overview of how libraries need to conduct strategic planning

1. Prepared for the Chester County Public Library January 9, 2006 Introduction to Strategic Planning South Carolina State Library

2. Overview of the Presentation Part One: The Basics Part Two: The Context for Change Part Three: A Tool for Managing Change Part Four: Why Plans Fail Part Five: Doing a Plan: What’s Involved

4. A Definition of Strategic Planning Strategic Planning is the process by which the guiding members of an organization envision its future and develop the necessary procedures and operations to achieve that future

9. Discussion Question # 1 How could a strategic plan benefit your library ?

10. Embracing Change – The Library Context Part Two: The Context for Change

12. “ There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home.” Ken Olsen, president of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977 . The phonograph…is not of any commercial value.” Thomas Edison, remarking on his invention to assistant Sam Insull, 1880 “ Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote.” U.S. President Grover Cleveland, 1905

14. Discussion Questions #2 What are the most significant changes affecting your library ? Has the library been able to effectively respond to these changes ?

15. The Strategic Plan – A Tool for Managing Change Part Three: Review

18. The Components of the Strategic Plan Library Strategic Plan Operational Plans Monitoring and Evaluation Action Plan Action Plan Action Plan Action Plan Action Plan Action Plan Vision and Values for Library Services Goals for Library Service Strategic Directions The Library’s Mission

24. Vision Goals Position the Libraries as an institution that is continually relevant and vital to the success of Chester’s future, providing essential services for vibrant, healthy, sustainable and diverse communities. The Library and its Branches, rooted in Chester’s vibrant and healthy communities, are meeting places and destinations that enliven their neighborhoods, enhance understanding of cultural diversities, and link people to one another, to a sense of Chester’s past, and to their shared future. Strategic Directions Community & Civic Role Information Gateway: Develop Community Facilities Marketing & Communication

26. Discussion Questions #3 How current are your library’s Vision, Mission and Goals? Do you have an effective plan for dealing with your library’s future?

27. Why Plans Fail Part Four:

28. Why We Fail # 1 Ineffective Vision

30. Why We Fail # 2 No Follow-Through – Poor Implementation

32. Why We Fail # 3 Poor Leadership

34. Why We Fail # 4 Poor Communication

36. Discussion Questions #4 If your library has done a strategic plan, was it successful? Why / why not? If your library has not done a strategic plan, what are the barriers to doing the plan?

37. Part Five Doing A Plan – What’s Involved

41. Discussion Question #5 What are the options for your library to prepare a strategic plan?

42. Dr. Curtis R. Rogers Director, Division of Statewide Library Services SC State Library [email_address] 803-734-8928 www.statelibrary.sc.gov Thank You