Library Completes Phase One Of Strategic Plan

The Indianapolis Public Library is in the process out putting together a new strategic plan.

The document will outline the library’s vision through 2020.

Phase one of the process, that started in July, is complete.

About 100 people worked on nine task forces to address various topics.

"They pulled together their ideas about some of the services that we could offer, identified other organizations in the community that were working in that topic area," said Director of Public Services Laura Johnson.  "Then, also helped us identify what in their opinion would be the areas that the library should take a lead role."

The planning team is taking a slightly different approach by using a process similar to creating a neighborhood quality of life plan.

Johnson says it became clear in the first phase that people use the library for various reasons, and the facility needs to get the word out on how it can help meet those needs.

"One common theme that's emerged is to find a way to tell our story in such a way that people are more aware of the variety of services that we offer," she said.

The library expects to finalize the new five-year strategic plan in April.