Scenario Planning for Libraries

The environment in which libraries are working in the academic and public sectors is complex and made more difficult by the pervasive nature of the web. The perception which library funders as well as senior academics and planners have is that libraries no longer play a dominant role in the roles of their institutions. Indeed the view is that they are left-overs from by-gone eras. In order to respond to this, libraries need to re-vitalize what they are doing. They need to understand this new future and involve and convince others as well. They need new approaches, new direction and strong outcomes. In order to do this they have to have the tools to help them and their staffs to find new ways of looking at familiar scenes and operating environments. This book will equip them with these tools. Through the application of the scenario planning technique, illustrative case studies and a practical approach this book tackles the issue of the future head on. The key themes include: what is the future; examining our environment; treatment of planning in library literature; understanding the choices; towards a new way of thinking; constructing scenarios; and, preparing for implementation.This book is essential reading for the new generation of library managers and aspiring managers in academic, public and special libraries as well as for all library staff looking to build their professional skills and awareness. Steve O'Connor is the University Librarian, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has held a number of equivalent posts in tertiary education in Australia and, as the Chief Executive Officer of CAVAL Collaborative Solutions Ltd, developed, managed projects and programs to serve the library industry.