Community Corner

Scarsdale Library Releases Five-Year Development Plan

The Strategic Plan, developed over two years, is divided into six goals and objectives that adhere to the library's mission "to serve a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of the community."

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A comprehensive, five-year enhancement plan to expand the Scarsdale Pubic Library’s critical role in the life of the community by increasing services to specific groups, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, and improving the library experience for all users was recently released by the Scarsdale Public Library Board of Trustees.

The Strategic Plan, developed over two years, is divided into six goals and objectives that adhere to the library’s mission “to serve a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of the community.” 

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The six goals are:

  • Strengthen the vital position the library plays in the community.
  • Improve the library experience.
  • Embrace technology while evaluating traditional services and collections.
  • Maximize staff potential.
  • Expand community awareness of the library’s activities and services.
  • Ensure stable and dependable funding.

“Our impetus for undertaking this huge task can be summed up in one word: change,” said Barbara Josselson, President, Scarsdale Library Board of Trustees. “Our capabilities are expanding thanks to technological advancements for gathering and distributing information and our patron’s needs are evolving. Community members are increasingly looking to the library not merely for books, but for electronic content, educational and recreational resources, and physical spaces that support both community involvement and independent pursuits.”

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The plan calls for expanding programming for children, teens, adults, seniors and people with disabilities as well as reaching out to new residents and providing meeting spaces for community groups.  The library recently upgraded the Scott Meeting Room with state-of-the-art technology.

To accomplish its goals, the library will continue to pilot and introduce innovative approaches for library services, such the Finals Night for high-school students inaugurated this past June, and conduct a space/facility analysis. The library will also explore ways to serve patrons who work locally or in home offices, and consider the addition of a café and increasing outdoor seating.

“Many Scarsdale residents embrace technology and expect the library to stay current, as well as help them learn the latest technology,” said Elizabeth Bermel, Library Director.  “However, as life gets more hectic and technology-driven our patrons told us in focus groups and surveys that they are feeling more isolated.  We were told that people crave face-to-face interaction.  To many in our community, the library can provide an opportunity not only to connect digitally, but also to connect with others.  We heard a variety of suggestions, from more programs for all ages, to greater opportunities for special interest groups to meet, to providing welcoming spaces to read, work, snack and relax.”

Josselson and Bermel emphasized that the plan is an evolving document that is sufficiently flexible to account for new technology and innovations. Some of the changes will be apparent to patrons almost immediately and others will occur over time. By utilizing new technology and training staff in its uses,  productivity can be improved to allow staff to focus more directly on patrons.

They noted that with advances in technology and library management a library is no longer confined to four walls and book stacks, but now stretches to the boundaries of the community and beyond.  While the focus remains with the building as the heart of a library, this is only a part of the today’s institution and the plan proposes exploring various options.  

The Strategic Plan has a section that discusses current issues and trends facing libraries in such areas as technology, new media, the economy and funding, space utilization, staff development and patron expectations.  

Phase I of the plan was conducted by a consultant who held five focus groups, one open meeting, compiled data and identified trends.  The plan was written by a committee of the Board and Bermel. Phase I was funded by Friends of the Scarsdale Library, which provided support throughout.  A section in the plan describes the entire process.

Copies of the plan are available on the Scarsdale Public Library website and at the library.


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