From SWOT to Success

The Collaborative Strategic Planning Journey of an Academic Library Department

Abstract

This article discusses the benefits of engaging library staff in a department strategic planning process, using the University at Albany Libraries’ Access Services Department as an example. The author describes the process used to create a department strategic plan, which involved a combination of department meetings, independent and group work, and ongoing communication to maintain staff engagement. The resulting plan connected department goals and initiatives to the strategic plans of the University at Albany and the University Libraries to provide staff members with a better understanding of the importance of their work to the overall strategic direction of the university. Additionally, the planning process provided staff with a morale boost, and the plan served as a communication tool to articulate the contributions of the department to the university community.