We strongly encourage all libraries have a strategic plan. Strategic plans are helpful tools for libraries because they can focus the library’s programs and services and help with decisions on allocating resources based on community needs and how the library can meet those needs.
We offer facilitator help at no charge to public libraries with their strategic planning process using the Public Library Association planning process, Strategic Planning for Results, developed by Sandra Nelson.
Library directors, boards, staff, and community members can be included in the planning process to link community needs and library services. Selecting service responses that describe “what a library does for, or offers to, the public in an effort to meet a set of well-defined community needs” is part of the process along with establishing effective goals and objectives, managing change, informing the community, and planning for the future.
Please contact Evan Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development (614-752-9178 or estruble@library.ohio.gov) if you are interested in working with the State Library on your strategic plan. He will then assign a strategic planning consultant to your library for the duration of the process.
Strategic Planning for Results Library Service Responses
The State Library of Ohio uses a strategic planning process based on Sandra Nelson’s “Strategic Planning for Results.” The process has 18 different library services responses libraries can choose to meet their communities needs.
Download Library Service Responses (SPR)
Ohio Public Library Strategic Plans
The State Library of Ohio uses a strategic planning process based on Sandra Nelson’s “Strategic Planning for Results.” Click the button below to download a sample process.