Developing a Successful Service Plan

An acheivable and realistic plan of work is essential for all libraries and information centres, irrespective of organizational background or size, ranging from a single person service to larger systems or sections within a system. Similarly, all successful LIS practitioners need to have a continuous plan of work to enable development of services and their own careers. However, many library and information staff have little or no experience of putting together a plan of work. This practical guide starts by examining what comprises a plan of work and why one is necessary, before going on to cover the following topics: the contents of a successful plan of work; who to involve in a plan of work; when to produce a plan of work; evaluation and monitoring the plan; revising a plan of work; winning over other stakeholders in the service; and using a plan of work to create a strategic position within an organization. The text incorporates tips for good practice throughout and includes an outline plan of work plus references leading to further reading and appropriate websites.
Aimed primarily at LIS professionals at the start of their careers or newly responsible for planning within their service, it should also be useful to all information professionals involved in the planning process.