Strategic Framework
Guiding and Aligning Our Work, 2019-2023
King County Library System's (KCLS’) Strategic Framework and its elements were thoughtfully developed by what we learned through broad input from patrons, community leaders and partners, educators and staff.
The process began in 2016, when KCLS conducted surveys, held meetings and reached out in other ways to discover what King County residents considered their highest hopes, dreams and plans for the future. The extensive feedback we received created a new Strategic Focus, helped refresh our Mission, Vision and Values and reaffirmed our continued commitments to our patrons and community. Read more about our mission, vision, and values.
The Strategic Framework fortifies KCLS as an organization that emphasizes teamwork, setting priorities, strategic goals and building on staff strengths. It reflects the Library System’s commitment to public service and accountability, and our deep intention to enhance lives, forge connections and strengthen communities. A management system is now in place to align, prioritize, organize, measure and communicate our strategies, goals and initiatives.
Strategic Focus
To Create Opportunities Through Meaningful Connections
We will do this by connecting people with
- Information and services to navigate life’s complexities and biases
- Equitable avenues to build the skills and knowledge needed for success
- One another to bridge differences and create communities of inclusion and belonging
Continued Commitments
Customer service through helpful and expert staff; a robust and diverse collection of books and resources; responsive programs and services and welcoming library spaces.
Strategic Goals
Organizational Excellence
KCLS has clear priorities and effective practices; high-performing leadership and staff; financial stability and a healthy culture.
We measure our performance and use what we learn to make sound decisions.
Focus: Improve financial management; organizational culture; and knowledge, skills and abilities of staff.
Strategic Communication
KCLS communication is clear, timely and intentional. Residents, partners and supporters recognize KCLS as an essential contributor to their lives. Staff use internal standards, practices and tools that inform, educate and connect us with one another.
Focus: Improve internal and external communication and workflow processes.
Responsive, Inspirational Service
KCLS offers customized pathways to exciting, relevant opportunities that inspire innovation, creation, learning and reflection. KCLS connects with people and organizations to leverage community strengths and enhance experiences.
Focus: Increase responsiveness to changing technology needs and reduce barriers to access.
Communities of Inclusion and Belonging
KCLS continually works to increase equity, strengthen bonds and support individual and community identities by embracing and reflecting the diversity of our communities.
Focus: Improve patron experience and responsiveness to community interests.
2019 Initiative Details
Removal of Barriers to Access
Institutionalized barriers to access affect low-income patrons disproportionately. KCLS will identify and remove barriers by changing internal processes and adapting service models.
Projects
- Expansion of student and teacher eCards at community and technical colleges
- Automation of refunds for patron overpayments
- Change in service parameters for Library2Go! to improve equity
ideaX Makerspace
KCLS will build and open an ideaX Makerspace in the Federal Way Library to connect patrons in south King County to STEAM concepts in a collaborative learning environment.
Projects
- Makerspace area designed to facilitate STEAM learning
- Increase public programming on STEAM topics
Economic Empowerment
KCLS provides services and resources that connect people with the knowledge, skills and networks to navigate, with success, a complex and biased economic system.
Projects
- Increase programs and services for the eight target audiences identified in the Economic Empowerment Framework
- Economic empowerment support provided at the Kent Welcoming Center
- Mobile services to homeless encampments and shelters, providing regular internet and computer access and access to partner social services
Region Reorganization
The current regional configuration of KCLS libraries is imbalanced and makes it challenging for staff and managers to succeed. Staffing changes and a comprehensive evaluation of our staffing model present a unique opportunity to reorganize the regions based on a thorough data analysis.
Projects
- An organizational structure that creates a more equitable mix of libraries and staffing in each region, in order to better meet different needs across King County
- Improved distribution of classifications and staff
Capital Investment Program
A Capital Investment Program (CIP) represents a five-year plan to cover major repair or replacement of capital assets, or the construction or acquisition of new ones.
Projects
- Implement plan created in 2018 for library improvement projects
Green Initiative
Through the Green Initiative, KCLS will continue to implement sound environmental practices to reduce paper and plastics waste, cut supplies and maintenance costs, and improve operational efficiencies.
Projects
- Implement vended services (e.g. pay to print)
- Improve KCLS organizational processes to conserve resources (e.g. automated refunds, email AMH receipts, automate MRR)
Payroll Analysis
In 2019-2020, KCLS will analyze the current payroll solution and execute activities that support a long-term, stable, and accurate payroll system solution.
Projects
- Documentation of current systems, processes and detailed requirements (needs)
- Selection of a suitable payroll system vendor (procurement)
- Implementation, including training, change management, and appropriate regular communication
