It is important for libraries to have strategic plans aligned with institutional vision and missions. Libraries often develop their plans in a “library knows best” vacuum without really building their strategic plan from the user perspective. Our assumptions regarding the needs of our key stakeholders is often clouded by history and tradition and by asking the wrong questions of our communities.
Attendees should bring their current institutional strategic plans and any existing library strategic plans, translated into English. During the workshop we will look at the strategic plans and work together in small groups on development of strategies for each library, sharing ideas and suggestions. Each attendee will at least leave with a roadmap for plan development.
We will discuss identifying key stakeholders, developing key questions to ask, methods for asking the questions, and developing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant or Results-Oriented, Time-bound) goals.
Learning outcomes : By the end of this workshop attendees will: Discuss and understand the importance of strategic plans aligned with institutional visions and missions; Examine, share, and discuss their unique institutional attributes and challenges; Develop open-ended questions for use when working with key stakeholders; Share strategies for gathering feedback from key stakeholders; Discuss feedback analysis; Understand the definition for, and importance of SMART goals when developing strategic plans; Create a strategic planning action plan for the home library
Type of interactivity : Practical exercises reviewing institutional strategic plans. Group work. Guided conversation.
Level : Intermediate
Target audience : Library Managers or directors needing to position their libraries for a relevent future
Preparation for the session : Yes