Strategic Agenda Development
Wichita Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
In summer 2024, Wichita Public Library partnered with Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center to craft a strategic agenda that aligns with the diverse needs of Wichita residents. The nearly year-long process included community engagement and stakeholder conversations to shape a robust roadmap for the Library’s work moving forward.
Challenge/Opportunity
Building upon the 2019-2023 master plan “Focused on Community,” the need arose to bridge the work completed through that master plan with a blueprint to prioritize the use of resources and services in the future.
Key Elements of Innovation
Through extensive focus groups, interviews, and an immersive design-thinking workshop, valuable insights were gathered that served as the bedrock for three new strategic drivers and the creation of a dynamic agenda that translates vision into reality, fulfilling the Library’s mission.
Achieved Outcomes
Through three new strategic drivers (focus on literacies, raising awareness of library services, and forming strategic partnerships), the Library is poised to address critical community issues. The Library will reframe its service and resource offerings to better align with strategic drivers, and help become a community navigator and connector for other services customers may need.
