Laura Conaway

LLT 340—Plan/Responsibility discussion post

Mission statements attempt to encapsulate the purpose of an organization or institution in a

few concise sentences. Often the process of creating one is an important way for the
institution to examine its purpose and its priorities, and it is often the first step in a larger
planning process. They should be written carefully and revisited periodically to ensure they
are an accurate reflection of the organization as it exists today.

Find a mission statement and/or vision statement, AND a published plan (5-year plan,
strategic plan, etc.) for a library or another organization that you are interested in
studying. Does the mission statement reflect the goals or objectives outlined in the strategic
plan?

https://www.ncmcs.org/cms/lib/NC01001076/Centricity/Domain/1334/Cameron%20Elementa
ry%20Strategic%20Plan%20Final.pdf

I found a mission statement incorporated within a larger document for the Cameron
Elementary school library’s long-term, 5-year plan. The mission statement says to “provide
current resources to empower the community to become self-reliant, responsible, secure, and
life-long users of information.” Their first goal is to have a quality book collection, which can
be developed through a well-rounded budget, and weeding out unnecessary material. For each
of their goals, they provide more specific information for what they want to accomplish.
Another example is that they want to create a reading environment, which can be
implemented with author visits and other activities. Overall, I feel that the goals/objectives
mirror the mission statement. They are seeking to incorporate specific elements into the
library to foster an environment that has current resources to assist students in gathering
information.

Now look at the plan itself. How does it relate to what is described in the chapters you read
this week? Do the goals seem measurable? Achievable?

The goals are SMARTER. Therefore, they are specific, measurable, acceptable,
reliable, time-framed, extending, and rewarding, which is a topic expanded upon in the
textbook, and mentioned as significant for developing a plan that will succeed. The Cameron
Elementary school library has a variety of short-range and ongoing goals for each year—from
2016 to 2019. Two examples include surveying patrons for knowledge on current trends and
interests, and training students, staff, and families on the new Destiny online library catalog
by December 2016. Their goals also expand upon the mission statement orientation. The
textbook explains that the mission statement should look at key technology, programs, fiscal
operating base, and their values/aspirations. These ideas are seen through the goal to replace
desktop computers with Chrome books and iPads, having community programs and author
visits, etc.

How is responsibility communicated in the plan?

Responsibility, according to the textbook, is deciding what ought to be done, and

accountability is a direct relation to this. Responsibility is always shared, and when a task is
accepted, so is responsibility. One of the long-term goals is to partner with PTA and local
businesses, which is a way of sharing the responsibility for improving the library
Laura Conaway
LLT 340—Plan/Responsibility discussion post
atmosphere/space each year. Training staff on specific programs/Destiny catalog, and
applying for a grant in order to receive more funding are two primary ways that responsibility
is being taken to carry out the goals listed and encourage participation from members of the
staff.

Have you ever been involved with the planning process for a library or other
organization? What was the experience like?

No, I have not had the opportunity to be involved with a planning process for a library,
but the information outlined in the chapters provides insight for how the planning and
responsibility process should be tackled. I look forward to the time when I can be involved
with a long-term, goal orientated task team.

Reply #1:

Hi McKenzie!

It wonderful to hear the library wants to accommodate the needs of all its users and to
supply them with their information needs. That is the most important part of the library and
allows people to gain knowledge and education. Providing various opportunities to execute
their mission and goal statements is important as well because it provides action to what they
are saying they want to accomplish. I was exploring their website, and I also appreciate how
they break down their different visions to include services, organizational culture and staffing,
facilities, and outcomes. These different ideas allow for specific implementation in each
category to meet the various needs for the library.

Reply #2:

Hi Hillary,

The information you provided for the Hempfield School District was insightful and
interesting! It’s great to see that the mission, vision, and goal statements are parallel and
support each other. By having this method, the goals will be able to be specific and carried out
in a way that reflects the broader mission. It is also important seeing that the school district
wants to educate all students and break down any barriers that stand between children
becoming life-long learners. Their strategic plan definitely appears longer, but because the
goals are oriented towards SMARTER ones, there is more information provided for the
implementation of the ideas to be completed by 2022. Finally, I think it is great that the
school district brought in a variety of people with different backgrounds to be involved in the
creation of the plan. This diversity is crucial in receiving input and catering to the needs of the
community.