Mission StatementPurpose – the work you doVision StatementFuture – the change you wish to create Value StatementTools – the core beliefs and guiding

principles you use to share your mission

“Which road do I take?" (Alice) "Where do you want to go?“ (the cat) "I don't know," Alice answered. "Then,” said the cat, “it doesn't matter.”

Goals and Objectives in Strategic Planning

Michael Roche Library Development Consultant

July 2014

Staff needed

Collectionsneeded

Facilitiesneeded

Technologyneeded

Library Service Responses

Goals

Objectives

Activities

Community Needs

The Planning Process

Chosen Service Responses

From your chosen service responses, write a new planning document, that includes

• Mission statement• Goals• Objectives

Library GoalAll goals contain these 3 elements:• Each goal flows from a service response• Each goal names the target audience being

served• Each goal describes the benefit the audience

receivesWrite a goal based on this service response:“Stimulate Imagination…Reading, Viewing,

Listening for Pleasure”

Goal: Residents of all ages will see the library as a premier source for

downloading audio books

Using the sample goal write 1-3 objectives for your library

Writing Library Objectives

Objectives define “the way the library will measure its progress toward reaching a goal”

Every objective contains these 3 elements:

• A target audience • A measure

• A date or timeframe

SampleService Response: “Stimulate Imagination – Reading,

Viewing, Listening for Pleasure”

Goal: Residents of all ages will see the library as a premier source for downloading audio books

Objective 1: During Teen Tech Week, library staff will sponsor 2 demonstrations for teens in using Listen UP! Vermont (downloadable audio books)

Objective 2: During National Library Week, library staff will sponsor 3 demonstrations for adults in using Listen Up! Vermont

Objective 3: By July 2012, the number of audio books downloaded through Listen Up! Vermont will increase _______% over previous year

Service Response: Life-long Learning Stowe Free Library

• Goal 1. Library users will have an array of program offerings that nurture and encourage lifelong reading and learning.

• Objectives: Annual program attendance will increase by 25% each year.

• Activities:• Add story hours for parents and children only (no school

groups).• Investigate offering enrichment “courses” for adults.• Experiment with different types of book discussions: one-

shot, parent/child, young adult, elderly, town-wide read, etc.

Your Library’s Mission

Library Response Mission Statement • Possible Mission Statement: The Vermont

Public Library is a comfortable and welcoming place where people of all ages learn to be informed citizens, enjoy recreational interests, and pursue a lifelong love of reading and learning

What service response do you see in this mission statement?

Measuring Your SuccessCan be difficult

• Number of people attending Can be total # of people and/or unique people

• How well was the program or service received? Audience reaction / satisfaction

• Total number programs presented Use as a benchmark from past years

• Outcomes What difference or impact did this program for those who

attended?

Michael RocheVermont Department of LibrariesNortheast RegionPO Box 574St. Johnsbury, VT 05819802-748-3428Cell: 802-661-8613michael.roche@state.vt.us

This publication is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, through the Library Services and Technology Act.