Library
DEPARTMENT FUNCTION
The
Hastings Public Library serves the community as a major cultural and
informational resource. Its purpose is
to provide materials and services for residents of all ages. These materials
should address needs for leisure-time reading and self-education; for
introducing literature, art, and science to children and supporting learning
experiences; and for informational resources for individuals and
organizations. The Library acts as a
community archive, collecting and storing items relating to
The Library is a member of the Lakeland Library
Cooperative, a group of 78 libraries and branch libraries, spread over eight
A nine
member Library Board of Directors is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by
the City Council, and by the Boards of Hastings and
In August
2000, a tax of 1.6 mills was approved in
A
successful campaign to raise funds to build a new library building has resulted
in the construction of an 18,000 square foot structure, just east of City
Hall, due to be completed by June 2007.
This building is expected to be a model of energy efficiency and environmental
stewardship.
GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES
GOAL: To provide a reliable, fully
functional library to meet the information needs of the community it serves.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To purchase up-to-date materials in all
media formats: print, audio-visual, and electronic.
2. To discard worn and outdated items, up to
10% of the collection.
3. To concentrate a portion of the materials
budget to improving resources for children, including electronic media,
recorded books, and movies.
4. To strengthen services to sight-impaired
patrons through purchases of large print books, recorded books and adaptive
devices.
GOAL: To
improve delivery of library services.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To provide skilled staff that can address
the growing demand for services.
2. To improve
the skills of current staff members through intensive training, especially in the use of
electronic media.
3. To actively work to improve interlibrary
loan services through participation in the Lakeland Library Cooperative,
Michigan Library Consortium, and the Michigan Library Association.
4. By offering classes to library patrons on
how to use and evaluate electronic media, including on-line catalogs,
databases, CD-ROM, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.
5. To seek other service opportunities
through community partnerships and grant writing.
GOAL: To
serve as a repository for information on
OBJECTIVES
1. To
continue collecting materials related to
2. To
coordinate programming with the Barry County Historical Society on topics of
local interest and history.
3. To replace worn microfilm as budget
permits and seek ways to microfilm
4. To begin digitizing materials of local
significance and making them searchable over the Internet as funding allows.
GOAL: To
establish a new sense of place with a larger, more flexible facility.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To organize collections for easy access of
information.
2. To operate a highly functional
organization dedicated to meeting user needs.
3. To provide a safe and comfortable space
for users and staff.
GOAL: To take the library beyond its doors
through community outreach and public relations.
OBJECTIVES:
1. By networking with governmental, business,
educational, and civic organizations through active memberships and
participation.
2. By linking library services with other
agencies, other
3. By expanding library programming to reach
more interests and to work with other groups to co-sponsor activities.
4. By expanding literacy programs such as the
5. By becoming an advocate for reading to
very young children by speaking to local parenting groups.
6. By expanding programming for teenagers.