MBLC Begins Strategic Planning Process
February 13, 2020
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has begun its strategic planning process to guide its activities as an agency for the next five years. “We are excited to be undertaking this process” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “Our goal is to create a ‘living’ plan that provides structure for our organization and supports us in adapting to the inevitable changes that happen in these dynamic times.”
As part of the process, there will be Community Stakeholder Workshops held across the Commonwealth to gain input from the library community about what they envision for the MBLC’s future. The workshops will be held at the following times:
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
9:30 am- 11:30 am - Mashpee Public Library, 64 Steeple Street, Mashpee, MA 02649
1:30 pm- 3:30 pm - Boyden Library, 10 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA 02035
Day 2- Wednesday, February 19, 2020
9:30 am- 11:30 am - Minuteman Library Network, 10 Strathmore Road, Natick, MA 01760
1:30 pm- 3:30 pm - Shrewsbury Public Library, 609 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Day 3- Thursday, February 20, 2020
9:30 am- 11:30 am - Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA 01841
Day 4- Wednesday, March 11, 2020
1:30 pm- 3:30 pm - MLS, Northampton, 241-243 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
You can register for the workshops here.
The MBLC has engaged consultants Abby Straus and Jane Darling of the firm Maverick & Boutique to facilitate a participatory process to create the plan. In addition to the workshops, there will be focus groups, interviews and surveys conducted, as well as a retreat with MBLC staff to shape the strategic plan. The final draft of the plan will be presented to the Commissioners at the June, 2020 Board Meeting.
More information about the MBLC’s strategic planning process including activities and ways to participate can be found on the Strategic Planning LibGuide.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.