Introduction to Strategic Planning for Libraries

October 16, 2025 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM (MLS Northampton Office)

Description

Getting started with strategic planning or need a refresher? This workshop provides practical strategies for a simplified, effective, and enjoyable planning process. We'll explore the basics of strategic planning for libraries with a focus on how to gather staff and community input. Participants will leave with ideas, tools, and a little spark of inspiration.

What to expect

How will I be participating?
During this in-person workshop, expect frequent, active participation for maximum impact! Collaborate with peers through the use of breakout groups and hands-on activities.

Please note, sessions will not be recorded.

After completing this workshop, learners will be able to:

1. Explain the value and purpose of strategic planning in libraries.
2. Identify the essential components of a strategic plan.
3. Choose 2–3 methods to gather insights from your staff and community.

CEUs

This course awards 0.2 IACET CEUs upon successful completion. To earn CEUs, learners must complete all required modules and pass the post-course assessment.

Location

This workshop will be held IN PERSON at the MLS office in Northampton, located at 241-243 King Street, Suite 250 Northampton, MA 01060. Parking is free and plentiful.

Directions

Guidelines for conduct 

Please refer to the Learning Hub's Community Guidelines for Conduct as you engage with this workshop. Additional policies and information can be found in the site wide footer.

Accessibility 

The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) strives to create inclusive and accessible events. To request a reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact Sarah Donnelly (Event & Project Manager) at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org or 508-357-2121 ext. 301. All reasonable accommodation requests should be made no fewer than two (2) weeks before the event, although we will attempt to fulfill reasonable requests made after that time. 

For information about accessibility across the MLS Learning Hub, please see the Accessibility Statement located in the sitewide footer.

How do I get a certificate?

To receive a certificate of completion by email, participants must: 

• Attend the live session in full 
• Actively participate in all workshop activities, including discussions and breakout groups 
• Complete the post-workshop evaluation 

Why participation matters 

This workshop is designed to be interactive and collaborative. Active participation strengthens the experience for everyone and supports deeper learning. If you prefer self-paced learning, MLS offers self-paced courses and live and recorded webinars that do not require live participation. 

For more information (links will open in a new browser window): 

Learning Hub Self-Paced Learning

MLS provides access to our members for a variety of webinars from ALA, PCI Webinars, and LibraryWorks Webinar and more!

If registration for this workshop is full, please contact learninghub@masslibsystem.org to be put on a waitlist.

✋ Need help?

• For questions about this workshop, contact Michelle at michelle@masslibsystem.org.
• If you encounter technical issues while using this workshop, contact Hillary Washburn at learninghub@masslibsystem.org.