Strategic planning is a requirement of my organisation, and at first, I regarded this as an unnecessary burden, consuming huge quantities of time. The benefits have far outweighed the burdens, however, and I would encourage every librarian to actively participate in the process.

As Silvia says, it is very easy to make assumptions about our user groups and services, and a reflective process is needed to confirm or reassess what we do, why we are doing this, and who we do this for.

All libraries need to demonstrate their value to administrators, and this fits within the auditing and evidence based practice of our health organisation. I am used to searching for the evidence of what medical treatments work, so it makes sense to me to seek evidence of what library practices work. I feel this makes apparent the professionalism of Library Services.

Reading the blogs, I am struck by the similarities of our workplaces, despite the variety of backgrounds. Time poor, resource poorer, and governed by the direction of our parent organisations. All client focused, and aware of library staff needs and potential, and resourceful in using what we have to achieve the most.

I think the key to successful strategic planning is mentioned by Laura- to set a manageable plan. My first plan's draft was so high, it was unachievable; I was lucky to have a manager who encouraged me to refine and re-shape while keeping my level of enthusiasm for change and new services.

Suzanne