Plans and Policies
Help us to plan our Library Services
Tell us about your library and information needs. Your contribution is important and will help us plan for the future.
Members of the community are invited to provide input into the library's future direction by completing a survey or attending one of our consultation sessions during April 2012.
Maitland City Library user Survey 2012
Why are we planning?
The Library's current strategic plan concludes in 2012 and a new plan is needed to provide a framework for further progress. We need to asess and adjust the library's direction to effectively respond to the changing environmnent, particularly in light of the burgeoning growth of digital technologies and resources. A new plan will develop future viability in terms of managing library growth and governance, and responding to changes in the information environment and community needs...read more
Maitland City Library Strategic Plan 2007-2012
The Maitland City Library Strategic Plan 2007 – 2012 has been developed through a process of service delivery review, market research and examination of trends and opportunities in the delivery of public library services.
It has involved extensive consultation and the staff of the Maitland City Library and key stakeholders within the Council have been closely involved in the development of the Plan.
The Library’s role is changing – an inward focus on the provision of books and adherence to traditional policies is moving to an outwards focus on connecting with community needs across the spectrum of information, education, leisure and social interaction.
Engagement with the community is a major driver for library development, with the Library as a destination for community events, learning opportunities and cultural enrichment.
Underscoring the Library’s development will be a customer-focused approach to service provision, including a review of operational management and staffing structure.
Maitland City Library Strategic Plan 2007-2012
Review of Maitland City Library Services 2007
The intent of this Review is to strategically position Maitland City Library to be the best that it can be for the community it serves. A forward service delivery model and Strategic Plan are key components of this scope of work.
The process of the Review involved considerable consultation with the community and staff through a survey, focus groups and selected interviews. Research was also undertaken on demographic trends and population projections, business performance of the library, the strategic operating environment, as well as public library industry trends.
Globally, the world of information and communication is going through a period of exponential and accelerating change. The role of libraries is significantly changing, with a stronger focus emerging on playing a key role in lifelong learning and community development, as well as preserving and sharing the heritage and identity of the community.
The needs for library service delivery have evolved considerably and there is an increasing desire for flexibility to meet some key challenges. Libraries need to position themselves for the impact of the baby boomers and an ageing population as well as being key players in developing a range of literacies across all age groups. Mobile telephony and changes in technology have also changed the whole concept of service delivery, particularly to younger people.
Trends in Library service delivery highlight the increased focus on community engagement and the provision of programs to support community capacity building and informal learning. There is a need for adequate social space in libraries as well as space to house collections and technology. Review of Maitland City Library Services Executive Summary