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 …
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?
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 …
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 …
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.