Reviewers for this topic are:

Joe Diefenthaler

Brandon Berrey

Lisa Sorlie

PLANNING AREA: ADMINISTRATOR'S GUIDE (UWSSLEC)

With the limited amount of resources attached, this particular area seems as if it's still under construction.  It would benefit by having some model plans and easy-to-follow templates included. 

Comments for the first link, Information Library Media & Technology Planning Rationale and Guidance:

• It's very thorough as to the elements of a long range plan.

• The color coding to indicate state and federal law connections were helpful, but choosing that shade of blue leads the reader to believe there are links in this document.  

Comments for the second link, Required Policies in Library Media and Technology Plans:

• This is helpful to understand what is mandated to be included in a long range plan, and it helps professionals understand which laws dictate the elements of the plan.

Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space
 

A practical handbook for planning new, renovated, or existing library areas.

Strategic Planning and Management for Library Managers

Libraries enter into strategic planning by a variety of routes, from dynamic technology and rising costs to budget cuts and pressure for change. In this book, Joe Matthews guides library managers towards a greater understanding of the role and attendant responsibilities of strategic planning.

photo   © 2009   zzpza , Flickr

Are you looking for some guidance with your long range planning? 

Look no more!  These tools will assist you producing and assessing your goals.

Don't forget to check out what the Wisconsin Department of Instruction advises with reference to long range planning.

Are you working with technology planning? Here is a wonderful collaborative site that offers information about e-Rates, CIPA, standard h, and more! Wisconsin DPI Technology Planning Resources

Mass. Board of Lib. Commissioners School Library Planning Template  

What are other educational leaders constructing around the nation?  Here are examples of completed Long Range Plans for you to peruse.

Wisconsin Department of Instruction: Models of technology plans

Appleton Public Library Long Range Plan

Example of College Library Strategic Planning (libguide)

Q: Why do we plan?

A: Specifically long-range planning:

• explains the library program to others

• identifies priorities, strengths and weaknesses

• provides an anchor for the development of a budget

• articulates connections with the larger organization

• provides a blueprint for future development

• creates a clear sense of purpose

• provides the basis for ongoing evaluation

(source: http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/lsta/planning/planningFAQ/faq.php#what)

Q: Is creating a plan required by law?

A: Yes, it is required by Standard h. 

Q: What is considered "Long Term?"  How many years should the plan span?

A: Most plan for 3-5 years.

(source: http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/lsta/planning/planningFAQ/faq.php#what)

Q: What type of appendixes would your plan have?

A:   Here are the main ones:

• program expenditures
• copy of the surveys used to gather observations
• list of library media program policies

(source: http://dpi.wi.gov/imt/slmplngrng.html)

Once your plan is devised and implemented, how can you assess your progress toward your goals?  Here are some materials that may assist you with this important component of planning!

Thirteen Point Library Checklist for School Principals

A Planning Guide for Empowering Learners - Online assssment tool

True or False...

Is long range planning required? 

True; as per Wisconsin Department of Instruction, "The long range plan is a requirement of Standard (h), of the Wisconsin Standards."

Start your long range plan with the library's vision and mission statement.

False; as this state suggests, you start with the district's overall vision and mission, and then transition to the library's vision and mission.

In the context of libraries, the terms objectives and needs are synonyms. 

False; as per Wisconsin Department of Instruction, "Objectives and needs are closely related, since objectives can also be said to show how well the needs are being met as the plan is implemented. Needs can be thought of as barriers to accomplishing the objectives. A good library media plan will also include the opposite of needs--enablers, which are elements of the program that foster accomplishment of an objective, such as program strengths or best practices."

If these questions are starting to seem more difficult, don't forget to review the DPI links above!  You'll find many more clarifications as it pertains to long range planning.

Are you looking for help with technology planning?  Look no further!

Check out this Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction collaborative site.  Here's the purpose of this site:

"This Wisconsin Information & Technology Planning Resources is designed as a place where information helpful in the technology planning process can be shared and exchanged.  To start the technology planning process get your template from the "School and Districts Plans" tab.

If you have ideas about what would be useful on this site, and especially if you would like to share work that you have done, please comment below and we will make changes."