Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook

Tools for Planning
	Chapter 5. Planning

Tools for Planning

Boards can create advisory committees, sponsor public meetings, encourage open staff discussions, hire outside consultants and use public relations tools in the planning process. Participation leads to support and understanding of the final plan. The library director and board are partners in planning with the community, not just for the community. Make sure to involve citizens who are not library board or staff members to ensure open and broad based participation.

Keep in mind that there are financial costs associated with the planning process, such as postage for mailing community surveys. Regional professional planners who are part of local government may also provide information about the planning process. Be sure to keep them informed of library goals and work with them to include library service in the community's plans at every possible point.

The following are tools which may be useful in the planning process:

Statistics: library services, circulation, collection, online database usage
Data: census figures, community analysis, results of surveys or studies made by the library and/or other community agencies and institutions
Lists: library activities and services, ideas and suggestions
Your Library People: staff, community leaders, Friends, Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, Automated Resources Sharing Networks, MLA, and Board of Library Commissioners consultants
Non-Library People: municipalities, schools, regional planning agencies, colleges and universities with information to share
Community cooperation: attend public meetings and listen to the needs; make presentations to organized groups; prepare exhibits and displays in the library and other locations
Staff meetings: input from and communication with the staff assures commitment to a realistic plan
Professional consultants (especially if working toward a building program)
media : press, radio, television, and Internet - find those willing to help you spread the word
Other Libraries' Experience: neighbors with proven programs
Library literature: newsletters, the professional journals, articles, speeches and bulletins
Workshops and conferences: addressing the responsibilities of trustees and needs of public libraries


Components of Long Range Plans		Technology Planning