Library of NC Strategic Plan, 2025-2030

Mission 

We support North Carolinians and their libraries with resources and services that improve knowledge and skills for lifelong learning.

Vision

All North Carolinians will have the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their goals. 

Priority outcomes and goals

Five priorities the State Library has for 2025-30 are to:

  1. Increase knowledge of current and potential Library of NC customers about Library of NC programs and services
  2. Strengthen knowledge and abilities of Library of NC customers to meet their needs and interests
  3. Increase representation in and utilization of Library of NC programs and services
  4. Expand users of libraries across North Carolina
  5. Increase understanding of North Carolinians of libraries’ value

To accomplish this, the Library of NC will focus on the following themes:

  • Theme A: Provide relevant and valued services
  • Theme B: Expand communication and customer engagement  
  • Theme C: Improve resources
  • Theme D: Strive for operational excellence
Tab/Accordion Items

  1. Define Library of NC customer types and segments
    • Improve methods of data collection about users of Library of NC services (2026-30)
    • Improve analysis of information collected about Library of NC customers and their experiences (2025-2030)
  2. Enhance programs and services aligned to customer input
    • Engage customers to inform the enhancement of programs and services (2025-30)
    • Develop meaningful partnerships to expand utilization of Library of NC programs and services (2027-30)
    • Increase collaboration and access to customer usage data across Library of NC sections (2026-30)  

  1. Improve communication regarding Library of NC programs and Services
    • Create an organization-wide marketing and communication plan (2025-30)
    • Expand communications through other languages and accessible formats (2027-30)
  2. Increase knowledge about the value of libraries and Library of NC throughout the state
    • Develop outreach campaign to share information about the value of libraries with patrons as well as with anyone currently not using libraries (2026-30)
    • Develop and provide training on strategies for articulating the value of libraries (2026-30)
    • Utilize Library of NC partners and advocates to share knowledge about the value of libraries (2027-30)

  1. Leverage funding and staffing of Library of NC programs and services to best support the evolving needs and interests of our customers
    • Develop and implement a professional development plan for state library staff to increase capacity (2026-30)
    • Expand and enhance on-demand virtual training options with pathways for North Carolina library staff to build their capacity (2025-30)
  2. Improve Library of NC physical and operational resources, including space, technology, equipment, and print and digital collections
    • Explore the development of a support group to expand resources for Library of NC (2025-30)
    • Convene Library of NC staff to assess, improve, and utilize existing space to meet their evolving needs (2026-30)
       

  1. Foster a culture of collaboration, support, communication, and innovation
    • Develop management systems that improve culture (2025-30)
    • Improve cross-unit collaboration and communication (2025-30)
  2. Improve accessibility, analysis, and use of data for decision-making
    • Support staff to access, use, and report data (2025-30)
    • Use data to gauge and improve the efficacy and impact of programs and services (2025-30)
  3. Ensure effectiveness and efficiency of operational procedures
    • Refine internal procedures to maximize organizational and programmatic effectiveness (2025-30)
    • Ensure staff awareness, accessibility, and application of internal procedures. (2025-30)
       
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