Strategic Planning

Two people working on a whiteboard with their back so the camera
WiLS has over a decade of experience providing strategic planning help to public libraries in Wisconsin and beyond. We have consulted with over 60 libraries of all sizes and library systems to create and implement strategic plans in custom, one-on-one as well as cohort settings.

If you would like to create or implement a strategic plan for your library, reach out to Melissa McLimans at melissa@wils.org to get started!

Custom Strategic Plan Development

We've worked with partners in public libraries and library systems to develop more than 40 custom strategic plans, rooted in the belief that the library is important to its community and its community is important to the library. We offer a flexible framework that relies on data collection to help make the best decisions. We listen to what you need and work with you to make it happen in your budget.

Strategic Planning Cohort for Small Libraries

Every library and every community should be able to afford a strategic plan to help them make big decisions. We offer a cohort learning and hands-on strategic planning opportunity that helps libraries in small communities (5,000 people or less) learn about their community’s needs and aspirations, and use them to craft strategic directions for the next 3-5 years.

Strategic Plan Activation

A strategic plan must be “lived” in order to work toward the library’s strategic goals. In addition to our strategic plan development offerings, we also offer tools and processes to keep your plan alive, manageable, and relevant for its lifespan.

"We are completely satisfied with our strategic plan. Melissa and Laura did a phenomenal job at diving into our community and getting to know our library. I would highly recommend WiLS' services."

Leslie Jochmann, Plymouth Public Library