JDL Strategic Plan 2025-2027

We conducted a community survey in early 2024 to get feedback from residents about their experiences at the library and what they’d like to see in the future. More than 600 people responded, and we’ve used their responses to help build our next strategic plan and chart a course for the coming years.   

Here’s what residents told us is important to them.  

1. Continued focus on modernizing our spaces. This includes improving access, furniture, and the overall quality of spaces that have not yet received a renovation or more in-depth interior space planning.  

2. Increased communication so it’s easier for residents to know what resources, services, and programs are available at JDL.  

3. An evaluation of our open hours and program times so that we can increase access to JDL resources, services, and programming. 

4. Continued focus on, and expansion of, literacy efforts through programming, services, and outreach so that all ages in Jackson County have access to not only improve reading skills but life skills too. 

Below is a list of five focus areas and a selection of strategic outcomes related to those focus areas that library staff have set out to accomplish before 2028.

SPACES

1. Create modern, accessible, spaces that support efficient operations and positive patron interactions.
2. Upgrade buildings through repair and maintenance work to ensure safe and compliant facilities and operations.
3. Collaborate with local owning municipalities to determine path forward for modernizing library spaces JDL doesn’t own.

COMMUNICATION

1. Increase library cardholders. Create awareness of JDL among county residents who don’t have library cards.
2. Increase awareness and use of JDL digital collections.
3. Increase awareness and use of Bookmobile throughout the County.

TECHNOLOGY

1. Improve efficiency of Finance Department operations and streamline budget tracking.
2. Provide relevant information resources to Jackson County residents.
3. Improve efficiency of public service operations and patron interactions.

ACCESS

1. Increase visits to branches and programs.
2. Increase library access for residents by providing alternative methods of engagement.
3. Improve efficiency of districtwide operations to ensure patrons receive timely service.

LITERACY

1. Support foundational literacy through focused services and collections as well as with expanded programming and technology.
2. Grow JDL’s position as a literacy expert in Jackson County through involvement with the Jackson County Early Literacy Alliance (JCELA).
3. Increase engagement between the library and the schools and increase the schools’ use of library resources.

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To review a full, detailed copy of the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, reach out to our admin offices via email.