The Library's Strategic Plan
Mission: Inspiring lifelong learning for everyone in the community.
Vision: The Central Rappahannock Regional Library improves lives through the transformative power of information, learning, and ideas to meet the growing needs of the region. The mission and vision directly align with the role as an educational institution for the entire community.
Why There is a Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan (2022-2027) aims to guide the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in developing accessible and relevant resources, materials, and services for its diverse community both now and over the next five years. Although the mission and vision remain the same, this plan highlights the innovative, community-focused approaches the library will take to deliver service and value as it moves into the future.
How the Plan Was Developed
This update to the past Strategic Plan was developed by an outside consultant based on survey feedback and ideas from the Library Board, staff, customers, and partners.
The plan is a dynamic tool that will guide the library in the pursuit of key strategic goals:
- Community outreach
- Customer centricity & inclusion
- Staff training & development
- Ingenuity & innovation
- Meaningful partnerships
The library will use it to inform the day-to-day operations and to direct the future to achieve these goals.
General Survey Themes
Theme #1
The library is rated favorably on delivery on its mission, value of services for a diverse community, and as an educational institution for the entire community.
Theme #2
The library is strong in the areas of offering customer service excellence; a welcoming environment; a variety of services, programs, and resources; and in being a hub for the community.
Theme #3
Respondents most highly value the variety of library's services; learning resources and opportunities; the lifelong learning mission; community outreach, connection and involvement; and the welcoming environment and staff.
The Future
As for the future, respondents to the survey believe the community will need more outreach, marketing, and increased awareness; expanded services, access, and resources for ESL populations, the aging community, and those with disabilities; technological innovation; better use of space; and ongoing staff development.
Respondents believe the community will be less invested in physical materials in the future, such as audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs. Community partners and staff shared similar ideas about future needs, with partners noting a need for increased partnerships, and staff noting an interest in being more involved in innovating library offerings.