Designed image with graphs, numbers, hands coming together, and other representations of the engagement and data which result from focus groups and surveys

The Difference between Focus Groups and Surveys: Evaluating Your Options for Library Assessment


01.29.24
Engaging the community The best public library strategic plans and community needs assessments result from bringing people together to build a shared vision. You get there …
An illustrated image featuring a question mark, smiley faces, a library, and a person

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Library Consultant


06.02.23
You've decided to hire a consultant for your library's strategic plan. But how do you identify the right library consultant for your project?
An illustrated arrow hitting a bullseye beside a library building.

Small Library Strategic Planning: Our Expedited Engagement Process


02.27.23
We created the Expedited Engagement Process to better serve public libraries with tight timelines for their strategic planning. It's a natural fit for libraries that: Have …
Ivy Group consultants

Do You Need a Library Consultant for your Strategic Plan?


11.01.22
We could wax lyrical about the benefits of strategic planning. It achieves so many goals which elevate your Library's service to its community. You already know …
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast by The Ivy Group with guest Maureen Arndt

Podcast Episode: Improving Library Spaces


09.23.20
How is your space organized? Are your tools easy to access? Does your space still serve its original purpose? How do you do better with the space you already have?
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode with Jim Kovach and Julie Kane

Podcast Episode: Preparing Academic Libraries for the Fall Semester


07.08.20
Academic libraries are looking with trepidation at how they will reopen in the fall when students return to campus. Space considerations and their service implications are paramount, but what about the very character and role of the library as a gathering place?
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode with Jim Kovach

Podcast Episode: Libraries in the Age of Social Distancing


06.10.20
Keeping public spaces functional and clean has never been more important. What are the space design and facility maintenance considerations for libraries, pandemic and beyond?
PLA 2020 in Nashville, TN [Logo]

Takeaways from the Public Library Association Conference 2020


03.09.20
Our key takeaways from PLA 2020's fabulous keynotes, thoughtful discussions on accessibility, and innovative ideas for building thriving communities.
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast by The Ivy Group

Podcast Episode: The Whys and Why Nots of Focus Groups


02.26.20
What is a focus group? What is it not? What can you expect to learn in this type of community conversation? This episode of Advancing America's Libraries Podcast is co-hosted by library consultants Pam Fitzgerald and Julia Prince with Ivy Group colleague Ellen Roberson.
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode on advice for new library directors with Michele Stricker

Podcast Episode: Advice for New Library Directors


01.15.20
New library directors take note: those first few months are all about listening and learning. Focus on your staff, your trustees, and the community, and you’ll be golden.
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode on library boards with Nancy Davis

Podcast Episode: Build a Better Board


12.06.19
Constructing a strong board is all about recruitment, composition, and management. Ready to find the right advocates for your library?
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode with Pam Fitzgerald, Julia Prince, and Ellen Roberson

How to Write an RFP for Library Strategic Planning


10.01.19
Why hire a strategic planning consultant instead of going it alone? RFP do's and don'ts for a smooth process that results in finding the right consultant for your library.
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode with Catherine Alloway, Director of Schlow Region Centre Library in State College, PA

Podcast Episode: Assemble an Effective Strategic Planning Committee


09.04.19
Who should be on a library strategic planning committee? How to manage committee politics? What is the committee's role before, during, and after the plan is developed?

Deflating the Hierarchy. Pumping up the Flat.


08.26.19
Top-down versus participatory library leadership as the profession embraces innovation and customer-centrism.
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast episode with Lisa Hoenig, Ypsilanti District Library

Podcast Episode: Pass a Millage Increase


08.07.19
Lisa Hoenig, Director of the Ypsilanti District Library, provides useful direction and insights for libraries working to raise operational funds especially in communities that were hard hit by the downturn in the economy.