SAUGUS — With the Strategic Plan accepted by the Mass Board of Library Commissioners, the Saugus Public Library has moved to the first action plan.
The action plan outlines what the library will do over the next six months, beginning Jan. 1. Director Alan Thibeault noted that these were all items he wanted to complete before the end of June, and that at the June meeting, he’d have an action plan for the second half of the calendar year, which would be the first half of FY27.
“In terms of advocating for additional full-time and part-time staff hours, particularly in children’s and technical services, we’re going to have to conduct a benchmark study to help set our target staffing and compensation levels,” he said.
Thibeault plans to get that benchmark study done by the end of June. The library will also be determining possible staff attrition over the next three years.
“I’m also going to do a report on projected demographic changes to help us determine future service demands,” he said.
The library will also be working to identify new programs for underserved populations and plans to solicit program ideas from the entire staff.
Also part of the plan is investing in technology and digital infrastructure.
“We’re going to replace two staff and two public PCs. We’ve already replaced the reference staff and tech services staff printers. We want to increase the performance of our Wi-Fi and public printing,” Thibeault said.
He noted that the library would be looking to identify a potential new Wi-Fi vendor.
The plan also involves optimizing library spaces for comfort, learning, and connection by increasing quiet study, meeting, and collaborative spaces.
“We’re going to obtain some quotes for study pods. Those telephone booth-like things that people can use… and plan distribution of (the) study pods,” he said.
They’ll also be working to empower and invest in the library staff and to provide training on working relationships and working with patrons with special needs.
“And (we’ll) be including staff in policy revisions and creation. We’re already seeking staff input in all policy and revision creation. We’ll continue to do that,” he said.
Board Chair Michael Sullivan thanked Thibeault for his work, stating that it was great progress.
