I am in Frisco, Texas this week, at the Association for Small and Rural Libraries Conference. Why is this important? Well, perhaps it is not. But if you are someone who is considering whether or you should listen to my advice and invest some time and grey matter into a plan for your library, it may weight in your decision if you know that what I write here and what I present when I talk about planning is all geared for the small, rural, sometimes isolated libraries that populate our country. Did you know there are more public libraries than McD's in the US?
Trivia aside, this practical, close to the vest type of planning resonates with folks. It simply makes sense to think about where you want to go, consider how you are going to get there, and plan what you need to make the trip happen. It works for taking a vacation, or building a house, figuring out what you need to do to retire. Why would you not plan the future of an institution that provides vital services to many of the residents of your community?
I encourage you, no, I challenge you, in fact I double dog dare you to spend time over the next few days thinking about where your library should be in 3 years. Don't allow the current economic depression to limit you. Go beyond the physical, think in global terms (at least the globe that is your community). what vital role does your future library play? What services or resources does the community count on that you can provide? Mull it over, dream about it, let it simmer on the back burner for a day or two. Then do me a favor - and write it down. Once you do - you have taken your first step toward a strategic plan for your library. Congratulations.
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