For practitioners, this text provides an easy-to-understand approach to strategic planning and execution.The general recipe for achieving an intended outcome is equal parts of the following: clear vision and mission, a practical strategic plan, daily activities linked to the mission, and unified commitment to the plan.

Introduction Chapter 1—Why Develop a Strategic Plan Theory Strategic Plan Importance Frequent Drastic Changes Your Strategic Plan Practice Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 2—The 21st Century Library Strategic Plan Model Theory The Strategic Plan Process Practice Process of Inclusion Additional Benefits Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 3—Mission Statement Theory Mission Mission Statement Template The Statement Practice Determining Where You Are Now Building Consensus Organizational Influences 21st Century Library Example Mission Statement Assessment Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 4—Values and Guiding Principles Theory Values and Guiding Principles Descriptors Practice Examples A Sample Statement Assessment Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 5—Vision Statement Theory Vision Vision Statement Template Vision Descriptors Practice The Question Example Sample Vision Statement Assessment Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 6—Forecast Theory Forecasting the Perfect Storm Forecasting Using Environmental Scan STEP Analysis SWOT Analysis Incorporating SWOT Results Incorporating the Environmental Scan Results Practice Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 7—Goals and Objectives Theory What's the Difference? Goal versus Objective Developing Goals Practice More theory Developing Objectives More practice Still more theory Incorporating Opportunity Planned Abandonment Still more practice Sample Goals and Objectives for Strategic Partnerships Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 8—Activities Theory Practice Examples Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 9—Measures and Outcomes Theory Measures and Outcomes Measures Outcomes Targets and Indicators Practice Example Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 10—Resource Allocation Theory Calculations Priorities Resources Practice Prioritization Personnel Costs Financial Costs Associated Costs Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 11—Organization of a Plan Document Theory Practice Outside Considerations Example Derailment Small Library Ideas Chapter 12—Choose Your Strategic Plan Ending "Choose Your Strategic Plan Ending" Path C Path D Path E Path F Path G Path H Path J Path M Path O Path P Path R Path T Path U Path Z Chapter 13—Conclusion Change Within Your Library The Planning Process Execution of Your Plan Becoming a 21st Century Library Bibliography Index

Truly presents the reader with a comprehensive overview of how to step into the role of the library administrator in charge of creating a vision and mission for the library. . . . This text could easily be used by the inexperienced librarian thrown into the role of library management and administration, either by choice or by necessity. The work is a great review as well as introduction to the life of a librarian, illustrating both the positive and the challenging situations.

The Crash Course series was created for library staff who need basic information on various service-specific topics. The titles in this series take a simple, "how-to" approach that focuses on providing all the fundamental knowledge needed for day-to-day library services. The books can serve as handy references, practical workshop guides, or effective training manuals, and will be useful to new librarians as well as staff who may need refresher information for new areas of responsibility.