Vision:

Each Iowans will have equal access to information and ideas in order to participate knowledgeably and productively in a democratic society and to lead an enriched life through lifelong learning.

Mission:

Helping libraries provide the best possible service to Iowans.

Goal 1:  Iowa Libraries will be able to Tell the Library Story in order to increase awareness of the value of libraries and use of library services.

Objective 1:  All Iowa libraries are provided with enhanced tools to assist them in telling their stories to local and state decision makers and their communities by the end of FY06.

Objective 2:  By the end of FY05, 20% of all Iowa libraries have used at least one of the ?Telling the Library Story Toolkit? tools.

Objective 3:  By FY06, 85% of all Iowa libraries will submit annual survey data so that libraries are able to use comparative data in Telling the Library Story.

Objective 4:  55% of Iowans surveyed are aware of the value of library services by FY05.

Objective 5:  Use of Iowa public libraries, as measured by uniform service measures, increases by at least 2% per year.

Goal 2:  Iowa libraries will build collaborative efforts in order to better serve their customers.

Objective 1:  By the end of FY05, 14 pilot projects (2 in each LSA) will be developed to provide mutually beneficial functions and services.  Examples from libraries of any type may include:  shared catalogs, cooperative acquisitions, shared staff, or establishing library districts.

Objective 2:  Public libraries in 7 counties (one in each LSA) will collaborate to set minimum per capita amounts for county contracts and contracting cities by the end of FY05.

Goal 3:  Iowa library staff will have the skills necessary to effectively manage and operate the library in order to provide excellent service to Iowans.

Objective 1:  Each year, provide continuing education programs statewide that support 50% of the public library core competencies.

Objective 2:  Each year provide continuing education programs statewide that support 33% of the public library topics identified in the needs assessment (excluding the core competencies).

Objective 3:  In FY05, use results of continuing education needs assessments to determine the role of the State Library and Library Service Areas in providing continuing education to school, academic, and special library staff.

Goal 4:  Iowa public library trustees will have the skills necessary to effectively govern the library?s operation so that the local library will prosper and respond to community needs.

Objective 1:  Each year 200 public libraries will send trustees to board development programs sponsored by Library Service Areas and the State Library of Iowa.

Objective 2:  Each year provide continuing education programs statewide that support 25% of the topics identified in the needs assessment.

Objective 3:  In FY05 all public library trustees will be given an opportunity to participate in a continuing education needs assessment conducted by the Library Service Areas and the State Library. 

Approved by the Iowa Commission of Libraries
June 1, 2004