LONG RANGE PLAN  
2001 –2006

Part 8 - OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS:  SUMMARY

Objective 1            Facilitate use of the library by the public.

Activities

1. Install better signage.  
   
2. Create booklists and other pathfinders in selected subject areas.  
   
3. Feature more displays of library materials.  
   
4. Support book clubs in town by providing publicity, meeting rooms and copies of their book selections.  
   
5. Provide reference service through E-mail.  
   
6. Institute word processing as a public service.  
   
7. Make more copies of best-selling titles available on demand.  
   
8. Improve the physical condition of the book collection.  
   
9. Increase hours of operation.  
   

Objective 2            Establish new programs for all ages which reflect community interests.

 Activities

1. Create a program for parents or caregivers and infants through eighteen months of age.  
   
2. Develop new programs for children through grade six. 
   
3. Present informational programs for the general public. 
   
4. Offer programs of special interest to seniors. 
   
5. Present several film series annually which target various groups: families, teens, and a general adult audience.  
   
6. Form alliances with community organizations to provide cooperative programming. 
   
7. Provide enhanced technology course offerings to the public. 
   
8. Sponsor a writers’ group at the library.  
   

Objective 3            Expand community relations initiatives.

Activities  

1. List and publicize local events through the Town Web site.  
   
2. Broaden the policy for use of library meeting rooms.  
   
3. Provide a “Welcome to Fairfield” packet for new residents. 
   
4. Improve and expand bulletin board space inside the libraries.  
   
5. In display cases, showcase collections owned by Fairfield residents.  
   
6. Publicize statewide library cooperative services.  
   
7. Establish a bulletin board and free books corner inside the Fairfield and Southport railroad stations and the new railroad station to be built near lower Black Rock Turnpike. (With Pequot Library)  
   
8. Establish notice boards at other locations (Independence Hall, Jennings Beach, Greenfield Hill).  
   
9. Negotiate with Sacred Heart University Library for more favorable reciprocal borrowing arrangements for Fairfield residents.  

Objective 4            Improve physical facilities at Main Library and branch.

Activities 

1. Implement the Main Library building program. 
   
2. Create more small study and tutoring spaces at Fairfield Woods.  Determine the feasibility of adding  an acoustical sliding partition in the Community Room to provide flexibility for use by groups or individuals.  
   
3. Create a teen area at Fairfield Woods with listening stations, appropriate seating, teen magazines and other materials. 
   
4. Establish a computer training lab at Fairfield Woods.  
   
5. Acquire new shelving for expanding collections of books and media at Fairfield Woods.  
   
6. Install acoustical ceiling tiles in certain areas of the branch library  children’s department and sound absorbing fabric panels behind the circulation desk to better contain sound.

Objective 5            Provide enhanced technology for the public.

Activities  

1. Install upgrades for public access machines, and provide other enhancements as these become available and are determined to be feasible.  
   
2. Add public access computers and printers as needed.  
   
3. Acquire SIRSI integrated library system enhancements as needed.  
   
4. Encourage additional libraries in Fairfield to join the SIRSI system.  

Objective 6          Carry out the library’s programs with a well-trained staff                            adequate to serve the town’s residents of all ages.

Activities  

1. Provide staff training programs which identify needs and enhance skills.  
   
2. Improve internal communication across departments. 
   
3. Establish a full-time teen  librarian position.  
   
4. Establish a part-time teen librarian position at Fairfield Woods branch.  
   
5. Establish a part-time community relations librarian position.  
   
6. Effect position and salary upgrades as appropriate. 
   
7. Increase part-time hours at the Main Library and the branch to enhance the library’s ability to provide prompt, effective service.

Return to Long Range Plan Contents

July 1, 2003