Strategic Planning

• To ensure the library is addressing community needs

• To help think through priorities • To give the library direction• To show the library is forward-thinking• To use staff time efficiently• To avoid wasting money • To fulfill the requirement for Accreditation

Why make a plan?

Strategic Plan community

Ingredients:1. Mission Statement2. Community profile3. Community needs assessment4. Library assessment5. Unique contributions6. Goals7. Evaluation plan

The mission of the Oakland Public Library is to provide quality materials and services which fulfill the educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful and professional.

http://oakland-library.blogspot.com/p/mission-statement.html

Mission

The mission of The New York Public Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.

http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/mission

Mission

• Geography• Population• Economics• Education• Culture

Community Profile

7

Community Needs Assessment

• Surveys• Key Informant Interviews• Focus groups• Community Meetings• Keeping your eyes open

• Collection size & annual growth

• Services offered• Current technology• Use of the library

• Library history• Physical description• Staffing• Budget

Library Description

Strength

Opportunity

Weakness

Threat

Internal

External

HarmfulHelpful

Situation Analysis

What unique contribution can the library make to help fulfill community needs and desires?

The Central Question

S M A R TSpecific

Measurable

Assigned

Results-Oriented

Time-Bound

Goals should be

Evaluation

Who will evaluate If and how goals were met Any unexpected outcomes Any new needs that emerged Any goals that are no longer relevant

How will progress toward the goals and objectives be measured or monitored?

• Concise• Specific• Integrated• Foreseeable• Flexible

A good plan is

• Summary• Community profile• Needs assessment• Library description & situation analysis

(SWOT)• Unique contribution• Goals• Evaluation plan

The Strategic Plan

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan. . . upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.

--Picasso