About the Library

Contact Details

Christchurch City Libraries
work PO Box 73045,
Christchurch 8154,
New Zealand.
workp: +64-3-941-7923

The Plan

View The Plan as an Acrobat pdf documentThe Strategic Directions for Christchurch City Libraries 2002 - 2007

Revised framework July 2002

In November 1997 Christchurch City Libraries published its Strategic Directions1. Since that time the underlying purpose for having libraries has not changed. It has in fact been strengthened by the rise of the knowledge society and the explosive growth in information available electronically. This revised plan will guide decisions through the next three to five years.

The review has been undertaken within the framework of the Christchurch City Council's strategic vision and outcomes for Christchurch2. Since the 1997 plan was produced the Council has adopted a triple bottom line approach to determining benefits, taking account of the social, environmental and economic aspects in building a sustainable Christchurch.

Within this context, the plan will guide decision-making concerning capital investment and service delivery options. The focus is on providing outputs which meet the outcomes required by the Council for vibrant and strong communities.

Plus libraryChanges since 1997 which have impacted on planning include:

  • The growth in electronic publishing and use of the internet and electronic media as key tools for communication, information and delivering services
  • Increasing diversity and ageing of the population
  • Greater focus on learning throughout life, including community education, the growth of private providers and changes in the educational qualification framework
  • Increasing demands and choices for people's time
  • Increasing customer expectations

Following research and consultation, a number of goals and objectives have been formulated. Many of the directions of the original plan have been confirmed and extended. One significant new direction is the outward focus as libraries seek to take services and information to where the people are.

See also Ngā Tapuwae Hou, our Bicultural Plan

  1. 1. Library Alive in the Community at christchurchcitylibraries.com/Policy/StrategicPlan/
  2. 2. Christchurch City Council. Strategic Statement. 2002 edition. Christchurch, 2001.

LearningOur Vision

The people of Christchurch enjoy a lifelong relationship with the library

Values

Equity

Accessibility, diversity and fairness in the treatment of all individuals

Intellectual freedom

Free exchange of information and ideas in a democratic society

Knowing who we areManaakitanga

Respect and care, support and hospitality

Empowerment

Enabling people to learn and make decisions for themselves

Reliability

Consistent, dependable and timely delivery of information and services

Working together

Seeking opportunities to work with others in our community

Accountability

Using resources responsibly

Christchurch City Libraries ­ more than you think!

Our purpose is to inform, educate, entertain, involve and inspire. The outcome is improved personal, social, cultural and economic well-being for the people of Christchurch.

We are in the business of connecting people with information and ideas to create knowledge and enrich lives through the power of stories.

Strategic Goals

Library + + Library Learning &Literacy Information ­ how, when & where Knowing who we are

Making the most of your libraries…

  • Programmes and events to enrich lives
  • Spaces to read, study, relax, listen and be informed
  • Books, music, magazines
    … to go

… as the heart of the community

Working with you where you are…

  • Telling you what's available
  • Using library skills and people to support community initiatives
  • Involved on your terms

… to strengthen communities

Supporting your learning…

  • Encouraging and promoting reading
  • Computers for use and learning
  • Working with and supporting educators

… to grow knowledge together

Delivering more ways and places…

  • In a way and at a time that suits you
  • Working with you, for you ­ or you can do it by yourself
  • To your desktop at home, school or work

… to put the world at your fingertips

Celebrating our diversity…

  • Knowing how you belong and how you can participate
  • Preserving our past and present for the future
  • Connecting with Tangata Whenua

… and our right to know and participate

To achieve the Strategic Goals we will:

  • Make it easier for customers to use library services and access information electronically
  • Encourage community participation through events and programmes
  • Work with Māori to achieve more relevance and take up of services
  • Develop strategy and co-ordinate delivery of learning and literacy programmes
  • Develop services to suit lifestyles and different needs in our community
  • Raise our profile to build community awareness about what we offer
  • Achieve a city-wide network of libraries
  • Investigate and implement technology which improves services and outcomes for customers
  • Develop relationships and partnerships with other agencies to strengthen services and support community development
  • Develop and implement strategy for collecting the best books, electronic resources and other materials to suit customers now and in the future
  • Continually improve library processes and services and action new ways of working to achieve best outcomes for customers and improved efficiency
  • Expect and support our colleagues to deliver on our Customer Promise

Annual plans document the operational activities that will enable us to achieve the goals

Christchurch City Libraries contributes to these outcomes

Vibrant and strong communities active in the city Personal growth and creative development Educated, informed and knowledgeable people People know and value themselves and each other

This will be evidenced by:

  • Economic prosperity
  • Healthy citizens
  • Social inclusion
  • Sustainable city

This will be evidenced by:

  • People enjoying life and constructive recreation
  • People exploring possibilities and stimulating their imaginations

This will be evidenced by:

  • High levels of literacy
  • Easy, equitable access to information
  • People are active and life-long learners
  • People making informed choices

This will be evidenced by:

  • Valuing cultural diversity
  • Full participation in the democratic process
  • Adherence to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi