The Sea of Technology and Sharing Community Spaces:
Updating the Rapid City Public Library Strategic Plan

The opening paragraph of the 2005 - 2010 Rapid City Public Library Strategic Plan states “Public libraries are democratic institutions. Open to all and encompassing an enormous range of ideas and perspectives, they help citizens engage in self-governance and find individual paths to the pursuit of happiness. In each new age they change to reflect the character and concerns of a new generation. They use new tools to fulfill old dreams.”

The sea of technology changes in the 2.0 social networking world is widening the gap of understanding between generations. Yet, at the same time these changes are strengthening the use of virtual and physical community spaces. Connectivity within these community spaces requires a library plan that reflects who we are today and how to design our future.

The library planning process must identify the public’s access and use of information resources. In addition, the data gathered should document the experiences people encounter in using the services, as this will also define future goals.

To account for the sea of technology and the connectivity of community spaces, the Rapid City Public Library’s strategic plan is currently under review. The review process includes surveys, focus groups, interviews and evaluation feedback from the public and the staff. A draft of the updated plan is targeted for public and board review in November. Board adoption of the final plan is scheduled for December.

Planning is an ongoing process at the Rapid City Public Library to ensure that its collections and services meet the needs of the people now and in the future.

Greta Chapman, Library Director

Rapid City Public Library