This user's guide was developed to advance local planning at ARL member libraries. It is written for library leaders writ large and for anyone leading or contributing to research library planning processes. Users do not need advanced facilitation skills to benefit from this guide, but facilitators charged with supporting scenario planning will…

Scenario planning as a strategic tool for future planning was explored. The case study showed how the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library applied the process to draw up its preferred future, and illustrated the importance of involving all stakeholders in every stage for the shared future to be acceptable to all.

This article is about how information is gathered in organizations to make decisions. There is actually a long history in economics on this topic, called the "economics of information," but this is a bare beginning on the topic for libraries, suggesting only a few patterns from observation and a few literatures that might help with the challenge.…

As interlibrary cooperation has proliferated in the last several decades, multitype library organizations and systems have emerged as important forces in librarianship. The need for thoughtful and organized strategic planning is an important cornerstone for the success of organizations of all sizes. Part of a project by the Interlibrary…

This is the final report of an 8-month-long project undertaken in February 1985 to study existing preservation activities within Chicago's Center for Research Libraries (CRL) compare local practices with programs in similar organizations, and make recommendations for an effective preservation program to be instituted. The background and…

Based on an 11-month investigation of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries (SIL), this report focuses on preservation problems in the general collections. Brittleness is pinpointed as the most serious problem, and the environmental conditions which exacerbate the deterioration of materials in the collection are discussed. SIL's earlier in this…

The result of a year-long study designed to establish a 5-year plan for preserving Northwestern University Library's collections, this report draws on preliminary task force reports to make 14 specific recommendations that will enable the library to meet its preservation challenge. The recommendations are presented in four clusters which address…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

Developed through a joint effort of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), this planning approach to library development is designed to lead a public library through the developmental process and identify a series of actions that will direct it toward planning for excellence. Introductory material…

This strategic plan postulates the goals and directions that the Millersville University Library (Pennsylvania) will strive to achieve during the next 5 years and beyond; defines the central place in the campus community that the library maintains; outlines how change will affect its services, collections, staff, facilities and users; provides an…

Presents the Public Library Association's planning model for strategic planning in public libraries. The development of the model is explained, the basic steps of the planning process are described, and improvements to the model are suggested. (CLB)

This report describes the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System's process of planning for a long-term literacy program for the metropolitan Oklahoma City/County area. The collection of data on community needs through interviews with local organizations and individuals and an extensive search of print and/or computerized information sources is…

This workbook, meant to be used in a workshop, presents information on and guidelines for automating small libraries: (1) planning for automation; (2) automated system procurement and evaluation; (3) data conversion issues; (4) sample configuration worksheets; (5) sample configuration costs; (6) site preparation; (7) training; and (8) acceptance…

Describes the background, goals, methods, and results of a needs assessment study at the New York Public Library. This structured, phased self-examination was designed to form a consensus about the institution's long term needs and priorities. (CLB)

Emphasizes the necessity for libraries to implement strategic planning for information technology. Topics discussed include assessing strengths and weaknesses; the allocation of resources; an OCLC report that surveyed member libraries to determine their planning activities; long-range planning; the need for flexibility; integrating planning with…