Focus:Main:Planning
From NetworkedLibraries
[edit] Strategic Planning and Leadership
Strategic Leadership and Planning Libraries that are 21st Century Technology Leaders are proactive and strategic in their planning. Attention to the potential role of technology permeates all aspects of their needs assessment, planning, and evaluation. The ubiquitous presence of technology throughout society prompts 21st Century Technology Leaders to conduct environmentalscans on a regular basis to identify technologyinnovations and consider their application to services and collections. Library policies and procedures are frequently reviewed and updated to reflect emerging issues related to the complex social milieu of a technological society. Likewise, active involvement in the library user community provides a means to assess specific needs and interests. Library staff participation in community initiatives also creates opportunities for promoting the library’s services and resources, particularly through the development of collaborative projects and partnerships.
Most libraries are affected by the unpredictable funding levels of local, state, and national fiscal sources, and innovation requires new sources as well as collaborative approaches to support technology initiatives. Stable funding for technology is essential and has become a defining feature of a library that is a technology leader. Toward this end, advocacy efforts on behalf of the library, and for library issues in general are considered to be an integral aspect of strategic planning. Regular communication with library stakeholders helps to ensure that decision makers understand the important role and function of the library in their user community.
In addition, libraries that are technology leaders in their communities focus on outcomes in their planning and evaluation process. As these libraries prepare service, program, and collection goals, they consider the difference that a library’s initiative may have on the lives of users in their community. While such output measures as the number of participants at a technology training workshop or the number of books circulated are still important aspects of library evaluation, more emphasis is placed on such considerations as the impact of these efforts on literacy rates in the community or the success of small businesses using technology applications and digital resources. In sum, 21st Century Technology Leaders approach library planning strategically by focusing on targeted goals and outcomes for the community they serve. As a result, the library assumes a leadership role within its user community. Stakeholders consider the library to be an innovative and constructive influence in the community.
[edit] Key Principles
- Libraries practice effective technology planning and evaluation.
- Libraries implement effective public relations, promotions, and advocacy.
