Strategic Planning and Management for Library Managers - Softcover

Matthews, Joseph R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591582318 ISBN 13: 9781591582311

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2005

Synopsis

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. Academic, public, and special librarians alike will benefit from Matthews' cogent explanations, real-life examples, and time-tested recommendations.

In the process, Matthews addresses such intrinsic questions as: Why is it important that I add strategic thinking to my managerial arsenal? How will strategic planning benefit my library, and is there more than one way to go about it? What is the best way of monitoring and updating our strategic plan for maximum effect? In each case, he debunks false impressions, attends to the goal of providing good service, and identifies at least one new way to communicate the library's strategic importance in the lives of its customers. Academic, public, and special librarians alike will benefit from Matthews' cogent explanations, real-life examples, and time-tested recommendations.

About this title

About the Author

Joseph R. Matthews has assisted numerous libraries and local governments in a wide variety of projects, and teaches regularly in the areas of library information systems, strategic planning, and evaluation of library services.

Reviews

Designed to explore, demystify, identify, and discuss strategic planning and management, this guide is divided into three major parts: "Strategies," "Strategic Planning," and "Monitoring and Updating Strategies." Part 1 defines a strategy, addresses the need for one, and presents 10 distinct schools of strategic thought. Part 2 differentiates between strategic planning and long-range planning, discusses the benefits of strategic planning, and identifies approaches to preparing and implementing such plans. Part 3 focuses on performance measures, ways to communicate the value of libraries to others, and the "culture of assessment," an environment where all library staff are routinely involved in the evaluation process.

Information presented throughout the book is clear, practical, readily accessible, well documented, and amply supported by notes, tables, figures, diagrams, and quotes. Overall, this book is a fine introduction to the subject and a helpful resource for all librarians. Sean Kinder
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1591582318
• ISBN 13: 9781591582311
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 168