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Vision 2010 - Our Preferred Future

Welcome to the year 2010 - a time where universal free access and the declaration of libraries as an essential service is a reality. This is Marigold Library System’s preferred future. These ideals, as articulated by the Marigold Board during our Needs Assessment process, have provided the critical context for goal development. Goals and Objectives

Advocacy -- including globalization, marketing, promotion and development.

Marigold's creative marketing campaigns reach all sectors of the community, increasing library usage and support. Marigold, councils and libraries have a shared understanding about future directions for access to and delivery of services.

	Libraries are declared an essential service in Alberta.
	All political jurisdictions within the Marigold area belong to the System. (Municipalities, ID's, First Nations, Special Areas).
	Marigold supports Canadian cultural identity through purchasing, programming, and promotion.
	On-going Marigold programs and partnerships supporting literacy through the encouragement, promotion, and development of programs advocating "Libraries for Lifelong Learning " are integrated into all member libraries.

Access -- physical and virtual.

Marigold has both a central physical and virtual space, and a set of shared values. Access to and delivery of services are the key success factors in measuring our performance as a regional system. Member libraries are accessible to all Albertans regardless of their physical, social, educational or economic circumstances.

	Marigold serves as a gateway to information for member libraries and their customers.
	Marigold residents have universal free access to all library services.
	Marigold is linked to other library systems and organizations by a nation wide technological network enabling each to benefit from the others expertise and information.
	Marigold takes full advantage of technology to ensure that access to and delivery of services to member libraries (and their customers) is timely and cost effective.
	Marigold cooperates with TAL and other interprovincial library organizations to provide in-house and Internet access to their collections.

Services -- collection, delivery.

Marigold is part of a robust, reliable and cost-effective resource sharing network, built on cooperation and agreed service standards and policies, encouraging a wide and efficient sharing of resources and put in place to serve member libraries and their increasingly mobile users.

	Marigold encourages member libraries and communities to be creative in implementing changes in the manner in which library service is delivered.
	Marigold's collaborative collection development projects ensure that member libraries are a vital component of the community and meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of their customers.
	There is an enhanced sense of collaboration between library systems-the sharing of knowledge, technique, expertise, programming and technological infrastructure. Cooperative projects promote user-initiated services and allow for participation in multitype library networks.
	Marigold programs and partnerships support, promote and develop literacy and life long learning skills.
	Marigold acts as brokers for technology grants, bulk purchasing and technical support services for member libraries.

Sustainability -- long term political, philosophical, and financial support.

Funding is in place for investment in information and knowledge infrastructure to ensure that Marigold member libraries are able to provide their customers with the services and information they require in their quests to remain globally competitive.

	Government is financially and philosophically committed to supporting Marigold.
	All political jurisdictions fund and fully support the Marigold Library System.
	Per capita funding has increased and is linked to current census figures.
	Postage subsidies are extended for the delivery of materials.

Training -- technology, lifelong learning, succession planning, staff.

Marigold's participation in learning conferences and symposiums ensures that professional excellence of headquarters staff is maintained and improved.

The programs and services of the System are carried out by a diverse group of administrative, professional, and support staff with a strong sense of common purpose.

Headquarters staff work together in flexible teams to analyze issues and training opportunities, recommend actions, and participate in implementation.

Marigold's membership in TAL sponsored programs that subsidize staff in small libraries to continue their library education and professional opportunities helps develop library staff that are well trained in librarianship.

Programs for continued survival and growth of librarianship in Alberta ensure that opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships and exchanges are available to prepare new librarians for the future work environment.

Marigold offers in-house training to library staff and board members to assist them in developing the skills necessary to enable them to promote the use of library materials and current and upcoming technology.

	Marigold recognizes that volunteers play a vital role in libraries. Board development workshops, orientation sessions and support for attendance at conferences continue to be offered.
	Marigold works with local boards to encourage them to ensure their library staff are well trained and reasonably paid according to an accepted standard. Interested people continue to enter the field of librarianship.