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Public Library Strategic Planning Seminar

Strategic planning is a critical aspect of good organizational management and its functioning. This is particularly important for libraries in the current environment where personnel are asked to do more with fewer resources and technology is having such a strong impact on the ways in which libraries’ provide service to patrons. The strategic planning process allows organizations to remain relevant and responsive to constituent needs.

The goal of this full day professional development seminar is to provide library personnel with an understanding of how to create a strategic plan and the tools that can be applied to effectively carry out that process. For example, one focus of the session will be devoted to a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). Thorough examination of the external and internal organizational environment informs institutions of what is being done well, where resources and challenges exist, the areas in which programs might be adjusted and where new programs can be created. This content informs the strategic plan, clarifying goals and objectives. The most effective plans include ways to monitor progress and assess impact. The document then serves as a guide for upper management and staff to implement programs and manage the organization.

Upon completion of the seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Define strategic planning and distinguish it from long range planning
  • Describe the strategic planning process
  • Illustrate the potential value of the process for the organization, in particular a shared vision, mission, with common goals and strategies
  • Describe the tools of the strategic planning process
  • Explore some of the library’s values, it’s vision and mission
  • Experience using some of the strategic planning tools such as a SWOT analysis
  • Examine strategies to guide the organization to reach the vision
  • Work with creative techniques such as mind mapping
  • Identify specific criteria that can be used for evaluating strategies such as appropriateness, feasibility, timing, etc.
  • Experience writing at least one objective that is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound)
  • Describe an action plan for strategy implementation

This program is developed specifically for the public library leadership with Barbara Grota, Director of the RWU Leadership Institute and James H. McCormack, Faculty at RWU and Bentley University. Registration is limited to public library directors and/or managers, one per library.  We encourage you to register as soon as possible as seating is limited. Contact Chaichin Chen for questions.

The Library Management Series focuses on topics of interest to librarians and library staff in management positions, or those interested in developing management skills.

Date:
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Time:
9:00am - 4:00pm
Location:
Cumberland Public Library, Hayden Center
Presenter(s):
Barbara Grota, Director of the RWU Leadership Institute; James H. McCormack, Faculty at RWU and Bentley University
Event Type:
OLIS Continuing Education
Categories:
  Management  
Registration has closed.