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Strategic Plan 2010-2012

SouthWest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries (SWON Libraries) is a cooperative of area libraries organized to promote library services among and through member institutions. SWON Libraries consists of academic, public, school and special libraries in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. SWON Libraries promotes and supports professional development, collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation among all types of libraries in the region, thereby empowering the individual libraries to fulfill their own missions. The services provided by SWON Libraries are designed to strengthen member institutions, making them more effective and more innovative, and building their capacity to provide high quality, accessible, and sustainable services to their communities.

Mission Statement

SWON Libraries' mission is to build an empowered and dynamic community of 21st century libraries.

SWON Libraries realizes this mission through implementation of its core values and strategic goals:

1. Core Value: COMMUNICATION

Goal: SWON Libraries members will have the means to actively exchange information and ideas with each other and their communities.

Objectives:

  • Survey all libraries within the SWON Libraries service area to determine communication needs and the best means for sharing information.
  • Determine and provide the most effective ways for area libraries to communicate with one another.
  • Solicit and gather relevant information and announcements for communication to the library community.
  • Achieve consistent transparency in ongoing SWON Libraries' communications.

2. Core Value: COLLABORATION

Goal: SWON Libraries members will have opportunities to collaborate effectively, form alliances, and share their resources, expertise and successes.

Objectives:

  • Develop and promote networking events and opportunities within the library community.
  • Provide multiple opportunities to participate in and support the work of SWON Libraries.
  • Provide multiple opportunities for members to share their experiences and best practices with others.
  • Develop additional methods for outreach to the wider information community, including students, jobseekers, and non-member-libraries.

3. Core Value: EDUCATION

Goal: SWON Libraries members' unique continuing education and professional development needs will be met through diverse opportunities.

Objectives:

  • Survey all libraries within the SWON Libraries service area to determine continuing education and professional development needs.
  • Enhance accessibility to SWON Libraries' continuing education and professional development opportunities.
  • Form partnerships with libraries and other organizations to provide continuing education and professional development opportunities.
  • Develop new ways of promoting and publicizing continuing education and professional development opportunities.

4. Core Value: INNOVATION

Goal: SWON Libraries members will have access to resources needed to embrace change, navigate trends, and be vibrant, dynamic and successful.

Objectives:

  • Serve as a conduit to promote and share innovative library initiatives.
  • Grow SWON Libraries' technology consultation and referral services.
  • Develop shared technology projects that allow libraries with limited resources to use and experiment with new technologies.

5. Core Value: ADVOCACY

Goal: SWON Libraries members will have opportunities to promote their services and activities, and advance the continued relevance of libraries in our society.

Objectives:

  • Provide up-to-date information about emerging library policy issues and opportunities for action.
  • Determine the need for a consulting service to provide marketing and advocacy assistance for libraries.
  • Determine the need for a consulting service to help libraries assess, document, and prove their value.

Approved by the SWON Libraries’ Executive Board October 13, 2010

Past Strategic Plans