LibGuides: Strategic Planning for Libraries: Community Conversations

Host Community Conversations

Explore these helpful resources for convening community conversations.

Appreciative Inquiry Worksheet (Michigan Evaluation Association)
Brainstorm: Discover, dream, design, destiny.
Ask Exercise (Harwood Guide to Turning Outward to Your Community)
"Four simple questions you can ask people one-on-one—patrons, even folks on the street—to begin learning what kind of community people want"
Aspirations Facilitator Guide (Harwood)
"Three questions to help reshape your conversation. Try using these questions to get people focused on their community and what they have in common."
Community Conversations Workbook (Libraries Transforming Communities)
"A series of 90- to 120-minute conversations with community members about what they want their community to be; what challenges they face in realizing these aspirations; and what changes are needed to overcome them."
Strategic Planning for Public Libraries (Joy Fuller / PLA)
Includes a helpful Values Discovery Exercise for staff.

SOAR Exercise & Brainstorming Rules (Massachusetts Library System)
Explore Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. (Part 1 of the 3 Meeting Model)
SOAR Exercise Chart
Use this appreciative inquiry chart with staff or other groups to gather written feedback.

Tell us about your organization (Salt Lake City Public Library)
Worksheet that can be used at a strategic planning meeting with community partners

Select a Meeting Facilitator

Massachusetts Library System Consultants are available to facilitate strategic planning meetings with staff, Trustees, or community groups. Learn more information about the strategic planning services that provide for our members.

You can also use our External Consultant Directory if you would like to hire a facilitator. We recommend keeping these considerations in mind when selecting a consultant for your strategic planning process.