FY14 - FY16 Strategic Plan - Final
Click here to download the full Lincolnwood Public Library District FY14-FY16 Strategic Plan (pdf).
What is Strategic Planning?
Strategic planning is a way to set the direction and establish priorities for our library. It will define the library’s view of success and prioritize the activities that will make that view our reality. The plan will help us understand what we should be working on, and in what order. The library began a strategic planning process in July 2012, and the final plan was approved by the Board of Trustees in January 2013. The primary reason behind undertaking strategic planning was to understand the needs of the community and identify ways to increase usage of the library by Lincolnwood residents. The goal of the planning process was for it to be a collaborative effort among community, board, and staff; where input from all three groups is sought and valued; the process is thorough and completed in a relatively short period of time; and the final strategic plan is used as a blueprint for positive change.
Process
The library conducted qualitative research through individual interviews with library patrons, focus groups with community members, input sessions with Library Trustees, and input session with library staff. This information uncovered reasons for non-usage of the library, and identified needs in the community that the library could address.
We also conducted quantitative research through a mailed paper survey to all households in Lincolnwood. We had a 13% return rate on the survey, and we gathered statistically reliable data on usage and non-usage of the library, reasons for non-usage, and what direction the community wishes the library to pursue over the next three years.
After we gathered data, we reviewed the findings from the research, identified priority service responses, goals, objectives, and activities to meet those responses.
