Did you know the Bartlesville Public Library has roughly 100,000 items in its circulation inventory — from books and videos to outdoor games and nearly anything you can imagine in its “Library of Things?” Or that it offers an excellent collection to do research on local history and genealogy, a host of digital resources and free meeting rooms to the public? The list goes on. But the BPL team isn’t stopping there. As they work to create the library’s strategic plan for the next three years, they’re asking the public to complete a survey to let them know how they’re doing and to find out what new services the community would like to see offered by BPL. Library Director Shellie McGill spells it all out for us in this week’s Director’s Cut.
First, while everyone knows they can check out books (and even videos and DVDs) at the library, BPL offers so much more. Can you give us a brief run-down of some of the services or resources available to the public that might not be as widely known?
We are excited to offer checkouts of hotspots, video games, kids tablets, STEM kits, outdoor games, Playaway audiobooks, cake pans, musical instruments, craft kits, telescopes, book club kits and so much more. We have a comprehensive eBook and audiobook digital collection. We have a Career Center where you can apply for jobs and create a new resume. We also have the Creative Corner where you can utilize Cricut design machines to cut designs for signs, shirts and so much more. We will proctor your test or even go through the U.S. Citizenship process with you. Lastly, if you need Wi-Fi, it is free anywhere in the library or in the parking lot 24 hours a day.
What does the three-year BPL Strategic Plan encompass and why is it important?
The three-year Strategic Plan is a list of the materials, products, services and service goals we will strive to achieve over the next three years. It is our roadmap. It helps us plan, budget, strategize, and bring our goals to life.
How will it impact library services and programs?
We will use the Strategic Plan to decide what services and programs to offer in the next few years.
Tell us about the survey BPL has launched to assist with the upcoming strategic plan.
The Library Satisfaction Survey allows our community to tell us how they use the physical library and the digital library to tell us about their level of satisfaction with our services and hours, it asks about use of our apps, and what additional services our community would like the Library to offer.
How will the findings be incorporated into the plan?
We value all input, will weigh comments, and we will incorporate all the ideas we can into the strategic plan. The survey results are the input we need from our community. We will also seek input from our employees and the Library Board, and will inventory the services we provide against what comparable libraries provide.
Why seek public input?
We want to serve as an important resource that meets the needs of citizens in our community. To do that we need to be in touch with what our community needs and wants.
Where can the public access the survey?
The survey can be accessed using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3J29ZTL, or the QR Code (right).
For more information, see https://www.bartlesville.lib.ok.us/