Long Range Plan 2003 - 2007 : Evaluation of the Massachusetts Long-Range Plan 1998-2002 

The Himmel & Wilson evaluation conducted focus group sessions, telephone interviews, staff interviews and a web survey to assess the previous Long-Range Plan. Approximately 200 individuals representing all types of libraries offered input in the course of the study. A self evaluation was also conducted by Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners staff.

Participants agreed that MBLC's implementation of the LSTA is exceptional in its scope, in its relevance to the library community and in its accessibility to libraries of all types and sizes. Progress on Goal 1 (Technological Infrastructure and Preservation) was deemed the greatest, and building of the networks is highly valued and effective. Progress on Goal 2 (Library Staff Training and Support) has also been very good-it was mentioned that MBLC does a good job of building a training component into almost everything it does. Work on youth services was also believed to be exemplary.

Of mixed success were information literacy, bringing services to those who have difficulty using libraries, and making the public aware of library services. Overall the program was seen as an accessible, fair and open process, ambitious in its goals, with program goals that were relevant to needs. Frustrations with the application and reporting processes were reported.