The Long Range Plan is an outline of the cooperative’s focus of activities for the next five years. The activities outlined in the Long Range Plan are supported by the Cooperative’s budget as described.
The major emphasis from Fiscal Year 2025 to Fiscal Year 2030 will be upon,

1. providing technology support for all Cooperative libraries;
2. actively seek out grant opportunities and apply for grants;
3. assisting all Cooperative libraries with their mission to provide the citizens of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties with quality, innovative library service. The Cooperative libraries’ roles in accomplishing the plan of service will be one of support utilizing Cooperative staff, employment agency staff, and/or member library staff.
4. researching resources that enhance patron and staff knowledge and access to all resources provided by the Heartland Library Cooperative.

The Heartland Library Cooperative assists its member libraries to address the following needs of its citizens:

• Our libraries will provide current titles and best sellers to satisfy library users’ recreational reading needs. Library collections will support and stimulate the “pure and simple pleasure of reading”.
• Our libraries will provide inclusive and diverse materials to ensure all community members are represented in library purchases.
• Our libraries will ensure that library displays and marketing materials (including, but not limited to newsletters, flyers and social media graphics) are inclusive and diverse, ensuring to represent all individuals who may utilize our services.
• Our libraries will provide informational resources and assistance using educational tools including computers. The libraries will concentrate on providing supplemental materials rather than duplicate resources available in institutions such as South Florida State College and other regional colleges and universities.
• Our libraries will provide access to distance learning databases.
• Our libraries will provide programs and materials dedicated to children, young adults, adults and seniors.
• Our libraries will provide an extensive collection of circulating materials on a wide variety of topics in which the public has a sustained interest.
• Our libraries will provide access to information in a variety of formats and will offer computer and Internet access.
•  Our libraries will encourage and facilitate the sharing of resources among the members in order to contribute toward equity and enrichment in information access to all.

The Cooperative staff and member library directors and/or library managers believe in a service philosophy for their patrons that demonstrate:

• All patrons and visitors are important.
• Libraries matter to the community.
• Pride in our home libraries, our library cooperative system, our fellow cooperative branches and in our service to our libraries and our patrons.
• Cooperative and respectful demeanor to all who come through our doors.
• Patrons and visitors to our libraries feel represented and included in our purchases, programs and displays.

• Continue to provide “Pink Cart” collection of popular titles to all libraries.
• Continue cooperative circulation of library materials via courier system with at least 5 visits per week to the member libraries.
• Review circulation policies as needed to provide best practices.
• Act as materials buying agent for member libraries.
• Serve as a forum for information on issues of interest to member libraries.
• Coordinate research and development of new methods of service.
• Continue to provide access to shared Cooperative resources, such as iPads and notebook computers.
• Continue to provide access to and maintain the Cooperative’s Mobile Library service.

• Provide public access internet workstations and wireless internet.
• Continue to update and maintain the Heartland Library Cooperative website.
• Maintain and upgrade as necessary technology currently functioning in the member libraries.
• Act as anchor institution for broadband initiatives by FHREDI and State Library.

• Maintain consistent fines and fees schedule for all libraries.
• Actively research and apply for grant funding, if available, for assistance in developing enhancements to library services.
• Encourage local support and donations to member libraries.

• Maintain and replace cooperative vehicles as needed.
• Replace outdated technology which provides internet service to the member libraries as needed.
• Upgrade hardware and software as technology improves.

• Utilize Cooperative Information Technology Staff to maintain and upgrade technology.
• Utilize staff to provide 5 days per week courier service to all member libraries.
• Provide continuing education opportunities for all member staff.
• Provide opportunities for staff collaboration and idea sharing.

• Continue membership in Tampa Bay Library Consortium.
• Provide ILL access via FLIN SHAREit to all cooperative members.
• Provide consistent cataloging and authority control for shared databases.
• Provide cooperative patrons with access to online resources.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations.
• Increase access to all library resources through participation in library networks.

• Conduct cooperative training sessions for cataloging, Florida Library Youth Programs (FLYP), ILL services, etc.
• Conduct training for staff to develop excellent customer service.
• Facilitate staff development workshops.
• Explore continuing education opportunities in community organizations.

• Provide the governing board with timely financial statements.
• Provide the governing board with timely narrative reports of significant cooperative activities, including circulation & other library statistics.
• Enhance member library visibility through timely website updates and providing guidance and assistance on a variety of marketing and publicity avenues to all member libraries
• Provide Advocacy materials for obtaining State Aid Funding to member libraries.

• Explore additional sources of grants and other funding and support
• Assist member libraries with their grant applications and grants administration