This familiar quote is attributed to Ben Franklin, and is appropriate to any situation in life. In a business context however, and yes, libraries are businesses, the start of any new year should be a time of reflection and anticipation. What do you look back on with pride? With regret? Understanding what lies behind us informs the path ahead of us. Our past experiences are building blocks for a better future. Facing uncertainty is easier when you have a plan. Planning is the outcome of preparation. Starting a new year off with achievable goals sets a positive tone for the year.
It is easy to focus on the results of things that are beyond our control. However, the way forward lies in addressing things that are within our control. Does your library have a strategic plan? Is it up to date? Strategic planning helps you cut through the noise and focus on what is important for your organization and community. Don’t rely on external factors that will limit your success in meeting your goals. Your plan should be rooted in your mission, vision and values. A good strategic plan should cover only 2-3 years. This forces you to continually evaluate it as time goes by. Your plan should consider what your immediate future looks like. Treat it like a living document, constantly assessing your progress. Don’t set unrealistic goals; keep them relevant and achievable. A sense of accomplishment is fuel for more success.
A strategic plan is a broad, overarching document, but you can narrow your focus and address more specific issues for your library within a technology plan. Successful delivery of your services and programs depends on sufficient equipment, software, networks, and internet access. Does your library have a technology plan? Is it up to date? Does it define the components necessary for consistently delivering your services and programs? A good technology plan outlines what your library needs today, and anticipates what you will need in the future. Artificial intelligence has added another layer of complexity to your work. Has your plan addressed its use? How confident are you in the security of your network and the applications that run on it? Most intrusions and security compromises are invited in by unsuspecting staff. Is your staff trained in how to recognize potential risks?
Looking to the future while controlling what you can is a great strategy. But it cannot be ignored that there will always be external factors that impact your success. While strategic and technology plans are concrete documents, planning should also take into account ‘What If’ situations. Futures planning is scenario planning. Examining what could happen helps prepare you to pivot, especially in times of chaos and uncertainty. Even though it may be hard to find the time, time should be set aside to consciously examine all the potential futures that could have an impact on your library. Then consider which are more likely to occur, and focus on how you would react to them.
There are more ways to prepare your library for a bright future; these are but a few. We are all hoping for a better year than was presented to libraries in 2025. We must lean on each other as we prepare to support and defend the value of libraries. As a support organization for libraries, HSLC stands ready to help you prepare. Lean on us. If we can’t help, we probably know someone who can!
Maryam Phillips, Executive Director
