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Strategic Planning for Libraries

Discover resources and information to develop a strategic plan for your library.

Welcome to Strategic Planning

Explore this guide to discover many helpful resources for your strategic plan.

No matter if you are a public, school, academic, or special library, if you serve a community of dozens or thousands, you can create a plan that will set the future vision and priorities of your library

If you have any questions during the process, or need assistance, advice, or more resources, please contact us:

Kristi Chadwick Michelle Eberle Oscar Lanza-Galindo
kristi@masslibsystem.org michelle@masslibsystem.org oscar@masslibsystem.org 
866-627-7228 x117 866-627-7228 x305 508-357-2121 x121 
Profile image of Oscar Lanza Galindo.

 

Getting Started

Just beginning your planning process? Start here with some resources for consideration:

MBLC

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approves all strategic plans submitted by libraries. They have all of their information on their website: Planning - MBLC

Key Dates:

October 1 - Strategic Plans due to MBLC
NOTE: The October 1 deadline is only for libraries that plan to apply for the following year's LSTA grant round. If you are not applying for a grant, then plans can be submitted at any time. 

December 1 - Action Plans due to MBLC

Libraries must have an approved Strategic Plan on file with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in order to apply for both Library Services and Technology Act funds and the Massachusetts Library Construction Loan program. Libraries that have done planning have repeatedly confirmed how important the process has been in their local efforts to gain recognition, funding and staffing for accomplishing the goals and objectives set out in their plans.  For questions regarding the requirements and deadlines for submitting your plan, go to the MBLC Planning Page.

All Strategic Plans can now be uploaded directly on the MBLC website. Please contact Robert Favini, MBLC, robert.favini@mass.gov, or Amy Clayton, amy.clayton@mass.gov, with any questions. 

Additional Resources