Vision Statement

NEKLS and its member libraries are leaders and innovators in providing exemplary library services.

Mission Statement

The Northeast Kansas Library System enables its members to develop outstanding library services through:

• Library consulting, continuing education, and professional development
• Facilitation of peer communication
• Library technology support and development
• Library advocacy and marketing
• Improved library funding
• Access to regional and statewide resource sharing networks

Values

1. Equal access.
   We believe all people should have equal access to information, including technology-based and other services.
2. Respect for member libraries.
   We recognize and respect member library differences (type, size, location) in an atmosphere of mutual trust and teamwork.
3. Respect for people.
   We value the professionalism and experience of library and system staff, board and volunteers. We seek recognition and rewards for library staff. We respect library users and expect members to provide excellent customer service.
4. Stewardship.
   We use NEKLS’ public and private resources in an accountable manner.
5. Integrity.
   We follow the highest ethical standards of honesty and openness.
6. Continuous improvement.
   We expect and assist member libraries to continuously improve and strengthen services.
7. Communication.
   We foster communication and collaboration among and between system staff, boards, and library personnel.
8. Participation.
   We value active participation in the larger library community.
9. Innovation.
   We value innovation by NEKLS staff and by staff in member libraries.
10. Confidentiality.
    We support the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read.

Goals

Goal 1: To strengthen communications between NEKLS and member libraries.

Activities

1. Improve the NEKLS website. (July 2010)
2. Develop printed materials outlining NEKLS services. (December 2010)
3. Communicate NEKLS staff responsibilities. (June 2010)
4. Schedule NEKLS staff visits to member libraries at least once per year. (ongoing)

Goal 2: To improve continuing education to better meet the needs of the NEKLS community.

Activities

1. Assess continuing education needs and develop a training plan. (June 2010)
2. Implement the new training plan. (December 2010 and ongoing)
3. Archive training so it can used by those unable to attend. (ongoing)
4. Create opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange. (ongoing)

Goal 3: Provide and manage a resource sharing network.

Activities

1. Improve operational effectiveness and increase participation in the statewide courier. (ongoing)
2. Manage NExpress, finding the optimum vendor, reorganizing NEKLS NExpress staff as needed, and expanding the number and type of participating libraries. (ongoing)

Goal 4: Empower libraries to adopt new and existing technologies.

Activities

1. 1. Identify relevant technologies, educate libraries about those technologies, and assist in implementation of those technologies. (ongoing)
2. Prepare libraries to teach technologies to users. (March 2011)

Goal 5: Maintain an active role in governmental advocacy to benefit NEKLS members

Activities

1. Participate in the Kansas Library Association Governmental Affairs Committee. (ongoing)
2. Training libraries and trustees on local advocacy. (March 2011)
3. Improve understanding in the NEKLS community of legislative issues. (ongoing)