Library Strategic Plan

City of Chandler — Regular Meeting (2021-09-21)

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Strategic Plan
2022 - 2027

Message from the 
Library Manager

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It is my pleasure to present the Chandler Public 
Library’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. Today, more than 
ever, libraries are essential in our communities: they 
are quiet equalizers in society, providing free access 
to information, technology, and programs that 
bridge the gap between the rich and poor, young 
and old, scholar and student; they are the building 
blocks for sustainable and diverse communities to 
grow and thrive; and, they recognize and respect 
diversity and celebrate our collective history. Our 
libraries consistently reflect on the current and 
emerging needs of patrons in the 21st century and 
choose to advance literacy and champion inclusive 
learning experiences for all people by fostering 
accessibility and embracing new technology.
My commitment to the citizens of Chandler as we 
work to meet the priorities of this Strategic Plan 
is to keep the reason behind our existence top of 
mind. Chandler Public Library does not exist only to 
provide books, programs, technology, and buildings 
for visitors. Chandler Public Library exists to serve
and truly meet the needs of our community. Without 
our community, libraries would be quiet, hollow 
storage facilities empty of wonder, exploration, and 
joy. Every day, moving forward, we will ask ourselves 
if our decisions serve our community. If the answer is 
no, we must reconsider, reimagine and revitalize our 
intent.
I am inspired by the expressed values, goals and 
priorities to be achieved. Through the work we do in 
providing public library service to the citizens of 
Chandler, we commit to being innovative, inclusive, 
and responsive for our users. This Strategic Plan is a 
living document that Library Administration will use 
to set and evaluate library services within the City of 
Chandler, supported by not only library staff, but by 
the passions of its patrons and volunteers and with 
advocacy from City of Chandler leadership. 
Together, let’s imagine the future of Chandler Public 
Library and bring people, information and ideas 
together to enrich lives and strengthen our 
community. Thank you for trusting us, the staff of 
Chandler Public Library, as stewards of your 
libraries. 
Rachelle Kuzyk, MLIS
Library Manager
Chandler Public Library

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MISSION
Chandler Public Library inspires intellectual 
discovery, creative entertainment, and life-long 
learning through robust information resources 
that connect communities to a world of 
knowledge and new ideas. 
VISION
Chandler Public Library brings people, 
information, and ideas together to read, learn, 
connect and succeed. 
VALUES
At the heart of our success are the values that 
guide how we engage with our community 
every day. Chandler Public Library’s values 
reflect the founding principles and aspirations 
of the Library, but they also ispire us to make 
CPL even greater than it is now. These values 
serve as a “lens” through which we, with our 
users, set priorities and make resource 
allocations.
Creative
We inspire curiosity. We encourage discovery. We 
introduce opportunities.
Engaging
We acknowledge our service orientation and seek 
to understand and meet the needs of others. We 
respond to community needs with quality services 
and experiences. 
Responsive
We recognize the ever-changing needs of our 
community and the library itself. We adapt to meet 
those needs.
Innovative
We encourage curiosity and experimentation in 
initiating creative approaches and effective solutions 
to current challenges and new directions. We 
embrace those trends that enhance the lives of our 
patrons and the services provided to them. 
Accountable
We foster strong ethical principles, honesty, fairness, 
transparency, and trustworthiness. We are a good 
steward of our financial, physical, and human resources. 
Inclusive
We provide welcoming spaces where our community 
members see themselves reflected in our collections, 
services, programs, and staff.
Reflective
We uphold the right to privacy and the right to seek, 
access, and express diverse points of view, honoring 
intellectual freedom.
Collaborative
We will seek opportunities and establish partnerships to 
build programs, services, and resources that align with 
the overall goals of CPL and our vision for the future.

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FRAMEWORK
Our framework identifies the priorities that will 
guide our decision-making. These choices reflect 
the Library’s existing strengths, hold fast to our 
commitment to the public and deepen our system’s 
culture of innovation and creativity. This document 
is a roadmap not a contract; it is intended to help 
guide our future and allow CPL to remain agile, 
responsive, and resilient to evolving needs. 
The Strategic Plan aims to turn the Library’s 
vision and values into significant, implementable, 
measurable strategies to deliver our core areas 
of focus.  This plan belongs to all members of 
the Chandler Public Library community and is 
a transparent working guide that lets everyone 
see where and why we are making strategic 
investments. It also shows where we have made 
progress through annual Action Plans.

Core Areas of
Focus

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Four core areas of focus capture Chandler Public Library’s 
identified values.  They represent the practical means of 
steering us toward a shared vision. Each core area of focus 
opens the door to strategic opportunities, which can be 
pursued to bring about change and impact. We will serve 
the community by:
Setting the Foundation
CPL will continue to optimize the financial, administrative and business operations essential to 
maintaining an effective and sustainable organization. We will develop a staff who embrace creativity and 
innovation with a focus on customer satisfaction. We must be innovative and transformative in how we 
operate, with an ability to pivot at any time to meet current needs and challenges and offer quality 
experiences.
Strategic Objectives
1. Design, execute, and continuously evaluate the administrative operations
that support the delivery of library service to the community.
2. Implement a robust data governance structure to inform decision-making
and drive change.
3. Create and maintain welcoming, safe, and constantly evolving spaces
and services.
1. Setting the Foundation – Operations and Facilities
2. Partnering in Discovery – Collections and Resources
3. Inspiring Experiences – Programs and Services
4. Connecting Community – Collaboration and Advocacy

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Partnering in Discovery
CPL acquires, organizes and ensures equitable access to information in all its forms. We provide 
collections, information resources and innovative tools and services to support inquiry, recognizing that 
they need to be available for a diverse audience anywhere, anytime, on any device.  
Strategic Objectives
1. Connect customers with resources at the point of need, through enhanced 
discovery tools that improve the user experience.
2. Appropriately steward our collections and other information resources for
the benefit of the entire community.
3. Integrate data-driven collection management strategies that build a comprehensive 
selection ofresources for the community.
Inspiring Experiences
CPL has always been a leader in providing the community with a variety of programs and services that 
foster the love of reading and learning. We embrace continuous improvement in programming as a catalyst 
for curiosity and inspirational ideas.
Strategic Objectives
1. Provide inspiring and inclusive learning environments and staff expertise, 
both in our libraries and in partner locations across the community.
2. Anticipate and respond to the evolving needs and expectations of Chandler 
citizens, community partners, and corporate stakeholders.
3. Actively engage customers through intentional and meaningful interactions 
at every service point.
Connecting Community 
CPL will expand our role as a partner in the community by fostering relationships that will cultivate a 
network of library supporters and advocates. We will position Chandler Public Library as a trusted hub of 
community engagement.
Strategic Objectives
1. Share our story by promoting our services and communicating the relevancy
and impact of those services.
2. Attract new philanthropic and grant funding in support of strategic priorities.
3. Collaborate with local government, businesses, and organizations to realize
common goals.

chandlerpubliclibrary.org