Planning

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has encouraged formal planning since 1989 and experienced numerous examples of its value as a management tool for libraries of all types. Libraries have repeatedly confirmed how important the process of completing a plan has been in their local efforts to gain recognition, funding and staffing for accomplishing the goals and objectives set out in their plans.

In order to qualify for both federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds and Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program funds, your library must have an approved long-range plan on file with the Board.

See Planning FAQs for frequently asked questions about writing and updating your library's Long-Range Plan.

Action Plan information and template available now.

For more information, contact the Massachusetts Library System consultants, or: April Mazza, Trustee/Friends Information Specialist
617-725-1860 ext. 232
april.mazza@state.ma.us

To qualify for some types of federal E-Rate funds, a library must have a technology plan on file with the Board.

For more information contact: Paul Kissman, Library Information Systems Specialist
617-725-1860, ext. 238
paul.kissman@state.ma.us

Though not a current requirement, every library should develop a disaster preparedness plan.

For more information about preparing for an emergency and or help in using the online disaster planning tool, contact: Gregor Trinkaus-Randall, Preservation Specialist
617-725-1860, ext, 236
gregor.trinkaus-randall@state.ma.us