Planning the Future of Indiana Public Libraries


On August 9, 2011, IPLA, ILF, and MCLS hosted "The Future of Indiana Public Libraries" conference at The Flagship Center in Anderson, Indiana, attended by 90 library staff from Indiana public libraries.  This conference marked the first step in planning for the successful future of public libraries in Indiana. IPLA will continue the planning process this fall at the ILF annual conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

This web page contains links to documents from the August 9 conference, and we will add new materials and information as the planning process continues.


August 9 Conference

Keynote Presentation by Cathy DeRosa, OCLC (PDF)

Planning sessions facilitated by Marianne Hartzell, Joseph Mika, Bob Raz, and Shannon White of Hartzell-Mika Consulting

Photos of the August 9, 2011, conference posted on MCLS Facebook page

Twitter #ILFfuture

Issue of privatization of public libraries: ALA statement Keeping Public Libraries Public (PDF)

Documentation from the planning groups

Whole group facilitated discussion:
After hearing the keynote presentation, the whole group participated in an "idea blitz" to identify major external and internal issues affecting Indiana public libraries.  The participants then voted to select the top eight external issues and the top eight internal issues to focus on in the afternoon breakout sessions.
Brainstormed list of ideas for internal and external issues (PDF)

Breakout Sessions - Idea Blitz Strategies and Action Steps
The participants were divided into four breakout groups.  Each breakout group was given two external issues and two internal issues and was asked to develop strategies and action steps for each.

*Blue group - working drafts and final strategies/action steps (PDF)
Blue External Issues: (1) how to innovate and (2) unserved areas
Blue Internal issues: (1) staff technology training and (2) building use/maintenance

*Green group - working drafts and final strategies/action steps (PDF)
Green External Issues: (1) demonstrating value and (2) changes in the publishing industry
Green Internal issues: (1) strategic planning and (2) health care and other staff benefits

*Orange group - working drafts and final strategies/action steps (PDF)
Orange External Issues: (1) changing needs of customers and (2) technology
Orange Internal issues: (1) space planning and (2) reassess job descriptions, job skills, and redefine service

*Red group - working drafts and final strategies/action steps (PDF)
Red External Issues: (1) funding sources and (2) building on brand for the future
Red Internal issues: (1) redefining service for staff and (2) technology maintenance


Whole group overview - final four strategies and action steps from the breakout groups
At then end of the breakout sessions, each group was asked to vote on its top strategy to present to the whole group.

*Blue group - final strategy and action steps (PDF)
Internal Issue: Staff technology training
Strategy: All staff will have sufficient, relevant technology training to do their jobs.

*Green group - final strategy and action steps (PDF)
External Issue: Demonstrating value
Strategy: Every Indiana resident will equate a strong library with a strong community

*Orange group - final strategy and action steps (PDF)
External Issue: Changing customers' needs
Strategy: Determine customers' needs through an annual statewide assessment.

*Red group - final strategy and action steps (PDF)
External Issue: Building on the brand for the future
Strategy: To expand community perceptions of library sources and resources.

Next Steps

IPLA planning sessions at ILF Annual Conference