NSW public library wiki

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