services for community development and the value of the public library to the community.