During the information gathering stage for CPL 2010, Boston Consulting Group conducted interviews and surveyed a varied group of Library stakeholders to lay the foundation for new forward-thinking goals for the Chicago Public Library. Through these interviews, three clear areas of new opportunity emerged: expanded library programs and partnerships, increased access to information and enhanced awareness of the resources of the Library. It is important to note that while the Library’s innovative program offerings are identified in CPL 2010 as a clear area of strength, new programming initiatives and partnership opportunities have been identified as an area of growth potential in the coming years.

10 goals for continued investment in the Library’s areas of new strategic opportunity are:

EXPAND AND ENHANCE PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

1. Expand and optimize high-quality educational and cultural partnerships to leverage program resources

2. Create a variety of new high-quality educational and cultural programming according to community interest and library capacity

3. Expand out-of-school educational assistance to all CPL locations and include high levels of attendance and measurable impact

EXPAND INFORMATION ACCESS, NAVIGATION AND EDUCATION

4. Expand online information access to patrons with balanced and reduced waiting times across all CPL locations

5. Increase resources and staff development to ensure every CPL location has the capabilities to assist patrons with their information needs

6. Provide patrons with access to online resources in an easy to navigate virtual library

7. Offer library patrons at least one quarterly class in every CPL location designed to best serve their online information needs.

INCREASE USAGE AND AWARENESS OF CPL OFFERINGS

8. Increase patron and non-patron awareness and usage of CPL resources and programs.

9. Increase library awareness and advocacy among key stakeholders (partners, funders, elected officials, schools, business community, etc.)

10. Increase awareness of CPL within the library profession to attract and hire high-quality, diverse and professional workforce.