Concurrent Program Session

Stress Tests: Conducting Strategic Analyses of Services and Programs to Guide Libraries of the Future

Saturday, April 9, 2016, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center, Room Mile High Ballroom 1-2

Libraries need to change without abandoning their core mission and services. To adapt in this dynamic landscape, the Free Library of Philadelphia (Pa.) developed an analytical tool that objectively and effectively “stress tests” programs and services to determine their impact, feasibility, viability, and sustainability. In this interactive workshop, we will describe our stress test and demonstrate this versatile tool for producing analysis that can guide libraries in new directions.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1: Understand elements of a strategic program analysis (i.e. "stress test"). 2: Gain a template for conducting and adapting a strategic analysis in your library. 3: Actively take part in a guided strategic analysis.

The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 2: People with some knowledge, who want to increase their understanding.

This session will have: High interaction: facilitated discussion; small group discussion; hands-on activity

Handouts: Download 1  

Track: Plan

Tags: Administration/Management, Organizational Change, Strategic Planning, Transforming Libraries

Presenters

Joel Nichols, Data Strategies Manager
Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

JOEL A. NICHOLS is the author of iPads in the Library: Using Tablet Technology to Enhance Programs for all Ages (2013) and Teaching Internet Basics: The Can-Do Guide (2014.) Nichols has an MSLIS from Drexel University, an MA in creative writing and English from Temple University, and a BA in German from Wesleyan University. He is a data strategies manager at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Nathaniel Eddy, Strategiest
Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Autumn McClintock, Project and Planning Coordinator
Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Autumn McClintock is Strategy Coordinator for the Strategic Initiatives Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Her professional experience includes project, office, and administrative management and analysis. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing, and the publication of her first chapbook of poems is due out in May.

For questions about…

Cancellation Policy

Written cancellations, requests for refunds, and/or changes will be accepted until February 26, 2016, and are subject to a $30 handling fee. Refunds will be processed after April 25, 2016. According to PLA policy, all meal events require preregistration. The above cancellation/change information also applies to all preconferences, meal events, and tours.

The PLA 2016 Conference is offered on a cost-recovery basis. PLA reserves the right to cancel all or any part of this event if there is insufficient registration or for other reasons. Neither ALA nor PLA is responsible for cancellation charges assessed by the airlines or travel agencies, or other losses incurred due to the cancellation of the workshops. All information listed on this website is subject to change.

Accessibility

PLA has put in place features to ensure the conference is accessible to all.

Advertising

Special print and electronic advertising opportunities are available to reach PLA members and attendees both before and during the conference.

Appropriate Conduct

All participants are expected to observe the rules and behaviors described in the Statement of Appropriate Conduct in all conference venues, including online venues, and conference social events.

Attire

There is no formal dress code at the PLA Conference. What’s most important is to dress for comfort.

Conference Logo

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Exhibits

Contact Carly DiVito, Corcoran Expositions, 312-541-0567 or carly@corcexpo.com.

Firearms

No carrying of firearms allowed in the Colorado Convention Center unless you’re on-duty law enforcement or off-duty and on payroll of the show or SMG (convention center management).

Hashtag

The official conference hashtag is #PLA2016.

Media

Contact Heather Cho, ALA Media Relations Specialist, 312-280-4020 or hcho@ala.org. Please review our conference media policy.

Membership

ALA and PLA membership is managed by the ALA Membership & Customer Service (MACS) unit. To join, renew, rejoin, or add to your membership, fill out a secure form online; or print and fill out a membership form and fax or mail it in; or call 800-545-2433 and press 5. Direct your membership questions to MACS at customerservice@ala.org or 800-545-2433 and press 5. MACS representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Central.

Mobile App

Attendees can access full event schedule, evaluate sessions, customize their own agenda, and compete in the Extraordinary Exhibits photo challenge game on the PLA 2016 mobile app. To request assistance with the mobile app, please e-mail pla2016app@ala.org.

PLA Office

The PLA Office is located in A Mezzanine in the Colorado Convention Center. You can access the A Mezzanine from any of the lobbies using Elevator A, across from registration, and press the MZ button to get to the Mezzanine. You can also access A Mezzanine from Exhibit Hall A using Stairwell 30. The office phone numbers are 303-228-8450 and 303-228-8451. Onsite office hours are Monday, April 4–Friday, April 8, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday, April 9, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM.

Registration & Housing

Onsite registration hours are Tuesday, April 5, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM; Wednesday, April 6, 7:30 AM–6:30 PM; Thursday, April 7, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM; Friday, April 8, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM; and Saturday, April 9, 8:00–10:00 AM. Conference registration and housing is managed by Experient. Call or e-mail your questions, 800-424-5249 (U.S. and Canada), 847-996-5829 (all other countries), or pla@experient-inc.com. Experient representatives are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern. PLA Conference is a professional event. It is not open to the public.

Sponsorships

Contact Corcoran Expositions, Mary Michalik at 312-265-9650, mary@corcexpo.com; or Matt McLaughlin at 312-265-9655, matt@corcexpo.com.

Thank you PLA Conference Sponsors!

Venues

Most conference events—including all preconferences and concurrent program sessions—will take place in the Colorado Convention Center (CCC), 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202. Additional events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th Street, Denver, CO 80202, and other venues as indicated.

Other Questions

Contact PLA, 800-545-2433 x5PLA (x5752) or pla@ala.org; or find someone to help in the PLA Staff directory.