The process of developing a strategic plan for a special collections and university archives

Abstract

Strategic planning is a valuable process that can be done by lead or lone programme archivists and librarians to provide direction for programming and projects. This paper describes the process of developing a five-year strategic plan for a special collections and university archives unit within the Library of California State University, Stanislaus. The initial idea for the plan was conceived by the unit librarian following an extensive two-year renovation of the library building. The purpose of the plan is to provide direction to the newly renovated unit’s programming and core functions of collection control, research services, digitisation and preservation. As this paper will discuss, the strategic plan is informed by best-practice guidelines from the archives’ profession as well as by the overarching mission and vision of the unit’s parent organisation, California State University, Stanislaus. The plan also takes into consideration the unique character and strengths of the unit’s collections. In addition to providing strategic direction, the plan has been developed to make the best use of the unit’s limited resources.