Strategic Planning for Libraries

Once your plan is completed, libraries should ensure that regular attention is given to the plan:

• First off - celebrate! Share the plan with your community by inviting them to see the results.
  • Host a library tea or ice cream social to encourage attendance!
• Make the strategic plan a public document.
  • Post it on your website, have it available in the library for patrons, reference in annual reports.
• Ensure the staff has read the plan and knows their part in working towards the library's goals and priorities. 
  • Salt Lake City Public Library created a Roadmap Field Guide with their 2018 Strategic Plan to assist staff in aligning their work with the plan.
• Discuss the plan with your Board regularly.
  • Identify any changes to priorities and shifts that may need to be made.
  • Remember - this is a living document! It can be flexible as the library environment changes.
• Write the yearly action plan, identifying steps towards the library goals.

Once your library's strategic plan is approved, you will need to submit an Action Plan each year to the MBLC to show the steps you are taking towards achieving your plan's goals. This Action Plan is due each December 1 for the upcoming fiscal year (e.g. Action Plan submitted December 1, 2026 will be for FY 2028 (July 2027 - June 2028). 

The MBLC has more information, including a template and the submission link, on their Action Plans webpage.