PROSPECT HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT |
Community Clientele |
| Historical Background The public library for Prospect Heights was established in 1955 under the direction of the Prospect Heights Woman’s Club. During the first two years, the Library was staffed by volunteers. In 1957, the volunteer Library became the Prospect Heights Public Library District, following a Project PLUS demonstration funded by the Illinois State Library. During its first fifteen years, the Library moved through a series of locations in storefronts at and around the intersection of Camp McDonald and Elmhurst Roads. Collections and services have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. The present library building was constructed in 1972 and was later enlarged and renovated from 1990-91. The building is now approximately 26,000 square feet. |
Current Status Library collections include books, periodicals, newspapers, videos, DVDs, books on tape, books on CD, music cassettes & CDs and CD-ROMs. This Marketing Plan is intended to cover approximately 3 years from the time of adoption. Some parts of the Plan are already underway and will be maintained and enhanced during the next 3 years. |
Mission Statement |
Position Statement |
SWOT Analysis Weaknesses Opportunities Threats |
Marketing Action Goals
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Objectives for Action Goal #1 I. Increase Library use in-house. A. Form a Display Committee to create displays with eye-catching signs to highlight the Library’s collection, emphasizing that books on display can be checked-out. B. Increase periodical circulation. 1. Require periodical check-out to qualify for grand prize during Winter & 2. Display periodicals at Circulation Desk. C. Increase the large print collection and its circulation. D. Promote Rebecca Caudill nominated books in the Fall and the books written by the schools’ visiting author in the Spring. E. Offer in-house Storytimes for ages 0-36 months and 3-5 year-olds. F. Offer a Preschool Fair for parents to visit the Library and learn about area preschools and daycares. G. Make sure school textbooks and accelerated reading lists are available for children. H. Develop a weekend book discussion group for 6th and 7th graders and, in cooperation with the schools, offer accelerated reader points to attendees.
II. Increase Library use from remote locations. A. Update Library homepage monthly. B. Investigate potential external publicity sites to post flyers, posters and C. Increase usage of Homebound Delivery Service. 1. Publicize the service fully and repeatedly. 2. Concentrate on Brighton Gardens as a source of homebound delivery requests. D. Utilize the Library Cable Network for publicity purposes. E. Bring Library youth programs and books to the schools to supplement students’ education and remind them of the Library’s helpfulness. F. Co-sponsor the schools’ visiting author during Spring. G. Implement traveling Storytimes for area preschools and schools with grades K-2. |
Objectives for Action Goal #2 I. Offer computer classes. A. Offer 4-6 computer classes per week for the public. 1. Classes include but are not limited to: a. SIRSI b. Internet c. E-mail B. Offer classes for the staff to learn necessary computer technology. 1. Classes include but are not limited to: a. SIRSI b. Internet c. E-mail 2. Require staff attendance to NSLS technology classes as necessary. C. Give research instruction to visiting school classes. D. Provide simple help guides for all Library databases. E. Provide a special web page for children with graphics and interesting sites for children (Preschool – 8th Grade). II. Increase promotion of Answers Unlimited and Nightowl Reference with flyers and bookmarks throughout the community. |
| Objectives for Action Goal #3
To build community involvement with Young Adult (ages 12-14) and High School (ages 15-18) programming, area agency and library co-sponsored programs. I. Create a Young Adult Department combining services for patrons, ages A. Including, but not limited to services such as: 1. Book talks. 2. School visits. 3. Study hours. 4. YA Summer/Winter Reading Programs. 5. Other programs. |
II. Co-sponsor advertising at movie theaters with other libraries. III. Develop a partnership with area Park Districts to sponsor programs. |
Marketing Image Goals Based upon the SWOT analysis, Department Head meetings and the Board/Department Head meeting, our two main Image Goals were determined. Many individual Marketing Image Goals are already implemented and intend to be continued, maintained or enhanced. The two main Image Goals consist of the following: 1) To be known as, and maintain the perception of, an inviting comfortable place to seek information, education, fun and leisure. 2) To be known as the primary information resource in the community. |
Objectives for Image Goal #1 To be known as, and maintain the perception of, an inviting comfortable place to seek information, education, fun and leisure. I. Appear inviting to patrons and make them feel comfortable. A. Place large print collection in a more inviting area, with more space and sitting room. B. Display and hang consistent signs with consistent fonts and colors to coordinate with current décor (exempt are temporary signs, i.e. book displays). C. Create and display enticing and colorful book displays. II. Schedule and promote fun and educational events, programs, displays A. Involve patrons of all ages in contests that stretch their knowledge in a fun and interesting way. B. Offer programs for adults. 1. Music concerts. 2. Programs for senior citizens. 3. Lyric Opera volunteer lectures. 4. Book Clubs 5. Other programs. C. Hold art instruction and craft classes for children on a regular basis. D. Supply space for local and emerging artists to display their work. E. Provide an educational preschool play area for toddlers and their F. Produce eye-catching decorations for reading programs. III. Create a volunteer program. A. Seek volunteers to: 1. Help library staff. 2. Generate positive, word-of-mouth talk about the Library. |
Objectives for Image Goal #2 To be known as the primary information source in the community. I. Stock the shelves with current materials. A. Maintain an adult non-fiction materials collection which has current information. 1. Maintain an ongoing, aggressive acquisition and weeding procedure in adult non-fiction. a. Purge out-of-date titles and editions each year. b. Review 5% of the collection monthly. B. Review and weed Youth Services fiction and non-fiction collections II. Supply patrons with current informational technology. A. Enable patrons to bring and use their laptops to access our network through wireless network cards. III. Promote informational services through bookmarks. A. Create a different bookmark for each month, highlighting a specific service each month. 1. Insert one bookmark into a bag or book per patron check-out. 2. Display a new bookmark at the community park districts and school libraries each month. IV. Emphasize informational services to area schools. A. Visit area schools. 1. Visit schools at the beginning of each school year to notify both teachers and students of the library’s services. 2. Visit area preschools regularly to notify preschools of library’s services. B. Give handouts to teachers continuously, listing the library’s services specifically for teachers and students. V. Maintain current informational booklists for: A. Patrons. B. Students. |