Director
Strategic Planning for Public Libraries
What You'll Learn
- The value of and guiding framework for strategic planning
- How to identify funding priorities, staff needs, and infrastructure needed to reach a strategic planning goal
- How to craft a strategic plan and integrate it into your management workflow to ensure success
- Gathering data to well-make informed strategic plans
8 Modules
8 Hours
1 hr per module (approx.)
About Strategic Planning for Public Libraries
In this course, part of the Public Library Management Professional Certificate program, we’ll explore the nuts and bolts of creating a strategic plan by reviewing and reflecting on the strategic plans of a variety of library types.
Strategic planning is a strategy for setting an organization’s goals, vision, and desired future. You’ll learn how library leaders, in partnership with trustees, library boards, and/or municipal leadership, use strategic planning to set long-term goals as well as identify the necessary funding priorities, staffing needs, and other elements needed for success.
You’ll also learn how an effective strategic plan is more than mere paperwork: it is an ongoing planning, action, and reflection process that can engage all stakeholders in a common set of expectations and action steps for the future.
Skills You'll Gain
- Library Management
- Planning
- Strategic Planning
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Strategic Planning for Public Libraries, part of the Public Library Management series. This course helps learners design actionable strategic plans that clarify mission, align services with community needs, and guide decision-making across library organizations.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction
- Navigating the edX Platform
- Welcome to the Course
- Syllabus
- Lecture 1.1: Introduction
- Discussion Forum #1 - Introduce Yourself (1 Question)
- Help Us Learn More About You!
Module 2: Why Plan?
- Lesson 2 Overview
- Lecture 2.1: Why Plan?
- Lecture 2.2: Sample Plans Assignment
- Discussion Forum #2 - Review of Sample Strategic Plans (1 Question)
Module 3: Major Planning Decisions
- Lesson 3 Overview
- Lecture 3.1: Major Planning Decisions
- Lecture 3.2: Interview with Josie Parker
- Lesson 3 Quiz (4 Questions)
Module 4: Research and Analysis
- Lesson 4 Overview
- Lecture 4.1: Gathering Data, Trends, Research, Benchmarking, SWOT
- Lesson 4 Quiz (4 Questions)
- Discussion Forum #3 - Review of Trends (1 Question)
Module 5: Community Engagement and Generating New Data
- Lesson 5 Overview
- Lecture 5.1: Community Engagement
- Lecture 5.2: Generating New Data
- Lesson 5 Quiz (4 Questions)
Module 6: Components of a Strategic Plan
- Lesson 6 Overview
- Lecture 6.1: Components of a Strategic Plan
- Assignment: Writing a Mission Statement, Strategic Priorities, and Goals (1 Question)
Module 7: Action Plan and Measuring Performance
- Lesson 7 Overview
- Lecture 7.1: Action Plan and Measuring Performance
- Lesson 7 Quiz (3 Questions)
Module 8: Wrap-Up
- Lesson 8 Overview
- Lecture 8.1: Conclusion
- Lesson 8 Quiz (4 Questions)
- Course Feedback
- Keep Learning with Michigan Online
Grading Policy
Learners must earn an overall grade of 80%. The course grade is based on quizzes (25%), discussions (35%), and a peer-reviewed strategic plan assignment worth 40%.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
Access to a public library community.
