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Date: 10/12/2022
NORTHAMPTON – Forbes Library is in the process of developing a new strategic plan. They are currently seeking anonymous survey responses in order to help them craft the plan going forward.
The library’s last strategic plan was created in 2017. The plans are updated about every five years in order to improve the library and its services and better serve the community.
“It’s really our response to what we’ve heard and our commitment to providing the most targeted and useful services that the library possibly can,” said Lisa Downing, Forbes Library director.
The short survey is intended to be completed in five to 10 minutes. Downing said that they are seeking responses from both library users and non-users.
“We’re really interested in hearing from folks that don’t currently use Forbes Library and getting their feedback. It’s very important because we would love them to become Forbes Library users,” she said.
Some examples of survey questions include how respondents use the library, how Forbes Library compares to other libraries and what would make the library a greater and more valuable resource to the community. All questions on the survey are optional.
According to Downing, they are hopeful to reach 1,000 responses. The deadline to complete the survey is currently Oct. 21, but she said that it could be extended.
“We really are committed to getting enough responses to make it statistically relevant,” said Downing.
Anyone who takes the survey is eligible to win one of two $100 Greater Northampton Gift Cards. This will be the only community-wide survey that the library puts out before beginning the new plan.
“This is really a rare opportunity to have people’s voices heard in a collective, community-wide way,” said Downing.
The new strategic plan is estimated to be completed by April 2023. It will then be publicized on the Forbes Library website.
Downing emphasized that creating this new plan is a great way to keep the library growing and adapting to community needs.
“It focuses us on responding to our community’s changing needs. We have limited resources and time just like many other organizations, so creating a plan with priorities focuses us on what’s most important and allows us to do the most good,” she said.
Those interested in taking the survey are able to visit https://forms.gle/Mb3CfDAGnKqTFQF26. Paper copies of the survey are also available in person at the library.