Developing a Successful Service Plan

Citation

Turner, R. (2001), "Developing a Successful Service Plan", New Library World, Vol. 102 No. 4/5, pp. 180-185. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2001.102.4_5.180.3

A library service plan is really a business plan. It is an essential document for any organisation so that all those involved fully understand, and can participate in, the service provided. The authors have quite rightly identified that very little has been written about business planning for the library and information sector. Hence, this book is important and timely. All information centres need a service plan, so this book is relevant for anyone in a management or policy‐making role in any size or type of service.

This is one of the most logically structured and lucidly written professional books that I have had the pleasure to read. There are excellent sections that cover why you need a service plan; the contents of the plan; the importance of involving others in the production process; personal and professional development plans; evaluation and monitoring of service plans; ensuring that the plans continue to be practical working documents; working successfully with other people; the use of the plan in the organisation’s strategy. Each chapter has clear subsections with a stated aim at the start and key points you should have understood at the end.

The book’s appendices include an excellent further reading list for each chapter with brief descriptions of each reference cited. Bearing in mind that each service plan will be different to reflect the different organisations they cover, a further appendix has a useful framework of a service plan template with the main subjects to cover in your plan. A final appendix lists a useful glossary of technical terms. The index is short but adequate.

This book is highly recommended to any information professional who is about to produce a service plan or policy documents for their organisation. It is also worthwhile obtaining for anyone in charge of policy or strategy to check that their existing documents are relevant, practical and correctly produced. This is a very useful addition to The Successful Professional series.