Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan 2024-2027

Shoalhaven Libraries have created a Draft Strategic Plan. The plan provides a clear framework and strategic direction for Shoalhaven Libraries over the next three years.

The Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan 2021 was due for a review and update having provided a clear strategic direction over the preceding years. Four key priority areas were identified in this plan and staff worked to achieve these outcomes, which was challenging at times, as during those three years bushfires, floods and COVID were experienced in the Shoalhaven.

To develop this plan, background research was undertaken to look at industry trends, case studies and best practice. A Customer Survey was conducted in 2021, and people were asked what they valued most about the services offered, what needed to change and what should be offered in the future.

We also spoke to our staff, who work with our customers every day, holding workshops and conducting a SWOT analysis. External factors that have an impact on library services and our communities were also researched and considered as part of the development of the strategic areas and actions.

This new strategic plan will guide the development and delivery of the Shoalhaven Libraries’ services over the next 3 years. It is a roadmap that provides clear direction on the future priorities of the library service, and the objectives and actions that will be required to achieve the desired outcomes. It incorporates the values that library staff have chosen to embody in their work, with a strong focus on customer service, inclusion, collaboration and ensuring our services and programs are community driven.

Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 links to Council’s Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program Operational Plan and Budget. It responds to the key theme of ‘Resilient, Safe, Accessible and Inclusive Communities’.

The performance indicators we will use to measure success are high customer satisfaction ratings, an increase in the number of events and visits, an increase in the number of items digitised, and the completion and implementation of policies and plans.

The draft Shoalhaven Libraries Strategic Plan document can be accessed through the document library on this Get Involved webpage.