Strategic Planning for Hospital Libraries

Abstract

Strategic planning, the structured way of dealing with the uncertainty of the future, need not be feared by librarians. It can be done in four simple steps. First, analyze the library's present situation. Second, develop alternative futures for the library and determine the preferred scenario by examining the library's vision and mission statements, then develop objectives and goals. Third, write the action plan, the specific steps for achieving the objectives and goals in step two. Last, implement the plan and review and evaluate it to determine if the goals and objectives are being met. Case studies illustrating successful and unsuccessful implementation of strategic planning are included.

Key Words:

• Strategic planning
• mission
• vision
• goals
• objectives