We have had several questions lately about strategic planning. As libraries move towards putting a plan together or just want to investigate how they may do this in the future we wanted to make sure the community was aware of the online resources or upcoming events that are available to help. These are not going to create a plan for your library but directors and staff can review and discuss ideas to help prepare for how you want to approach planning in your library. Aspen Institute's Action Guide for Re-Envisioning Your Public Library - http://www.libraryvision.org/ The guide leads you through a variety of strategic activities and provides worksheets that evaluate the current level of support for your library and the resources needed to plan and convene your own community dialogue. WebJunction also provides an archived webinar to help you get started with the resources from the Aspen Institute - http://learn.webjunction.org/course/search.php?search=Aspen+Institute Harwood Institute's Turning Outward Resources for Libraries - http://www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/libraries-transforming-communities/... You can't create a plan unless you understand your community. The Harwood tools can help your library gain a better understanding your community, not just your patrons, an help strengthen your community to create positive change. WebJunction provides a variety of recorded sessions covering everything from facility planning, surveys to community engagement. Also available are self-paced courses you can complete on your own and receive a certificate. View upcoming and archived sessions here: www.webjunction.org<http://www.webjunction.org> Public Library Management: Identifying Community Needs- https://www.edx.org/course/public-library-management-identifying-michiganx-p... Learn how to conduct research, surveys, and interviews as well as how to analyze data to better assess the local needs and wants of a public library community. This is a self-paced MOOC with certificate options from the University of Michigan. Hybrid Librarian from the Michigan Library Association. MLA's Hybrid Librarian event is scheduled for May 19 in Lansing. This day-long in-person opportunity offers strategic thinking exercises and an introduction to Design Thinking for Libraries. http://www.milibraries.org/events/-hybrid-librarian/ Strategic Planning in Libraries: Focusing on Execution not Just Planning webinar on Wednesday, May 17, 2017; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST. Learn how to manage the balance between maintaining a service portfolio that users expect while moving forward into new innovations and meeting new expectations. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/548684171277252867 Strategic Planning for Libraries - Action Plan and handouts from the Massachusetts Library System http://guides.masslibsystem.org/strategicplanning Strategic Planning for Results - manual provided by the Ohio State Library to help libraries develop their own document and plan. https://library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/strategic-planning/ If you have other resources that you have found beneficial, let us know. Shannon Shannon White Library of Michigan www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.373.9489 Whites29@michigan.gov