The Oxford County Library has unveiled its new “forward-thinking” strategic plan that officials say will help meet the “evolving needs” of the region’s diverse communities.
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Announced Thursday, the plan is described by library officials as “a roadmap for innovation and excellence” that reflects its ongoing commitment to “embracing change, fostering engagement, and providing universal access to information, ideas, and engaging experiences.”
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The plan itself was developed in consultation with community members, library partners, staff and members of the Oxford County Library board.
“The strategic plan represents our shared vision for a vibrant and diverse future for Oxford County Library, founded on co-operation and active community involvement,” board chair Julia Harris said in a release. “It provides a clear path to inspire individuals, encourage innovation, and enhance relationships with the community we serve.
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“The plan is based on extensive research and involvement of stakeholders and is in line with local priorities to ensure we remain responsive to the needs of our community.”
The plan identifies three key goals as priorities for the 2024-2028 strategic plan:
- Sustaining service excellence: Enable an empowering and collaborative work environment for library staff while enhancing facilities to continue to deliver outstanding working and visiting experiences.
- Growing engagement and member relationships: Increase resident awareness of the library’s programs and services, and bolstering relationships with existing and new members.
- Innovating access to service: Purposefully innovate programs and services to improve access, drive engagement, and boost members’ experiences.
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In addition to this trio of goals, the plan makes a pledge to Truth and Reconciliation through a commitment to providing “welcoming and inclusive spaces, services and collections” for Oxford County’s Indigenous community. This pledge also recognizes the “unique knowledge, teachings, languages and cultures” of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
In the coming years, Oxford County Library staff will match its yearly business and budget plans with these strategic initiatives while monitoring the plan’s effectiveness through different “key indicators.”
The Oxford County Library system offers a wide variety of programs and services to residents, including the free lending of books, DVDs and other materials; access to online catalogs, databases and learning tools; community information; job research resources; and computer access. The library’s 14 branches are located Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg.
For more information about the strategic plan, visit www.ocl.net.
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