After a comprehensive planning process involving extensive member input, we at Illinois Heartland Library System are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Strategic Plan (2025-2027)! With a new vision and mission and three new strategic directions, this roadmap will guide us in better serving our members and, thus, their communities in the coming years.
The plan emphasizes ensuring that IHLS remains a valuable resource for all member libraries with a few key areas of focus:
- Member Engagement: Connecting with our current members, enhancing our communications, and developing strong relationships.
- Library-Policy Advocacy: Actively engaging in advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels to support our libraries.
- Innovative Library-Support Services: Expanding continuing education opportunities and evolving shared resources to meet the evolving needs of member libraries.
- Organizational Excellence: Enhancing transparency, optimizing organizational structure, and ensuring efficient and effective operations.
This plan was developed collaboratively with assistance from the Alliance for Library Impact (ALI). During the six-month planning process, ALI helped us gather member input through surveys, focus groups, and retreats. The IHLS Board of Directors officially approved the plan on Dec. 11, 2024.
We appreciate our members' contributions to the development of this new strategic plan—the framework that will guide our operational goals and day-to-day activities as we enter a new era of service and innovation.
Read the IHLS Strategic Plan (2025-2027)
We'll update our "About" page with the new vision, mission, goals, and more soon! In the meantime, you can download and read the IHLS Strategic Plan (2025-2027) below.
