Strategic plan reveals Otsego County Library patrons like hard copies

GAYLORD — The Otsego County Library recently had a strategic plan developed and one of the interesting results from a community survey showed that despite the rising presence of digital and online technology, hard copies of books and other materials remain popular with patrons.

"They want us to keep books and expand our book collection," said Jackie Skinner, director of the library.

The strategic plan was put together by local firms Effect Size and CP Consulting. Skinner said the library's previous strategic plan was good until 2020.

"Most of that plan was focused on the new building and we now have the building. So this time we can focus on the community needs," Skinner said.

The new strategic plan was put together in the spring. Feedback was gathered by the consultant through one-on-one engagement and anonymous electronic surveys. The number of participants who provided feedback included four members of the library board, four Friends of the Library, four library staff members, 30 local educators and 146 community members.

Skinner said the community survey revealed that about 90 percent were satisfied with the library's hours, the main reason patrons go to the library is to check out books and the main reason people do not use the library regularly is due to time constraints or personal reasons in most cases.

The plan outlined several areas for the library to focus on over the next three years, including improving communications and marketing.

"We need to make sure we have a cohesive and modern website and maintain effective communication with the community through newsletters," said Skinner.

The second goal involved the library's programming and collections. Skinner said the strategic plan suggested the library update and expand its holdings.

"We need to try and get the materials out of the buildings and available in the community," she added.

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One area the plan discussed was expanding the library's Makerspace, which offers access to technology such as 3D printers, a CNC router and a sewing machine. In some cases, the library can offer instruction on using these items.

"If a person knows how to do 3D printing but they don't have a printer, they can send a file to us and we can print it for them," Skinner said.

The strategic plan also said the library should create a more cohesive platform for its electronic collections and increase access to it. Skinner also said the library should increase its kindergarten through third grade programming.

Skinner added that the library is eager to expand its collaboration with the public schools.

"We can accomplish that through book and writing clubs and STEAM kits, which focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math, along with homework help," she said.

The strategic plan cost $8,750.

— Contact reporter Paul Welitzkin at [email protected].