I am mid-way through studying strategic thinking and strategic plans as a part of module 5. The content drew my attention to school libraries needing to have their own strategic plan and I wanted to put down my thoughts here before I delve deeper into this study.
I have always understood that libraries fit within the goals and mission of the school but never thought more broadly than that. I assumed it was a cascading effect: federal influences state, state influences school board, school board influences school, school influences library. But I am now beginning to realise that from a leadership perspective, this is following and not leading. I am really keen to learn how a library strategic plan can actually leverage the profile of the library and TL by having a clearly aligned strategic plan that addresses the needs not only of the school and state, but also of the nation. It gives much needed backing and critical importance to the role of TL as leader as it positions them at the forefront of leading change to benefit the learning and wellbeing outcomes of students and the organisation as a whole. Knowing the strategic priorities of the nation and state is now clearly my priority and using these alongside our school strategic plan is imperative to gaining the best outcomes and also being accountable in leading in my role as TL.