Long Range Plan 2003 - 2007 : Needs Assessment 

The Long-Range Plan Steering Committee used a variety of documents as the basis for its needs assessment. These documents included the Strategic Plan for the Future of Library Service in Massachusetts, the Public Library Initiative (pdf), the Background section of this long-range plan, and the Himmel & Wilson evaluation of the previous long-range plan. The evaluation report shows substantial support for the current LSTA program and for the current goals and objectives. It also makes clear that much work remains to be done if we are actually to accomplish those objectives. The demographic information contained in the background section makes clear the dramatic effect of immigration on the population of Massachusetts over the last 10 years and the challenges libraries face in meeting the needs of these newcomers. From the Public Library Initiative we find support for the focus on staff training and professional education. Finally, the Strategic Plan continues to provide a touchstone for programs supporting resource sharing, multi-type cooperation, electronic services and information literacy.