Deliverables from PLA Conference

One major purpose of attending any conference is to get new ideas, and hopefully be able to implement them back home. PLA really had a ton of great ideas. Here are some things that we will be looking to potentially implement in either the short term (next six months), medium term (six months to a year) or long term (one year+. Note that following deliverable is reference to program (you can read more about them in blog) where this idea evolved from).

Your feedback is welcome here!

Short Term (Next Six Months)

• Work with reference staff to revise, re-imagine and reprint end cap signage in the adult nonfiction; 3 digit Dewey, plus popular subject headings; to make a more self-sufficient environment and empower library patrons. (Creating Self-Directed Library Environments; Cracking the Code: Beyond Dewey).
  
• Work with staff to create a “library directory”, a simple, easy to use map for patrons; helps patrons to move through the building more easily; fine tuning the patron-centered library experience. (Creating Self-Directed Library Environments).
  
• Disseminate tips for more focused email messages by using simplified email writing template (The 30-Second Email: How to Write Clear and Productive Email Messages).
  
• Put together lists of books and websites for readers’ advisory and make available online and in reference notebook. (Crossover Advisory).
  
• Create small professional library at VG with subjects including organizational culture and development, leadership, management, etc. (Shortcuts to Greatness).
  
• Increase attendance and revenue from "RRR" fundraiser event by 25%. (Jumpstart Your Fundraising!)
  
• Explore purchase of iPad (or other tablet device) and how to best apply to library practice. (Top Ten Tech Trends).
  

Medium Term (Six Months to a Year)

• Work on team-building with Adult Services Team. Hold regular (monthly/quarterly??) meetings to discuss programming, collection and adult services ideas and trends. Look at creating team goals and think of ways we as a team can improve the organization and improve the customer experience. Look for ways to make our library experience more user-focused. (Creating the Customer Experience).
  
• Continue advocacy and education for staff re: teens in library. Example, create a monthly staff update for teen books & materials; hold one teen staff development training in 2010 (Top Trends: Taking Teen Services to the Next Level).
  
• Meet with book club facilitators to share ideas, a potential collaborative project, and create Reader’s Advisory tools for staff and patrons.
  
• Explore more front-line library advocacy. Share topic at staff meetings. (Every Voice Makes a Difference: Frontline Library Employee Advocacy).
  
• Explore adult/boomer/senior programming that is engaging and mentally stimulating. (The One-Room Schoolhouse Project: A Successful Model for Outreach, Partnerships, Senior Services and Local History).
  
• Fund Development - Hone grant writing and fundraising skills and actively pursue these opportunities. (Jumpstart Your Fundraising!)
  

Long Term (One Year+)

• Work on “reinvent” and “reimagine” thinking. Always be looking for ways to reinvent our organization. Keep learning about and set aside time for big-picture thinking. Learn to take risks and be able to articulate to library leaders why we should take such risks. (Reimagine, Reinvent & Reallocate)
  
• Organizational development - developing the ideal culture at the library that fosters a spirit of teamwork, innovation, pride, and excellence by developing staff and setting a common vision. Also position Rancho Cucamonga as a national brand - developing a plan to promote and showcase RCLS as a national brand like Anythink, Charlotte Mecklenberg, Hennepin County, etc. (in their hayday). (Organizational Culture).
  
• Strategic Plan - create a strategic plan for 3, 5, and perhaps 10 years. (Shortcuts to Greatness).