Running head: SWOT ANALYSIS NARRATIVE OF JEFFERSON CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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SWOT Analysis Narrative of
Jefferson City Public Library
Submitted Student Work
IS 590: Rural Librarianship
Instructor: K.C. Williams
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
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SWOT ANALYSIS NARRATIVE OF JEFFERSON CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of results from a survey regarding the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the Jefferson City Public Library (JCPL) as perceived by
eight board members of the Friends of the Jefferson City Public Library (FOJCPL). Findings are
broken down according to each section with discussion on the implications for how this applies
to library operations, programs, and services.
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SWOT ANALYSIS NARRATIVE OF JEFFERSON CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
SWOT Analysis Narrative of Jefferson City Public Library
Analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of the
Jefferson City Public Library reveal the survey group’s perception of how the library is doing
and possible directions and targets to move to. Due to the constraints of this assignment and the
timing of just beginning to work at this library. The Friends of the Jefferson City Public Library
would be the only group meeting over the summer term. These surveys were completed in the
‘meet and greet’ for the new library director, after the ground breaking ceremony for the new
JCPL facility. The group was not aware, prior to assembling, that a SWOT analysis would be
asked of them. Therefore, the dedication to the task, was perhaps not as thoughtful as it would
have been with the ability to properly plan. This survey will be repeated again in one year and
the survey group expanded to include employees and library board members.
The eight FOJCPL board members that completed the surveys were all members of the
organization for a minimum of two years. Representation by age groups - one from 25-39 years
old, seven from the 40-60+ years old. The author realized during the analysis that this survey
group could only offer an external perspective as while supportive to the role and goals of the
library, none were involved in the policy, operations or processes of the library.
Strengths – The top strengths are Staff and Community Support, with each being listed
on six of the eight surveys. Other strengths were variety in programming, volunteers, good
location, collection and a strong Friends group. The implications of these findings is recognizing
that these areas of library service have influenced the perception of not only the FOJCPL but of
the community and to encourage further development in the staff training and work satisfaction
as well as advocacy.
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SWOT ANALYSIS NARRATIVE OF JEFFERSON CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Weaknesses - Parking and Limited Space ranked evenly in the responses of greatest
weakness. The need for more public computers, library hours, funding and volunteers each got
one mention. One response mentioned the “small cluster of community with negative mindset
regarding the need for the new library facility.” Many of these weaknesses are being addressed
with the building of the new facility. It is expected the new facility will be completed sometime
between January and March 2015, thereby alleviating the weaknesses of space and parking. The
weakness in funding also received some attention in this year’s budget with an increase for the
library system of $67,000 for additional staff, which will leave JCPL with three full time
equivalent employees and one 30 hour part-time equivalent employee. In regards to the
weakness of too few volunteers, JCPL is also currently developing relationships with Carson
Newman’s Alpha Chi organization to explore volunteer prospects.
Opportunities – Expansion of programming for all age groups was number one
opportunity cited. A close second was the ability to offer meeting room space, something that is
currently not available. Other opportunities listed were: exploring funding opportunities, loaning
e-readers, maintaining current community support levels, exploring partnerships. This
suggestion the importance of staff development and streamlining internal processes so that time
for planning, investigation and development of the opportunities listed.
Threats – Funding was the number one threat response. From there was the inability to
maintain a State-of-the-Art facility due to this lack in funding. To address this threat, JCPL is
developing strategies and partnerships to exploring funding options for the maintaining not only
the new levels of service on offer, but for technology maintenance and upgrade.