**STRATEGIC PLAN 2017- 2021 FOR THE WORKING GROUP ON MULTICULTURAL LIBRARY SERVICES (NSW)** __PREFACE/INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND__ Following discussions in 1996 about the role, objectives and future directions for the Working Group in Multicultural Library Services (N.S.W) it was decided that a Strategic Plan should be written. This updated Strategic Plan for the Working Group will ensure that a planned course is set for the next five years and will continue to ensure the Working Group has a high profile in the Library profession. __PROFILE OF WORKING GROUP__ The Working Group on Multicultural Library Services of NSW was established in June 1983 by several Librarians working in the field of library services for the CALD community. The Working Group's role is to promote the provision of library resources and services to clients in a range of community languages. __VISION__ Every NSW public library will have access to an excellent resource collection and services that meet the needs of their CALD communities __MISSION__ To lobby, advise, promote and improve the importance of library services for the CALD community. __OBJECTIVES__ 1. To provide leadership in the field of multicultural library service 2. To provide members of the group with a forum for discussion and for peer support 3. To raise the profile of multicultural library services 4. To encourage co-operation and networking amongst public libraries, the State Library of NSW and other organizations. 5. To ensure that multicultural services are recognized as integral to public library services 6. To lobby for funds to secure resources, including technology, appropriate to CALD communities’ needs. __VALUES OF THE GROUP__ * Equality between individual members * Client focused public library service * Equal access to services provided by public libraries * Professionalism * Co-operation/teamwork * Open to new ideas * Recognize the need to adapt to change * Cultural diversity __CURRENT OPERATING ENVIRONMENT__ Internal * Geographically dispersed * Diverse clientele between members * Different levels of support and funding common goals * Diverse library management systems External * Different LGAs * Cultural diversity of NSW population * Policies of state and federal governments * Changing boundaries of LGA's * Support and funding from State Library * Networking with other community organisations and service providers __SWOT ANALYSIS__ Strengths * Multicultural co-operative * Support from the State Library of NSW through the Multicultural Consultant * LOTE bulk loans service * Individual skills and knowledge of members * NSWPLA * Shared objectives & information * High number of clients * Collections and existing resources * Language skills of members * Ongoing promotions and marketing * Networking Weaknesses * Competing priorities * Limited collections in some languages * Limited access to range of resources * Limited availability of resources in some languages and formats * Limited catalogue records available in script * Library systems do not fully support scripts Opportunities * Keeping collections relevant * Advocacy * To develop new services and resources * Promotion of groups activities and functions * Lobbying * Submission of grant funding applications * Effective use of electronic information * Media * Partnerships Threats * Racism * Community attitudes * Insufficient funding publishing industry Changing technology * Censorship __STAKEHOLDERS__ Internal * Members of Working Group * Library Managers * Library Staff * Council: General Manager, Mayor and Councillors, Council staff * Volunteers * Translators * NSWPLA * Multicultural Advisory Committees External * Government and NGO’s * Other service providers * Community Groups * Library Users and Non-users * CALD Media * Inter agencies * LGSA/LGA * FECCA * Multicultural NSW __NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY__ *  Good collections in their languages *  Staff who can assist them *  Receive same level of service as English speaking people *  Continuing development of the collections *  Promotional material, signage in their own language *  Community information *  Bi-lingual storytelling and children’s activities *  Relevant collection of ESL material *  Recognition of their culture *  Lobbying to improve services for CALD communities *  Access to technology in their own language *  Opportunities for the community to participate in a wide range of library events __NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF GROUP__ * Active participation of members * Management and Council support * Atmosphere of creativity and professional development * Maintain and increase membership * Mutual support * Results * Achievable goals * Ability to promote and market * Opportunities to present and attend conferences * Opportunities for training and professional development __NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF LIBRARY MANAGERS__ * Regular consultation and feedback to library managers from members * Effective communication from the group * Group should show leadership and initiative * Provide advice and expertise * Set achievable goals * Accountability __KEY ISSUES FOR SUCCESS__ * Support of NSWPLA * Support of Library Managers/Council * Availability of financial resources * Skills of multicultural librarians * Profile of Multicultural Working Group * Support of the State Library and the Multicultural Consultant * Flexibility and teamwork * Effective communication * Maintenance of LOTE bulk loan collection __KEY RESULT AREAS__ __Objective 1__: Identify and support new arrivals Strategy: To develop strategies to support new arrivals Outcome - Support new arrivals with relevant programs, services and resources * Action - Identify new arrivals by liaising with relevant government and NGO’s * Performance Measure - Report back on the number of programs and services provided to these communities * Time Frame - 2017 - 2021 * Action - Standing Agenda item * Performance Measure - Count number or programs and partcipants * Time Frame - 2017-2021 __Objective 2__: To provide members of the group with a forum for discussion and for peer support Strategy: Facilitate training and professional development Outcome - Attendees gain more information about services and resources for CALD communities * Action - To develop and hold an information seminar aimed at Multicultural Librarians and public library staff * Performance Measure - Number of attendees * Time Frame - 2018 and 2020 __Objective 3__: To raise the profile of multicultural library services Strategy: Encourage and support the promotion and marketing of services for the CALD community Outcome - Increase awareness of WGML & their achievements * Action - Encourage members to present at conferences and seminars * Performance Measure - Number of members attending conferences etc * Time Frame - 2017-2021 Outcome - Increased awareness of public library services to CALD communities * Action - Number of applications both from individuals and organizations * Performance Measure - Annual Multicultural Excellence Award * Time Frame - 2017-2021 Outcome - Promotion of multicultural services to CALD communities across NSW * Action - Identify and submit a marketing project suitable for grant application * Performance Measure - Apply for a grant to obtain funding to create electronic promotion * Time Frame - 2019-2021 __Objective 4__: To encourage co-operation and networking amongst public libraries, the State Library of NSW and other organizations. Strategy: Encourage co-operation. Outcome - Improved services to CALD communities * Action - Encourage co-operative projects * Performance Measure - Number of co-operative projects * Time Frame - ongoing __Objective 5__: To ensure that multicultural services are recognized as integral to public library services. Strategy: Educate public library staff of their role in the provision of services to the CALD community Outcome - Increase public library staff knowledge of the inclusive role of their CALD communities * Action - Final report from Pino Migliorino * Performance Measure - Revise the report from Pino to identify any gaps and priorities * Time Frame - 2018