HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-14-2013 - 1ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 14, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 1
SUBJECT: Review of Draft Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
DEPARTMENT: Library PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
A. June 8, 2012 Award Letter from NC
Department of Cultural Resources,
State Library of North Carolina of
Library
B. CV for Dr. Anthony Chow, UNC-
Greensboro, School of Education
C. Draft Orange County Public Library
Strategic Plan and Appendices
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lucinda Munger, Library Director, (919)
245 -2528
1
PURPOSE: To receive a presentation from State Library of North Carolina consultant Dr.
Anthony Chow, and provide comments on the completed draft of the Orange County Public
Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016.
BACKGROUND: With the dissolution of the Hyconeechee Regional Library system, the
Orange County Library received a grant in June 2012 from the North Carolina Department of
Cultural Resources, State Library of North Carolina ( "State Library of NC ") for the purpose of
developing and completing a strategic plan for the County operated library system. The
purpose and intent of the study is to identify trends associated with the provision of library
services as well as operational needs within the system. This strategic plan only covers the
provision of library services from a County standpoint and does not include libraries operated by
local municipalities.
Dr. Anthony Chow, with UNC- Greensboro, has been working on the plan for the past year in
coordination with library staff members. Approximately 500 community members participated in
the initial community needs analysis (involving interviews of community leaders (n =11),
community forums (n =4), two staff focus groups, and online and hard copy survey responses
gathered both inside the library and in the community) and another 300 individuals participated
in nine (9) community focus groups and hard copy and online surveys focused on community
input into the strategic plan. In March 2013 a separate community leader's survey was sent to
the BOCC, the Towns of Hillsborough and Carrboro, Managers, those interviewed in the fall,
and the members of the 2007 Library Services Task Force.
Please refer to Appendix C of the Strategic Plan for a listing of the interviews and other public
meeting schedules.
2
Dr. Chow's grant contract requires the submittal of the report to the State Library of North
Carolina by June 28, 2013. The final document will be presented early this fall. BOCC
members are encouraged to offer comments and suggestions on the plan. Comments must be
received by June 3, 2013 in order for them to be incorporated into the report.
Based on the feedback provided during tonight's presentation and discussion, Dr. Chow and
library staff will update the document with the long -term goal of having the Board adopt the plan
as a guiding instrument for future.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Work on the project was completed through grant funds received by the
State Library of North Carolina. Staff review and comment on the plan has been handled
through existing budgetary outlays and will not require additional budgetary commitments
beyond existing staff funding levels.
Based upon Board feedback staff will pursue future budgetary allocations to meet the goals and
objectives of the plan. Staffing proposals will be developed to implement the recommendations
approved by the Board.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive Dr. Chow's
presentation and provide feedback on the document, and provide any subsequent comments to
library staff by June 3, 2013.
Attachment A 3
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Library of North Carolina
Library Development Section
Beverly Eaves perdue, Governor Cal Shepard, State Librarian
Linda A, Carlisle, Secretary
June 8, 2012
Lucinda Munger, Director
Orange County Public Library
137 West Margaret Lane
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Dear Lucinda,
Your planning grant application has been approved for funding. We would also like to invite
you to participate in the Community Needs Assessment Project, a new LSTA funded pilot. The
purpose of this project is to assist libraries with identifying and analyzing the needs of their
communities. Understanding community needs is the first step in developing a strategic plan
that works for your community. We believe this step will be crucial for the five new county
libraries as they establish their new identities.
Your planning grant application was one of the applications that included a community needs
assessment. Your library was selected for this pilot because we believe that your library's
participation in this project will enhance your work as well as that of the others.
How will the pilot project work?
Your library will work with Dr. Anthony Chow (funded by the State library) to complete the
Needs Assessment (NA). Typical activities include gathering demographic data about your
communities, conducting a patron survey, interviews (or focus groups) with local government
officials, other stakeholders and nonusers. Dr. Chow will guide you through the process and
create a written final report. At the end you will have a good picture of local community needs.
The State Library sees these needs assessment projects as a lead in to effective strategic
planning. Once you have completed the needs assessment you will be able to proceed with
your strategic planning grant. The application will most likely need some adjustments to the
timeline, budget, and expected outcomes.
The first step in this pilot project will be a meeting in Raleigh on July 12, 2012 to connect the
State Library, Selected Consultants, and the Participating Libraries. During this meeting we will
discuss the process of conducting a needs assessment and agree on a template to be used for
conducting the Needs Assessment. Each NA should be completed by December 2012; then
Strategic Planning work may begin for those interested in continuing.
MAIUNG ADDRESS LOCATION
4640 Mail Senvicc Center Telephone 919 -807 -7400 109 East Jones Strect
Raleigh, NC 276994640 Fax 919- 733 -87-18 Rafeigh, NC
What are my next steps?
Review the Roles and Responsibilities and RSVP to accept the invitation to participate by June
22, 2012. RSVP to Raye Oldham at <raye.oldham@ncdcr.gov >. State Library staff will
coordinate arrangements for the meeting and will provide information to participants.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
s. pxv�2-
Jennifer S. Pratt
Chief of Library Development
State Library of North Carolina
4640 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -4840
919 - 807 -7415 ph
919- 733 -8748 fax
iennifer.Pratt@ncdcr.gov
NUKTH CAROLINA
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CULTURAL
RESOURcIE-S
Community Needs Assessment
2012 LSTA Pilot
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COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROJECT
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
State Library
■ Contract with Selected Consultants
• Select and invite library directors and 1 additional library - related participant (staff member,
board member, town /county official, friends member, etc.)
• Attend and participate in July 12, 2012 meeting in Raleigh
• Provide consultant, lodging, meeting, materials, and on -site meals to participating libraries;
provide mileage, meal, and parking reimbursement (at state allowable rates) to
participating libraries.
• Award Planning Grant to libraries upon receipt of Needs Assessment final report; send
Planning Grant Agreements to library for signatures
Selected Consultants
• Attend and participate in July 12, 2012 meeting in Raleigh
• f=inalize Needs Assessment guidelines and template developed at July 12 meeting; share
with State Library and Participating Libraries
• Work through Needs Assessment activities with clients
• Complete Needs Assessment work by December 2012
• Provide a Needs Assessment written final report to each client library and the State Library
• Transition work with client libraries to Strategic Planning
• Complete Planning Grant activities by June 30, 2013
• Provide a Strategic Plan written final report to each client library
Participating Libraries
• RSVP to State Library by June 22, 2012
• Attend and participate in July 12, 2012 meeting in Raleigh
• Help develop Needs Assessment guidelines and template at July 12 meeting
• Work with Selected Consultant on Needs Assessment for their library community
• Complete Needs Assessment work by December 2012
• Return Planning Grant Agreements to State Library
• Contract with Selected Consultant for Strategic Planning
• Transition work with Selected Consultant to Strategic Planning
• Complete Planning Grant activities by June 30, 2013; submit all reimbursement requests by
July 15, 2013
Community Needs Assessment
2012 LSTA Pilot
Dr. Anthony Chow CV
ATTACHMENT B
Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Anthony S. Chow, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Library and Information Studies
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
School of Education
1300 Spring Garden St.
School of Education Building, #450
Greensboro, NC 27402 -6170
336.334.3411
aschow &uncg.edu
Education
2008 Ph.D. Instructional Systems, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Dissertation: The yule of systems design and educational informatics in educational reform.
1998 M.S. Educational Psychology, Learning & Cognition, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Thesis: The Impact of Computer -based instruction on the academic performance of high schoolgeometry
students.
1992 B.A. Developmental Psychology (Cum Laude), Philosophy minor, San Francisco State
University, San Francisco, CA.
Academic Experience
2006- Assistant Professor
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC.
Department of Library and Information Studies
1IPage
ORA GE " . OUNTY
2000 -2006
Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Courses: administration and management, emerging technology, web design and usability,
information use and users, HCI
2012 — Present - Director of Online Learning
Establish online learning strategic directions for the School of Education including strategic
planning, business activities (i.e. establishing funding model, marketing, identification, and
allocation of resources), instructional design, course development, technology support, and
assessment and evaluation.
Research Associate
The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
College of Information
Courses: usability, information needs and preferences, information technology management
2004 — 2006 - FSU Information Technology Director
Managed IT services for FSU's College of Information, which involved both user services for
30 faculty and 800 students and oversight of college website. Supervised three full time staff, six
graduate assistants, and 15 student workers working in the IT department, Web services, and
user services help desk.
2002 -2006 - FSU iLab Director
Founded the College of Information's user services department, help desk, and student
community IT services and Web project program. Students were paired with community and
professional organizations to develop websites and provide IT support.
2002 -2006 - FSU Usability Center Director
Coordinated the College of Information's usability center. Maintained equipment and
conducted usability tests for students and clients.
2002 -2004 — FSU Museum Lab Director
Directed innovative program that digitized select artwork from FSU's three museums to be
used for educational purposes by k -12 and university students. Designed website, managed
Web developer, and oversaw operations.
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2000 -2002 — FSU Distance Learning Coordinator
Oversight of the School of Information Studies' distance learning program, the largest program
on campus with over 800 students. Managed three full-time employees and responsible for
instructional design and technology support for faculty and staff and course technology,
coordination, development, and troubleshooting.
1992 Teaching Assistant
The San Francisco State University
Course: Asian American History
1991 Teaching Assistant
The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Course: Developmental Psychology
Research & Scholarly Activity
Publications
Chow, A., Hewitt, K., & Downs, H. (2013). Systems Thinking and Technology Integration as
Catalysts for School Change in High Need Schools: IMPACT V and the Alignment of Organizational
Ends and Means. Educational Research for Social Change (accepted with revisions).
Nemati, H., Walls, J., & Chow, A. (2013). Cultural Differences in Privacy Coping and Information Sharing
Behaviors in Social Media: A Corupan'son of US and Chinese Users (submitted). Proceedings of the
Nineteenth Americas Conference on Information Systems, Chicago, Illinois, August 15 -17, 2013.
Chow, A. & Rich, M. (2013). The Ideal Qualities and Tasks of Library Leaders: Perspectives of
Academic, Public, School, and Special Library Administrators. Library Leadership &Management, Vol.
27, No 1/2,2013.
Chow, A. & Croxton, R. (2013). A Usability Evaluation of Academic Virtual Reference Services
College dam' Research Libraries (in press; accepted on Jan 11, 2013).
31 Page
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Chow, A., Baity, C., Zamarripa, M, Chappell, P., Rachlin, D., &Vinson, C., (2012). The information
needs of virtual users: a study of Second Life libraries. The Library Quarterly, Vol. 82, No. 4,
October 2012.
Chow, A., Figley, A. & Sherrard, J. (2012, October). The usability of school library websites: a
nationivide study. Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference
Proceedings, October 31 -Nov. 2, Louisville, KY.
Chow, A., Sockman, B.R. & Richer, K. (2012, October). Systemic Change Going Public: Prelude to
Scene 2. Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference
Proceedings, October 31 -Nov. 2, Louisville, KY.
Chow, A., Smith, K.M., & Sun, K.S. (2012). Youth as Design Partners — Age- Appropriate Web
Sites for Middle and High School Students. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, October
2012 Vol. 15, Issue 4.
Chow, A. & Croxton, R. (2012). Information Seeking Behavior and Reference Medium Preferences:
Differences among Faculty, Staff, and Students. Reference and User Services Quarterly, Featured
Article, Spring 2012 issue, v.51 (3).
Chow, A. (2011, November). School Librarians and Wleb Usability: Why lYlould I Wlant to Use
That? Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference
Proceedings, November 9 -11, Jacksonville, FL.
Chow, A., & Guerra - Lopez, I.J. (2011, November). Educational informatics.. designingperforruance -based
measurement systerus for rapid response learning env' nruents. Association for Educational Communications
and Technology Annual Conference Proceedings, November 9 -11, Jacksonville, FL.
Iyer, L., Zhao, X., Chow, A., & Tate, S. (2011, December) . Computer Science and Information
Technology (CSTT) Identity: An Integrative Theory to Explain Gender Gap in IT. International Conference on
Information Systems Proceedings, December 4 -7, Shanghai, China.
41 Page
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Chow, A.S., Gwynn, J.D., Shaw, T.L., Martensen, D., & Smith, M. (2011). Changing Times,
Changing Requirements: Implications for LIS Education. Library and Information Science Research
Electronic Journal, 21(1).
Chow, A.S., Whitlock, M., & Phillip, L. (2011). A catalyst for educational change: the role of
career and technical education in Georgia's statewide educational improvement efforts. American
Leadership Quarterly Vol. 9, Issue 1, Winter 2011.
Chow, A. & Whitlock, M. (2010). Systemic Educational Change and Society. The International Journal
of Science in Society, Volume 1, Issue 4, pp.127 -134.
Chow, A. & Bucknall, T. (2009). Usability Engineering and Technology Integration in Libraries. The
International Journal of Science in Society, Volume 1, Issue 3, pp.81 -90.
Chow, A. & Andrews, S. (2007). A "Second Life ": Can this online, virtual ivality world be used to increase the
overall quality of learning and instruction in agraduate level distance learningpmgram? The
Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference Proceedings.
Kitsantas, A., & Chow, A. (2007). College students perceived threat and preference for seeking help
in traditional, distributed and distance learning environments. Computers and Education,
48(3), 383 -395.
Chow, A. (2006). The Use of Performance Technology in Creating a National Model High School. The
Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference
Proceedings.
Heo, M. & Chow, A. (2005). The Impact of Computer Augmented Online Learning and
51 Page
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Assessment. Educational Technology & Society, 8(1), 113 -125.
Sommer, S., Young, T., & Chow, A. (2005). Library ivithoutwalls: The George Wlashingtonproject.
Congress on Research and Dance Annual Conference Proceedings.
Schaller, D., Chow, A., Marty, P., Heo, M., & Allison- Bunnell, S. (2004). To Flash or not to Flash?
Usability and user engagement of HTML vs. Flash. Museums and the Web Annual Conference Proceedings.
Conference Presentations
Chow, A., Hewitt, K.., & Downs, H. (2013, October). Systems Thinking and Technology Integration as
Catalysts for School Change in High Need Schools (accepted)? A paper to be presented at the Association
for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, October 30 -Nov. 2, Anaheim,
CA.
Chow, A., Duffy, F., & Sockman (2013, October). A Systems Perspective: What is aQuality
Education and What Should Students be Able to Do after They Graduate (accepted)? A paper to be presented
at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, October
30 -Nov. 2, Anaheim, CA.
Sockman, B., Chow, A., Richter, K., Aslan, S., & Scott, A. (2013, October). Impacting Perceptions of
Practitioners for a Refined Understanding of Educational Systemic Change through a Practitioner Focused On -line
Presence (accepted)? A paper to be presented at the Association for Educational Communications and
Technology Annual Conference, October 30 -Nov. 2, Anaheim, CA.
Oguz, F., Chow, A., Chu, C. & Smith - Decoster, M. (2013, January). Online Student Experience: Inquiry
Supporting LIS Education. A paper presented at the Association for Library and Information Science
Education Annual Conference, Jan. 22 -25, Seattle, WA.
Chow, A., Figley, A. & Sherrard, J. (2012, October). The usability of school library websites: a
nationivide study. A paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology
61 Page
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Annual Conference, October 31 -Nov. 2, Louisville, KY.
Chow, A., Gray, P. & Lavender, L. (2012, October). Interdisciplinary Design, Collaboration, and
Educational Informatics. A paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications and
Technology Annual Conference, October 31 -Nov. 2, Louisville, KY.
Chow, A. & Gray, P. (2012, October). Wired for Music (W4M) — Teaching STEM through the music of
natural sounds. A paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology
Annual Conference, October 31 -Nov. 2, Louisville, KY.
Sockman, B.R., Chow, A. & Richer, K. (2012, October). Systemic Change Going Public: Prelude to
Scene 2. A paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual
Conference, October 31 -Nov. 21 Louisville, KY.
Chow, A. & Figley, A. (2012, March). Designing Age Appropriate School Library Wlebsites: W>hy,
What, W>horu, and How. A paper to be presented at the NCTIES Conference, March 7th — 9th, Raleigh,
NC (accepted).
Iyer, L., Zhao, X., Chow, A., & Tate, S. (2011, December) . Computer Science and Information
Technology (CSTT) Identity: An Integrative Theory to Explain Gender Gaps in I1. A paper presented at the
International Conference on Information Systems, December 4 -7, Shanghai, China.
Chow, A. (2011, November. School Librarians and Wleb Usability: W>hy Wlould I Wlant to Use That? A
paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual
Conference, November 9 -11, Jacksonville, FL.
Chow, A., & Guerra - Lopez, I.J. (2011, November). Educational informatics. designingperformance-
based measurement systems for rapid response learning environruents. A paper presented at the Association for
Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, November 9 -11, Jacksonville, FL.
Chow, A., Sells, S., & Figley, A. (2011, November). Shaping the Future: Strategic Planning and School
Libraries. A paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology
71 Page
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Annual Conference, November 9 -11, Jacksonville, FL.
Chow, A. (2011, October). How am 1 Doing? School Librarian Self- Efficacy and Gauging
Relationships with Other School Stakeholders. A paper presented at the North Carolina School
Library Media Association Annual Conference, October 6 -8, Winston Salem, NC.
Chow, A., Figley, A., & Sherard, J. (2011, October). Are School Library Websites Age-
Appropriate? Cognitive and Affective Information Seeking Domains of Youth. A paper presented at
the North Carolina School Library Media Association Annual Conference, October 6 -8, Winston
Salem, NC.
Chow, A. & Figley, A. (2011, October). School Library Strategic Planning: Case Studies in Four
North Carolina Public Schools. A paper presented at the North Carolina School Library Media
Association Annual Conference, October 6 -8, Winston Salem, NC.
Chow, A., Bridges, M., Commander, P., & Figley, A. (2011, October). lUhat does a typical library
website look like? Cotupan'sons ofpublic and academic library websites froru a nationwide study. A paper presented
at the bi -annual North Carolina Library Association conference, October 5 -8, Hickory, NC.
Chow, A., Burris, C., Baity, C., Rachlin, D., & Howard, M. (2011, October). To Fine or Not to Fine:
This is the Question. A paper presented at the bi -annual North Carolina Library Association conference,
October 5 -8, Hickory, NC.
Chow, A., Price, A., & Bell, B. (2011, October). For Service or Profit.• How come ourkbrary cafe is not
profitable? A Case Study of a Downtown Public Library Cafe. A paper presented at the bi- annual North
Carolina Library Association conference, October 5 -8, Hickory, NC.
Chow, A., Allred, K., & Gann, L. (2010, November). United we stand.- school librarians and
principals working together. A paper presented at the North Carolina School Library Media Association
Annual Conference, Winston Salem, NC.
81 Page
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Chow, A. (2010, October). Educational Informatics and Systemic Change. A paper presented at the
Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Chow, A. (2010, August). Usability and Interface Design. A presentation at the Students and Technology
in Academia, Research, and Service (STARS) Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Chow, A. & Smith, K. (2010, January). Age Appropriate Wleb Design: High School and Middle
School Students as Design Partners. A paper presented at the Association for Library and Information
Science Education Annual Conference, Boston, MA. Nominated for ALISE Best Paper award (only
13 selected).
Chow, A., Bazirjian & Smith, M. (2010, January). Closing the Diversity Gap in IJS Education
and Librarianship. A paper presented at the Association for Library and Information Science Education
Annual Conference, Boston, MA. Nominated for ALISE Best Paper award (only 13 selected).
Chow, A., Baity, C., Chappell, P., Rachlin, D., Vinson, C., & Zamarripa, M. (2010, March).
When Real and Virtual Wlorlds Collide: A Public Library's Management of a Second Life Library. A virtual
paper presented at ALA Virtual Communities and Libraries Membership Interest Group online
conference.
Chow, A., Baity, C., Chappell, P., Rachlin, D., Vinson, C., & Zamarripa, M. (2010, January).
When Real and Virtual Wlorlds Collide: A Second Life Library. A poster presented at the Association for
Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
Chow, A., Baity, C., Burris, C., Rachlin, D., & Smith, M. (2010, January). To Fine or Not to
Fine: Is Punishment or Reinforcement a Stymnger Motivatorfor Library Patrons? A poster presented at the
Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
Chow, A., Alston, J., & Bottoms, A. (2010, January). Diversity & Retention in Librarianship:
The Role of Advising &Mentoring? A poster presented at the Association for Library and Information
Science Education Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
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Chow, A. & Whitlock, M. (2009, October). Leadership and Systemic Educational Change. Paper
presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference,
Louisville, KY.
Chow, A. & Bucknall, T. (2009, August). Usability Engineering and Technology Integration in Libraries.
Virtual paper presented at the International Science and Society Conference, Cambridge, England.
Chow, A. & Whitlock, M. (2009, August). Systeruic Educational Change and Society: Georgia's Central
Educational Center and CareerAcaderuies. Virtual paper presented at the International
Science and Society Conference, Cambridge, England.
Chow, A. (2009, August). Wleb 2.0 Technologies. A paper presented at the STARS Alliance Annual
Meeting, Tallahassee, Florida.
Chow, A., Smith, M., Hargett, A.,& Chappell, P. (2009, August). Building Relationships pith
School Counselors: Creating Regional Impact Zones. A poster presented at the STARS
Alliance Annual Meeting, Tallahassee, Florida.
Chow, A., Chappell, P., & Shaw, T. (2009, August). The 12 ,Questions and Four Master Keys of
Wlorld Class Leaders. A paper presented at the STARS Alliance Annual Meeting,
Tallahassee, Florida.
Chow, A., Shaw, T., & Hargett, A. (2009, August). The Impact of the STARS Alliance
Program on the Enmllruent, Graduation Rate, and GPA of Particoating Institutions. A paper
presented at the STARS Alliance Annual Meeting, Tallahassee, Florida.
Chow, A., Smith, M., & Shaw, T. (2009, August). Effectiveness of the STAFFS Marketing
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Kits. A paper presented at the STARS Alliance Annual Meeting, Tallahassee, Florida.
Chow, A., Whitlock, M., & Philip, L. (2009, April). A Georgia Model for Educational Reform —
The Central Educational Center and Career Academies. Paper presented at the American
Educational Research Association Annual Conference, San Diego, CA.
Chow, A., Livas, M., Russell, T., Hill, Joan, & Smith, M. (2009, January). Increasing LIS Diversity —A
University Case Study. Poster presented at the Association for Library and Information Science
Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
Jones, K. & Chow, A. (2009, January). Assistive Technologies in North Carolina Academic Libraries
in the Triad Poster presented at the Association for Library and Information Science
Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
Chow, A. & Winkler, H. (2009, January). Comparing virtual reference services — Is there a
difference? Poster presented at the Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual
Conference, Denver, CO.
Chow, A., Gwynn, D., Martensen, D., & Shaw, T. (2009, January). Changing times, changing
requirements -the evolution of an LIS Department. Poster presented at the Association for
Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
Chow, A., MW, Z, & Gavin, R. (2008, October). Qualky Media Centers, Quality Schools - is there really a
connection? Paper presented at the North Carolina School Library Media Association
Conference.
Chow, A., Mui, Z, & Gavin, R. (2008, October). School Library Media Best Practices Wleb portal. Paper
presented at the North Carolina School Library Media Association Conference.
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Owens, I., Bazirjian, R., Krauter, M., & Chow, A. (2008, October). The Kole of Library Education in
Increasing Diversity. Paper presented at the Association of Research Libraries National
Diversity in Libraries Conference (October 2008).
Chow, A., Darnell, B., Smith, K., & Combs, R. (2008, January). Information Architecture, Marketing, and
Usability and the Design of the STARS Alliance Wleb Portal. Research presented at the
Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference,
Philadelphia, PA.
Chow, A. & Andrews, S. (2007, October) . A "Second Life ": Can this online, virtual reality world be used to
increase the overall quality of learning and instruction in agraduate level distance learningpmgram? Paper
presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual
Conference, Anaheim, CA.
Chow, A. & Whitlock, M. (2007, July). Leading through vision, culture, and relevance: The impact a chief
executive officer of a charter school has had on student and teacher engagement. Research presented at the
Pi Lambda Theta Leadership Conference, Richmond, VA.
Chow, A., Whitlock, M., & Moore, S. (2007, July). Seamless Education: The Educational Conspiracy across
stakeholders in Georgia. Research presented at the Pi Lambda Theta Leadership Conference,
Richmond, VA.
Chow, A. & Bradburn, F. (2007, Raleigh). Contributing to educational excellence: aligning NCWlise Owl org
with the needs of teachers and students. Research presented at the North Carolina Association for
Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference.
Chow, A., Click, A., &Johnson, K. (2007, January). That's what I'm talking about. Designing Wleb
sites using age- orientedgraphic design and information architecture. Research presented
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
at the Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference,
Seattle, WA.
Chow, A. (2006, October). The Use of Performance Technology in Creating a National Model High School.
Research presented at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology
Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Chow, A. (2006, October). The Florida governor's e Mansion Wleb site - education and the use of Wleb and
virtual tour Technology. Research presented at The Association for Educational
Communications and Technology Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Chow, A. (2006, January). Usability evaluation: increasing the precision of results through quantitative and
qualitative methods. Research presented at the Association for Library and Information
Science Education Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX
Sommer, S., Young, T., & Chow, A. (2005, March). Library nithout walls: The George Wlashington project.
Research presented at the Congress on Research and Dance Annual Conference,
Tallahassee, FL.
Chow, A. & Park, S. (2004, October). Opening doors: the use ofperformance systems analysis in ident�inggaps
and assisting in organisational alignment. Research presented at the Association for Educational
Communications and Technology Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
Moore, R., Whitlock, M., Harless, J., Connell, P, Ayers, J, & LaForge, C., Chow, A. (2004, June). The
Central Educational Center. Research presented at the Model Schools Conference Annual
Conference, Washington, DC.
Chow, A. (2003, October). Information technology and situated, anchored learning. Research presented at the
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, Dallas,
TX.
Chow, A. & Schrader, L. (2003, April). Year one results: a work -based charter school designed using a
performance technology model. Paper presented at the American Educational Research
Association Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.
Chow, A., Harless, J., & Whitlock, M. (2003, April). Implementation of the ABCD performance system in a
public charter school. Research presented at the International Society for Performance
Improvement Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
Chow, A. (2003, February). Regional &global issues in museum education. Panel presentation at the
Southern American Studies Association's Biennial Conference, Tallahassee, FL.
Chow, A. & Driscoll, M. (2002, October). Chat and online learning. Paper presented at the Association
for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA
Kitsantas, A. & Chow, A. (2002, April). College student hep seeking. Paper presented at the American
Psychology Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Chow, A. & Kitsantas, A. (2002, April). College student self - efficacy beliefs, perceived threat, andpreference for
seeking hep in traditional, distributed, and distance learning environments. Paper presented at the
American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
Chow, A. & Kitsantas, A. (2001, February). Student hep seeking behavior across classroom -based and distance
learning environments. Paper presented at the Florida Educational Research Association Annual
Conference, Marco Island, FL. Paper of the year fmalist.
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Chow, A. & Pargman, D. (1997, February). Computer based instruction and the development of expertise of
high schoolfootballplayers. Poster presented at the Association of American Sports
Psychologists Annual Conference, Cape Cod, MA.
Books
Chow, A. & Bucknall, T. (2011). Library Technology and User Services: Planning, Integration, and Usability
Engineering. Cambridge, UK: Chandos.
Chow, A. (2008). Systems Thinking and 21st Century Education: A case study of an American model for high
school educational reform Saarbriicken, Germany: Verlag Dr. Muller
Book Chapters
Chow, A. (2013). The Usability of Digital Information Environments: Planning, Design, and
Assessment. In Evans & Baker (Eds) Trends, Discovery and People in the Digital Age (Chandos Digital
Information Review). Cambridge, UK: Chandos
Chow, A. (2013). Synchmnous and Asynchronous Interaction: Access, Convenience, and Content. In Ari Sigal
(eds), Advancing Librarian Education, Hershey, PAIGI Global.
Articles and Proposals Reviewed
• Educational Research for Social Change (1) — February 2013
• Journal of Learning Spaces (1) — October 2012
• Aslib Proceedings (1) — December 2011
• Learning and Individual Differences (1) — October 2011
• Journal of Learning Spaces (2) —July 2011
• Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (1) QASIST) — June 2011
• Association of Educational Communications and Technologies (3) (AECT — February 2011)
• Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (1) QASIST) -July 2010
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
• International Journal of Science and Society (2) — November 2009
• IEEE Journal (1) — September 2008
• AERA Conference Proposals (2) — September 2008
Editorial Board
• Journal of Learning Spaces (2010 - present)
Contracts & Grants
$2,168,668.68. Gray, P., Chow, A., Sametz, L., Boseovski, J. (2013 - 2018). WliredforMusic: After - School
BioMusic Initiative for Middle Schoolers. NSF - Advancing Informal STEM Learning (under submission).
$7,500.00. Murray, C. & Chow, A. (2013- 2014). Preliminary Usability Testing of the National Online
Resource Center on Violence Against Wloruen (VAW>net.ora). UNCG Regular Faculty Grant (Funded).
$4,000.00. Tate, S., Iyer, L., & Chow, A. (2011 - 2013). UNCG STARS Student Leadership
Corps. A Subcontract with UNCC funded by NSF STARS Scaling project (funded).
$2,000.00. Lavendar, L., Allen, A. & Chow, A. (2011). A Model for Collaborative Teaching and
Integrated Learning. Advancement of Teaching and Learning Grant (funded).
$4,700.00 - To fine or not to fine: is punishment or ivinforcement a stronger ruotivatorfor library patrons? UNCG
New Faculty Grant (April 2009 to August 2010).
$24,000.00 - The STARS Alliance: Marketing and Evaluation (February 2010-J anuary 2011)
$81,531.00 — The STARS Alliance: A Southeastern Partnership for Diverse Participation in Computing
Extension (March 2008 — February 2010)
$45,100.00 — The STARS Alliance: A Southeastern Partnership for Diverse Participation in Computing (March
2007 — February 2008)
$500.00 - 2007 NSF AECT Junior Faculty Member Research Symposium Participant. Anaheim, CA.
(One of 17 selected nationwide)
$2,000.00 - 2007 Leadership in Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP) Leadership Training Recipient.
Pomona, CA. (One of 50 selected nationwide; selected by chancellor to represent UNCG)
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
$4,743.00 — Usability Study for North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Qanuary — April 2007
$9,600.00 — Wleb Graphic Design &Information Architecture NSF funded Research Experience for
Undergraduates (REUs; Fall 2006 - Spring 2007)
$2,000,000.00 — Broadening Participation in Computing NSF Grant Qanuary 2006 - December 2008).
$35,000.00 — Wleb Design for the Tallahassee Museum (September 2005 —July 2006).
$30,000.00 — Wleb Design & Digitisation for Governor's Mansion Online Learning Resource Center Duly 2003 -2006)
$16,000.00 — Wleb Design &Project Management for Cuba Human Rights Project Only 2003 — 2006)
$7,000.00 — Wleb Design & Usability EngineerforLIbrag without Wlalls Wleb Project (May 2004 -2006)
$6,500.00 — Wleb Design and Usability Engineer for the College of Social Wlork (August 2005 — 2006)
$6,500.00 — Wleb Design ProjectManagementforGeriatric Needs Assessment Wleb Project Duly 2004 -Feb.
2005)
$3,093.00 - Usability engineer and pmject managerfor Interface Design Usability Evaluation (February -March
2004)
$1,790.00 — Usability engineerandproject managerfor netlabrary Interface Design Usability Evaluation Qune
2003)
$18,500.00 —Performance Systems Analysis of Central Educational Center (May 2002 —Aug. 2003)
$17,000.00 — Wleb Design & Developmentfor Information Institute (May 2001 — May 2004).
$10,000.00 —Instructional Design & Development LSTA Toolkit for Florida State Lib= S sy tem
(December 2002 — December 2003)
$17,000.00 — Wleb Design &DevelotmentforAntarctic Research Facility (Recurring; February 2002 —
2006)
$8,000.00 — Wleb Design & Developmentfor Museum Lab Project (May 2002 — May 2004)
$4,500.00 — Training Analysis of PATLive Training Program (May 2002 — June 2002).
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Unfunded Grant Proposals
$1,250,000.00. Murray, C., Smith, P., Chow, A., & Oguz, F. (2012 - 2017). Usability Testing of VAW>net
with Domestic Violence Service Providers. National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grant.
$393,894.81. Iyer, L., Zhao, X., Chow, A., Tate, S., & Zhan, J. (2012- 2015). Collaborative Research:
GSE/RES: Persistence Research in Computing Education (PRiCE) - Examining Gender Differences in Computing
Identity. National Science Foundation (NSF) Gender in Science and Engineering research grant.
$1,199,933.00. Gray, P., Chow, A., Teachout, D., & Sametz, L. (2011 - 2014). Wlired forMusic:
An After - School Prngram Using Technology - Driven BioMusic Activities to Engage Underrepresented Middle Grades
Students in STEM. NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) grant
proposal.
$513,014.00. Iyer, L., Zhao, X., Chow, A., & Tate, S. (2011- 2014). Examining Computer
Science and Information Technology (CSIT) Identity to Explain Gender Gaps in STEM Education. NSF Gender
in Science and Engineering grant proposal (submitted)
$94,000.00 — School Library Media Best Practices: W>hy are they not being implemented in schools? IMLS
National Leadership Grant (October 2009 to September 2010).
$34,500.00 - UNCG Teacher e- Solutions Wleb Portal (2008). North Carolina General
Administration internal grant request. Primary Investigator Anthony Chow and Karen Gavigan.
$501,739.50 - Promoting the Integration of Mathematics and Pedagogy Among Preservice Elementary Teachers
Using a Critical Thinking Framework [Pi -Map] (October 2007).
$956,678.00 - School Library Media Best Practices: Cultivating the power of libraries, technology, and education
through reflection, collaboration, andpartnership (IMLS Leadership Grant)
$5,659.40 - The impact of an online media delivery system on teacher altitude, usage, and
student learning outcomes (2007). Ingenta Research Award. Primary Investigator Anthony Chow
Service Experience
National
2012 -2013 AECT Systemic Change Division President -Elect
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
2010 -2011 AECT Systemic Change Board of Director
2008 -2009 AECT Systemic Change division Communication Officer
State
2012- NCLA Advocacy Chair -Elect
2010- North Carolina Advocacy Committee
University
2012- University Benefits Committee
2012- Division of Continual Learning Advisory Committee
2011- UNCG Research Grants Committee; Social and Behavioral Sciences Subcommittee Chair
2008 -2011 UNCG Grievance Committee
2006 -2009 UNCG Academic Regulations & Policy Committee
2006 -2008 UNCG BELL (Building Entrepreneurial Learning for Life) Taskforce
2006 UNCG Library Revisioning Taskforce
2005 -2006 Faculty Service Learning Advisory Committee
2004 -2005 Board of Advisor — FSU International Center
School
2013-
School of Education Online Committee
2012-
School of Education Technology SIG
2011-2012
School of Education Online Learning Ad -hoc Committee (Chair)
2009-
School of Education Teaching Excellence Committee (Co- Chair)
2007-
School of Education Curriculum Committee (Chair, Fall 2008 to Fall 2011)
2006-
School of Education Social Committee (Chair, Fall 2010 to present)
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
2007 -2008 Executive Council member -at -large (voted by faculty)
2007 School of Education Web Developer Hiring Committee
2007 School of Education IT Consultant Hiring Committee
2006 -2007 School of Education Director of Research Hiring Committee
2005 -2006 FSU College of Information Undergraduate Program Team
2005 -2006 FSU College of Information Undergraduate Recruitment
2005 -2006 Founder and Faculty Advisor, FSU Chapter of Association of IT Professionals (AITP)
Department
2010- Instructional Student Services Committee (2010, Chair 2011 -2012)
2008 -2009 LIS Assessment Committee (Chair)
2006 -2010 LIS Technology Committee
2006 -2008 LIS Curriculum Committee (Chair, 2007 -2008)
Community
2010- Greensboro Public Library Advocacy Committee
2009- North Carolina National Advocacy Representative
Additional Professional Experience
2006- Instructional Technology and Evaluation Consultant
1997 -2001 Knowledge is Power, Inc. (Owner)
1999 -2000 Manager, Quality Assurance and Training, Homes.com, Tallahassee, FL
1997 -1999 Training Coordinator, Management Analyst, Florida Department of Revenue, Tallahassee, FL
1995 -1996 Counselor and Research, Education, and Media Coordinator, Bay View Clubhouse, San
Francisco, CA
1991 -1994 Legal Assistant, Hancock, Rothert, & Bunshoft, San Francisco, CA
20 1 Page
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
1989 -1991 Marine Corps Officer Candidate, U.S. Marine Corps, Quantico, VA
1990 -1991 Tutor Coordinator, RACE Tutoring Program, San Francisco, VA
Consulting
2012 -2013
Consultant, Library Strategic Planning
— Orange County Public Library
2012 -2013
Consultant, Library Strategic Planning
— Gaston County Library
2012 -2013
Consultant, Library Strategic Planning
— Camden County Library
2012 -2013
Consultant, Library Strategic Planning
— Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
2005-
Educational consultant, Seamlessed.com
2005 -2007
Educational consultant, Quality School
Assessment Instrument
2005 -2006
Web design, Our e- bills.com
2004 -2006
Tallahassee Museum
2004 -2006
Educational researcher, Web designer—
Georgia Department of Education CEC Dissemination
Project
Additional Relevant Experience
2007 Leadership Development Program for Higher Education, 2007, Pomona, CA.
1993 -1994 San Francisco School Board Candidate, 1994, San Francisco, CA
1992 -1996 San Francisco Suicide Prevention Crisis Counselor, 1992 -1996, San Francisco, CA
1992 -1996 Commercial Modeling, San Francisco, CA
1992 -1996 Chinese American Democratic Club (Vice - president in 1993, President 1994), San Francisco,
CA
1987 -1988 Walk -on, University of Florida Football, Gainesville, FL
Professional Associations
• Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
• Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
• American Society of Information Science and Technology (ASIST)
• North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA)
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
• North Carolina Library Association (NCLA)
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Notable Awards and Distinctions
• 2013 Nominated for School of Education Teaching Excellence Award
• 2013 UNCG Division of Continual Learning (DCL) Faculty Fellow
• 2012 RUSQ Journal Featured Article
• 2011 Recipient of the UNCG School of Education Teaching Excellence Award (only one recipient)
• 2011 Directory of Revolutionaries -- Transforming Education Systems
• 2010 ALISE Best Paper Award Nominee (2 of only 13 papers selected)
• 2007 NSF AECT Junior Faculty Member Research Symposium Participant (One of 17 selected
nationwide)
• 2007 Who's Who in America
• 2007 Who's Who in American Education
• 2007 Leadership in Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP) Leadership Training Recipient (One of 50
selected nationwide; selected by chancellor to represent UNCG)
• 2005 FSU College of Information Teacher of the Year Award finalist
• 2005 Judge, Best of the Web competition (Center for Digital Education)
• 2004 Best of the Web Digital Education Achievement Award Winner
• 2002 Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society
• 2000 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• 1998 Davis Productivity Award (Florida Department of Revenue)
• 1996 -97 FSU College of Education Teaching Fellow (1270 GRE)
• 1994 San Francisco Suicide Prevention Volunteer of the Year
• 1987 Stan Dietrich Award Winner — senior high scholar /athlete of the year
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ATTACHMENT C 28
DRAFT
Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan
2013 -2016
"Libraries provide access to the world of technology through wireless connection, and public computers.
They also provide meeting places for adults and teenagers, in addition to providing useful programs in
maintaining the community's economic growth. Most important of all, libraries are often the first
contact a child has outside of his home with the outside world through "Story Time" and can (be) the
basis of that child's future education and success in the world" (Orange County resident, November 6,
2012)
"I am unsure how it will all work out with the online resources starting to rev up - I love the
downloadable books. However, I love having a place for my kids to go and rummage through books to
really get a feel for different kinds of literature and to be exposed to so many things that would not
happen online. I love that there are clubs that meet there and that there is a teen room and so many
events for kids, both young and older" (Orange County resident, November 11, 2012)
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Executive Summary
Funded by the North Carolina State Library, Dr. Anthony Chow, a state library consultant, helped
conduct a community needs analysis (CNA) for the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) over a three
month period from September to November 2012. This was followed up by a comprehensive four
month strategic planning process that took place from January to April 2013. Approximately 500
community members participated in the initial community needs analysis (involving interviews of
community leaders (n =11), community forums (n =4), two staff focus groups, and online and hard copy
survey responses gathered both inside the library and outside in the community) and another 300
members participated in nine community focus groups and hard copy and online surveys focused on
community input into the strategic plan.
The State of Public Libraries
The arrival of the information age has actually led to an increase in the use of public libraries across the
nation and diversified the way libraries are being used. A recent Pew study funded by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation found that 60% of American youth 16 through 29 still visit libraries' and total
per capita visits and circulation have seen a steady increase in North Carolina libraries since 20002. Fifty -
nine percent of Americans used a public library in the past 12 months and their primary uses were
browsing (73%), borrowing print books (73%), conducting research (54%), and seeking help from a
librarian (50%)3. A series of North Carolina community needs assessments found they prioritize five
primary services — books and other print and non -print material to read, children and youth
programming, technology use and access, library as place, and education and self - enlightenment (Chow,
2013).
eel° —Aw 15 min. mi,
Demographics and Needs
_�
I,
21St Century Libraries
The library needs of people differ across age, race, socio-
economic status, regional location, etc. The information
age has brought with it the age of data and the ability for
organizations and information systems to be more
responsive and agile in meeting the unique needs of its
users. What does the 21St Century library look like? The
answer depends on the people that will be using it, which
continue to evolve and diversify in the United States and is
1 Haughney, C. (2012). Young People Frequent Libraries, Study Finds. New York Times, October 22, 2012
2 IMLS (2010). North Carolina Public Libraries FY 2010. Retrieved on May 1, 2013 from
http: / /www.imis.gov /assets /1 /AssetManager /PLS FY2010 SP NorthCarolina.pdf
3 Zickuhr,K, Rainie, L, Purcell, K. (2013). Library Services in the Digital Age. Pew Internet and American Life
Research Project. Retrieved on May 1, 2013 from http: // libraries. pewinternet .org /2013 /01/22 /1ibrary- services/
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
largely defined by people who live within 15 to 20 minutes of the location.
Community Needs Analysis
Qualitative factor analysis and quantitative statistical analysis of the data suggests clear trends in
community preferences for information services, entertainment, and library services. Staff also
identified high priority issues for the library. Interview and community forum results suggest consistent
ideas around the role of the library and its opportunities for improvement. Common themes emerged
when examining all of the data collectively.
Orange County exceeds state and national averages in a number of areas — higher white population,
higher levels of education, higher levels of income, and higher housing values. The Hispanic /Latino, 8%
of the Orange County population, and the Asian community, 6.7% of the population, rapidly grew by
109% and 89 %, respectively, over the past ten years. Library services, library usage, and per capita
spending also have grown in parallel to these other Orange County indicators over the past ten years.
Community Input
Results from the interviews and community forums suggest that OCPL can best ensure it is aligned with
the county's strategic needs through continuing to provide high quality services to all residents of
Orange County. Its value and contributions to the community were consistently recognized across all
methods of data collection. The central themes that emerged were to continue to reach out to the
underserved, continue evolving with emerging technology, and continue to allocate the appropriate
resources to ensure this happens.
The typical information needs of the community is an integrated mix of traditional resources (i.e. books,
print newspapers, reference, archives, movies, and audio music and books) and high technology via
online (i.e. Internet -based activities such as email, web surfing, blogs, online news, social networking),
computing (desktop and laptop), and mobile (Tablets, smart phones) technologies. Orange County
residents consume information in a wide variety of mediums and expect their libraries to provide
information in a similar fashion with an essential recognition that not all people have equal access to
technology or literary resources.
With the emergence of the information -age, libraries have both stayed the same in terms of its
pervasive goal of providing information and educational and social services to the community; the
means, however, in which it now does this along with an extended suite of services including technology
training and support, employment resources, and renewed value in serving as a community resource
center have grown. The definition of patron has become more diverse and expanded to truly all
member of society. As schools and society embrace technology, libraries and their staff must equally
embrace, become skilled in, and provide relevant resources and access. As society rapidly changes,
however, the emphasis on quality books must remain as the library's core function.
The community envisions its ideal library as a centerpiece of the community both in terms of resources
and services but also in aesthetic form and beauty that enriches all those that use it. Outside of a world -
class collection of books, services, and technology and digital resources, the ideal library would be a
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
vibrant community center focusing on both the community's repository of information and training but
also as the community's hub for cultural exchange, self- empowerment, and civic activity. This library
would emphasize user - centered design in all that it does and make use of pervasive user needs
assessment, data mining, and use of big data to ensure it is well aligned and continuously improves in an
agile, relevant, and efficient fashion. This library would also have seamless services throughout the
county and reach out to those who traditionally face major barriers such as transportation, illiteracy,
and poverty. This library would have information common areas to encourage and support
collaboration and group work, as well as private space for studying, research, training, and literacy
tutoring. In addition, this library would have lots of community space and a business incubation center
that supports the unique business needs of small business and entrepreneurs.
The library's primary strengths are its staff and existing high quality resources and services, as well as
strong county and community support. Its main opportunities for improvement involve continuing to
work towards seamless library services with municipalities such as Chapel Hill, increase outreach and
partnership activities with fellow city and county agencies and other community organizations,
continuing to offer relevant programming and services, and seeking to reach out to underserved
populations.
The community surveys suggest that its highest, most prevalent sources of information and
entertainment are books, email, browsing the Internet, watching TV, using cellphones, listening to music
on the radio and CD, reading /watching news online, and reading print newspapers. Orange County
residents overwhelmingly view libraries as a place whose most important services include books for
adults, maintaining a Website that provides access to its digital resources and services, free wireless
access, public computing, books for children and teens, programs for children, and e- books.
On the whole, the community is very satisfied with overall library services although they would like to
see a greater increase in number of materials and services with an emphasis on maintaining an up -to-
date and relevant collection and technology services. They would like to see both hours and parking
improved. They view libraries as very relevant, a community resource that levels the playing field for all
residents, provides free access to quality resources and entertainment, and community engagement.
A number of statistically significant differences were identified by demographic factors. Women placed a
higher value on a number of information and library services than men. Black or African American
participants placed a significantly higher value on laptops, MP3 players, and tablets than all other groups
and were less satisfied with library parking, locations, and computer access. In terms of age, the 65+ age
group were more dissatisfied with library location and hours than all other age groups. Those without a
computing device at home placed a significantly higher value on magazine and newspapers and foreign
language library services than those who had technology at home. In terms of library usage, those who
used the library daily or every week placed the highest priority on study space, laptops, tablets, and
wireless access, while those who use the library once or twice a year prioritized these the least.
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Staff Input
The Orange County staff are proud of their work, believe they are effectively meeting the needs of the
community, but also believe there is room for improvement. The priorities for provision of library and
information services are well aligned with the community's. Staff feel that the strengths of the library
are the commitment and work of the staff, especially in regards to customer service and children's
services in particular, and are also very proud of their main library facility and the high level of support
and resources provided by the county and community. Their primary opportunities for improvement
and, what they believe should be the library's top priorities, are the need to increase marketing,
outreach and advocacy, address and increase staff morale, continue to improve programming,
services and resources, and continue to embrace new technologies and digital services and the
requisite trainings that need to go with them.
Based on the results of this study, the following six priority areas were recommended for consideration
as strategic goals and objectives for the Orange County Library system:
1) Develop a countywide seamless library services integration plan.
2) Identify list of prioritized and aligned library and information services by library
demographic profile.
3) Develop a technology integration plan.
4) Develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach plan emphasizing partnerships and
community collaboration.
5) Prioritize funding to strengthen its core suite of services.
6) Prioritize high quality organizational communication, training, and culture.
The full needs analysis report submitted to OCPL and the State Library can be found as Appendix A. A
complete list of the community needs analysis interviews, focus groups and forums is in Appendix C.
Strategic Planning
The strategic planning process began in January 2013 and involved convening an Internal Departmental
Work Group comprised of both external and internal members of the library (See Appendix B.) This
committee was charged with taking the results of the needs analysis and developing OCPL's 2013 -2016
Strategic Plan. This plan includes a vision and mission statement, organizational values and core
competencies, and high priority goals and objectives to be accomplished over the next three years. The
Internal Departmental Work Group met four times from January through April 2013, including two four -
hour work meetings, which led to the creation of a draft strategic plan. The Library staff also met in
parallel to this process in two half -day sessions to ensure that all OCPL staff had input. The resulting
draft strategic plan, which combined input from both the work group and staff, was then released to the
public, which involve nine community focus groups, a hard copy mail survey to 1,000 randomly selected
Orange County residents, and a public online survey.
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
The strategic planning focus groups were targeted towards select segments of the Orange County
community including seniors, teenagers, the Hispanic and Karen communities, and members from
northern Orange County.
The focus group results found that the strategic plan resonated with the community but specific needs
unique to each group were identified. Seniors felt that the book collection was stronger for children
than adults, there was an increased need for more local history and preservation and computer classes,
and that many seniors do not own DVD players and therefore cannot play movies on DVD. Teens wanted
later hours (after school), a safe place to "hang out," more events such as movie night, opportunities to
volunteer, more study areas, more production software such as Photoshop and music production, more
quiet spaces for research and reading, access to computer and printing services, health information and
programming including building and maintaining relationships, physical, social, emotional, and
psychological issues, information on parenting skills for teenagers (young mothers), and artistic events
such as poetry slams and book clubs. They also reported feeling disrespected by some librarians and
that the book collection was not robust or current enough for many of them.
The Hispanic focus group was conducted entirely in Spanish and this community mentioned the need for
more collections and resources in Spanish, especially books in Spanish for children, access to computers,
health resources, information on the Hispanic community especially history (for their kids born here),
basic civil rights, and legal programs or assistance. One of the biggest reasons why they do not use the
library as much is there is not a tradition or culture of library usage in their community; they suggested a
good way to increase usage would be exhibitions that interest them and, in general, reaching out more
to them where they are, as opposed to expecting them to either want to or even know how to go to the
library. For example, if the Director of the Library would be willing to meet them at their apartment
complex, outdoors, or even in a nearby park, they believe more members of their community would
participate. Also sending material to them through their children at school is a good way to get
information to them.
The Karen focus group results suggest that this community does not know much about the Orange
County Public Libraries as they tend to visit Chapel Hill because of its proximity to where they live. They
were also interested in their own community's history (for their children growing up here). They use the
library for books, CDs, DVDs, and computer access. They could really use the library for meeting space
and access to other relevant services they need like literacy, legal assistance, financial management,
information about the citizenship exam, etc. Most importantly, many in their community do not know
how to effectively use public transportation to get to the library and helping them with this would be
very beneficial.
A complete list of the strategic planning meetings and focus groups is in Appendix C.
In response to the six strategic priority areas identified from the community needs analysis and
community input on the draft strategic plan, the Orange County Public Library's 2013 -2016 Strategic
Plan has been developed and is as follows.
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
vision
Our vision articulates what success will look like in the future.
The Orange County Public Library aims to
be the heart of the community by:
• offering relevant services, programs, collections and technologies
• serving the entire community through collaborative efforts with organizations and
County departments
• being a welcoming gathering place for all
• having a clear focus on the future and responding with creativity and innovation
Y
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
M �csion
Our mission statement reflects the commitment we are making to Orange County.
The mission of Orange County Public Library is to empower people by providing the
opportunities and the place to find enjoyment, to enhance their lives, and to engage with
each other and the world.
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Values
To realize our vision and fulfill our mission, the following ideals direct us in our service to
Orange County and interactions with one another.
1. Respectful Communication and Support
Practicing kindness, promoting open dialogues and creating an environment of encouragement
2. Fostering Fun and Lifelong Learning
Offering engaging, excellent programs and services, and promoting literacy and educational
opportunities
3. Collaboration
Accomplishing more together with partners working toward common goals
4. Inclusiveness
Honoring diversity while making resources and services available to all
5. Commitment to Public Service
Providing a well - trained, enthusiastic staff that delivers superior customer service and responds
to patron needs
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
'orP Cor),oletencies
The value -added core services and functions we offer the people of Orange County.
1. Community Space
An in viting, versatile community gathering and meeting place that is full of life
and activity, but that also offers dedicated quiet areas
2. Programs and Services
Engaging, excellent programs that inform, educate and entertain, and
services tailored to the needs of patrons
3. Outreach
Establishing connections in the community to increase awareness and use of
the library's services, programs and collections
4. Resources
Maintaining a robust, relevant and easy -to- access collection in print, digital
and audiovisual formats
5. Staff
Knowledgeable, well - trained, and connected employees offering excellent
customer service
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Goals Obj ectives
Goal 1 - Organizational Excellence (Area 6)
The well-being of the library as an organization is critical to the success of the o verall strategic plan.
Dedicated, engaged staff, who are committed to OCPL's vision and values and their role in fulfilling the
mission, are the key to successful implementation of strategic initiatives.
Obj ectives
1.1 - Invest in professional development to maintain a motivated and skilled staff that provides
outstanding customer service
1.2 - Create an effective internal communications system for the library to improve inter - departmental
efficacy and functionality
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Goal 2 Technology Literacy and Access (Area 3)
The library plays an important, democratizing role in ensuring that all Orange County residents have
access to the tools and skills they need to use technology, whether for education or recreation. The need
for technology and information literacy is magnified by the sheer volume of information and the vast range
of sources we have access to today via any Internet- connected computer or mobile device.
Obj ectives
2.1 - Collaborate with county IT department to invest in infrastructure, equipment, and hardware to meet
and exceed the needs of patrons
2.2 - Provide increased technology training opportunities for patrons of all ages and socioeconomic
backgrounds
2.3 - Help patrons find reliable information sources by serving as a trusted guide
2.4 - Promote online resources and provide patrons with the guidance needed to better utilize them
i
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a, Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Goal 3 Resources and Programming (Areas 2, 3, & 5)
The value that OCPL's resources and programming bring to Orange County is immeasurable. With more
than 100, 000 print and audio visual items, in addition to a rich digital collection of articles databases and e-
books, OCPL knows that free and easy access to our collections offers patrons an array of opportunities
to explore. Programs further enhance the cultural, educational and entertainment value of the library for
people of all ages and walks of life.
Obj ectives
3.1 - Maintain a quality materials collection of current and diverse items customized to fit the community's
needs and wants
3.2 - Improve access to library collections
3.3 - Strategically develop, fund, and offer programs for all ages that educate, engage and entertain
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Goal 4 Seamless Library Services (Area 1)
Orange County's 400 square miles encompass several communities and towns that are served by two
distinct library systems. Based upon feedback from the Community Needs Assessment, respondents
stated a clear preference for library facilities and services that are easily accessible to all residents of
Orange County.
Obj ectives
4.1 - Provide full access to library services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Orange
County
4.2 - Expand partnerships with Chapel Hill Public Library by 2016 to better serve all county residents
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ILOrange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Goal 4 Building Community Connections (Area 4)
Community connections are fostered through partnerships and awareness. We recognize that we can
achieve more in partnership with others than we can on our own. By taking a deliberate and thoughtful
approach to initiating and expanding relationships with government and community -based groups, OCPL
can reach underserved populations and library non - users. Elevating public awareness of the library's
resources, services and programs is also crucial to fulfilling the OCPL mission.
Objectives
5.1 - Identify and improve outreach to underserved populations
5.2 - Cultivate relationships with K -12, community colleges (e.g. Durham Tech) and county departments
5.3 - Hire a full -time, permanent communications specialist to create, conduct and manage a targeted
marketing campaign highlighting library resources and purpose
5.4 - Develop a framework for an active library volunteer program
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Appendix A - Orange County Public Library Community Needs Analysis
Results Report
Direct
URL: http: / /orangecountync.gov /library /documents /ocpl community needs analysis 2013.pd
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Appendix B - Inter - Departmental Work Group
External Members
Rick Shaw, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation
Shoshanna Sayers, Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development
Myra Austin, Department of Aging
Yvonne Scarlett, Economic Development
Jonathan Yeomans, Department of Social Services
Judy Butler, Department of Health
Library Staff
Lucinda Munger, Director
Andrea Tullos, Assistant Director
Amber Campbell, Systems Librarian
Erin Hils Shepherd, Communications Specialist
Anne Pusey, Adult and Teen Services Supervisor, Main Library
Jessica Arnold, Young Adult Librarian, Main Library
Samantha Thorne, Library Assistant, Carrboro Branch
Elizabeth Allen, Library Assistant, Main Library
Chantez Neymoss, Intern, School of Library and Information Science, UNC- Chapel Hill
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Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan 2013 -2016
Appendix C - Data Collection
CNA Interviews
September 19, 2012
1. Andrea Tullos, Library Assistant Director
2. BOCC Chair Bernadette Pelissier
3. Orange County Manager Frank Clifton
4. Friends of the Orange County Library, Co- Chairs Janet Flowers and Erin Shepherd
5. Lucinda Munger, Library Director
October 3, 2012
6. Aaron Nelson — Chapel Hill Chamber President
7. Patrick Rhodes —Orange County Schools Superintendent
8. Alex Brown — Carrboro Friends President
November 15, 2012
9. Jim Parker - Hillsborough Chamber President.
10. Amber Campbell, Systems Librarian
11. Nitya Fiorentino, Assistant to the Director
12. Dr. Rodney Trice — Chapel Hill /Carrboro Schools, Assoc. Superintendent
April 23, 2013
13. BOCC Chair Barry Jacobs
CNA Staff Focus Groups
October 3, 2012 — Two staff forums
CNA Community Forums
October 10th, 2012
1. 6 -8pm at Gravelly Middle School, 401 West Ten Road, Efland, NC
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October 18th, 2012
2. 10am -12 — Century Center, 100 N Greensboro Street, Carrboro
3. 2 -4pm - - Century Center, 100 N Greensboro Street, Carrboro
4. 6 -8pm — Maple View Agriculture Center, 3501 Dairyland Rd, Hillsborough NC
October 24th, 2012
5. Schley Grange Hall — 3416 Schley Road, Hillsborough NC
Strategic Planning Meetings
1.
January 11, 2013 —
Work group
2.
January 24, 2013 —
Work group
3.
February 8, 2013 —
OCPL Staff Day
4.
February 11, 2013
— OCPL Staff Day
5.
February 26, 2013
— Work group
6.
April 23, 2013 - Workgroup
March 25, 2013 — Strategic Planning Focus Groups
7. Senior Center —Chapel Hill
8. Senior Center —Central Orange
9. Teens - Orange High School
10. Teens - Cedar Ridge High School
11. Evening Latino focus group (Human Right Center in Carrboro)
April 19, 2013 — Strategic Planning Focus Group
12. Karen Focus Group (Human Right Center in Carrboro)
April 23, 2013 — Strategic Planning Focus Group
13. Teens - Orange High School
May 6, 2013 — Strategic Planning Focus Group
14. Environment and Agricultural Center (EAC)
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Surveys
Community Needs Assessment Survey (n =381)
Community Needs Assessment Leader's Survey (n =5)
Strategic Planning Survey (n =198)
Strategic Planning Leader's Survey (n =9)
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