“Reinventing the Library” at Eastern Washington University: An Intensive Strategic Planning Experience with Faculty.

In the spring of 2006, Eastern Washington University Libraries received an institutional strategic planning grant to hold a two-week strategic planning institute with faculty members representing the six colleges at Eastern Washington University (EWU). The purpose of the institute, titled “Reinventing the Library,” was to articulate a five-year vision for the role of the library within the university. The institute was held at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library on the Cheney campus of EWU from July 24 through August 4, 2007, and was planned and facilitated by Dean of Libraries Patricia Kelley. Thirteen faculty members, including two members of the library faculty, participated. The curriculum for “Reinventing the Library” included presentations by guest speakers on national and institutional trends affecting EWU Libraries, group discussion, and planning activities. In the last days of the institute, participants achieved consensus on the future role of the EWU Libraries and drafted a vision statement. The institute has had a significant impact on library planning and operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]