As the new year unfolds, it’s a great time for libraries to set resolutions for the new year and maximize opportunities for innovation and growth. The always changing landscape of information management calls for strategic goal setting.

This blog is a short recap of our recent webinar which delivered five possible resolutions for the new year. And as a bonus, we not only provide 5 ways to start 2024 with a bang, but we’ll also share some essential insider tips to ensure their effective implementation, keeping you on course to achieve your goals.

1. Embrace Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is essential, not optional. This year, prioritize growing your digital collections and integrating systems that streamline library management. Start with core collections and scale up to include content such as videos, podcasts, relevant images, and documents to ensure your library remains relevant and accessible. Embrace the digital revolution.

Top Tip: Ensure you’re offering digital content in all formats. This includes videos, podcasts, images, documents, databases and more!

2. Implement Tailored Services

Customizing services to user needs is vital. Offer personalized assistance or targeted workshops to engage your users. Use your digital platforms efficiently to communicate these offers, ensuring they’re noticed and appreciated by those you serve.

Top Tip: Use surveys or feedback forms to understand user preferences and tailor services accordingly.

3. Grow Your Library Brand

Your library’s brand should reflect its unique strengths. Understand and respond to user needs, communicate consistently, and maintain a straightforward marketing plan. Engage with your audience online and be responsive to their feedback to enhance service and relevance.

Top Tip: Provide regular updates via newsletters, your intranet or library homepage with highlights from the library’s collections, upcoming events, and user testimonials.

4. Improve Access to Resources

Resource accessibility is the core of library service. Focus on enhancing search functionalities and user interfaces, making it easier for users to find what they’re looking for without hassle.

Top Tip: Implement a user-friendly mobile app to access resources anytime, anywhere.

5. Your Personal Growth

Invest in your personal growth. Encourage ongoing learning and professional development. Take advantage of networking events and industry conferences to stay current and connected.

Top Tip: Create or access a knowledge-sharing platform

Our 5 resolutions have focused on what you can DO in your library, knowledge or information center. But you might be asking yourself, how can I turn these resolutions into reality?

The answer? SMART Goal Setting. Set clear, attainable goals using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. Focus on concrete objectives like boosting mobile app usage or increasing digital resource circulation. While ambition is important, realism in your goal setting maximizes the chances for success. Set goals that are a challenge but are within your reach, considering your current resources and capabilities.

Top Tip: Ask yourself, “Is this goal ambitious AND attainable?” to strike a balance between aspiration and achievability.

We covered these strategies, tips and more in our recent webinar; for those who missed the session, please get in touch for a link to the recording. Let’s make 2024 year a transformative one for our libraries, research, and knowledge centers.