The 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.

Changes 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.

Our 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

Manaakitanga

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:

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