Strategic Plan
A strategic plan is a road map to assist the library director and board in making decisions that are in the best interests of the community. A plan also publicizes the library’s priorities and its vision of the future. It involves these basic questions:
- What are the needs in the community?
- What is the purpose of the library related to community needs?
- Where are we now?
- Where do we want to go?
- How will we get there?
- How will we know what we accomplished?
A library should undertake a formal planning process every three to five years to reevaluate the library’s service to the community and its future. Planning involves looking at what is possible and considering a wide range of alternatives. Open-mindedness and creativity will help develop a plan that will make the most effective use of library resources. Keep in mind the present and future needs of the entire community served by the library.
Planning is most effective when it involves a partnership between the director and board and includes obtaining input from the members of the public, as well as from staff.
(Source: State Library of Iowa, 2023)
In August 2022 the Solon Public Library director, staff, board of trustees, and community began this process. The strategic plan as developed during this process is available below.