Executive Summit: Strategic Planning Workshop

The challenges and changes of the past year have been significant for the library community in Michigan. After shutting their doors in the early days of the pandemic, the libraries have had different experiences opening back up and offering services in the community. Some have opened up at lower capacities while others continue to remain closed and offer curbside service. Libraries have also sought different ways to attend to the need for broadband access (i.e. mobile hotspots) and public health (i.e. food distribution sites).

Now, many months into this pandemic, Michigan Libraries should take the opportunity to revisit strategies, plan for the future, and identify the opportunities to go forward with intention and strategic focus.

The session will be designed as a learning opportunity and will be interactive, including opportunities for members to engage with one another. As part of this session, members in a process that they can use to explore strategic questions such as:

• How has this recent year impacted our strategic focus?
• What are our roles in the community that we serve?
• What are our strengths and how can we leverage them going forward?
• Who are the constituencies that we serve and what are their needs?
• What is our desired vision for the library - what would it look like if we are successful?
• What are the external and internal forces that impact our ability to go forward in pursuit of this vision?