Project Overview   

Located in Cambridge Ontario, Idea Exchange has been Cambridge’s public library for over 100 years. Idea Exchange is a unique combination of resources, programs, and services, as well as the public art galleries of Cambridge in five branch locations. This blend of reading, arts, innovation, and learning makes Idea Exchange a valuable resource for Cambridge residents.   

Intent was honoured to work with Idea Exchange on an extensive community engagement process to develop new Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2027.   

Our team used a variety of strategies to reach individuals—both staff and the community—to capture their thoughts, insights, and hopes for Idea Exchange to inform the future planning of the libraries and galleries.   

The first step of our process—the Listen phase—included gathering qualitative research by facilitating one-on-one stakeholder interviews, workshops, focus groups, and more. It was also important that the project received quantitative research directly from the community by distributing a survey that had over 300+ responses. 

This engagement process and survey allowed us to analyze responses to questions about the community, helping us understand what draws people to Idea Exchange, what they value or find unique, what sets it apart, what programs and services it offers, and how residents foresee the community changing in the next 3-5 years and its impact on Idea Exchange.  

Insights  

This extensive engagement process led to eight common themes focusing on the inclusivity and accessibility of Idea Exchange, its work with partners in the community, building its overall brand and leadership in the sector, as well as staff development. There was also a strong focus on literacy, meeting the needs of all residents, including newcomers to Cambridge and Canada, seniors and teenagers, and programming.   

The survey results told us that 100% of respondents believe that public libraries are important for the community and bring value, with 96% agreeing that public libraries are needed now more than ever.   

The themes and results from the survey were the basis of two in-depth discussions with the Board of Directors. Together, we discussed potential strategic priorities and measurable action plans that would address any gaps identified in the research and capture the essence of each theme. Idea Exchange management and staff were also engaged throughout the process through regular communications with the CEO.   

Solutions  

Idea Exchange released its Strategic Plan in 2024. The plan outlines the following three key priorities and goals to guide the organization into 2027.    

• Inspire Through Experiences: Creating opportunities to explore and learn together  

• Connect Through Community: Inviting people and partners to create positive change  

• Empower Through Learning: Embracing knowledge that inspires people to unlock their potential  

Intent continued its work with Idea Exchange following their development of the strategic plan in its design, as well as a video for their website and social media assets to promote the priorities within their community.  

You can read the strategic plan here or watch the video here.