91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association’s (PLA) new , with content developed and delivered by trainer Stephanie Gerding, will blend an intensive in-person training with three months of personalized online learning. The in-person training will take place October 5-7, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

In addition to covering best practices in strategic planning and project management, this program will be unique in its focus on simple, low-cost planning. Participants will learn how to create a dynamic strategic plan in a timely manner, which will serve as a living document and create actionable pathways for decision making, community involvement, and funding priorities.

This program’s blended learning approach will meet you where you are and incorporate current methodologies for your unique library environment. Participants will engage online with one another and gather necessary information before coming together in person. During the in-person training, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to successfully engage staff and community members in creating a strategic, actionable plan that will empower their libraries and meet the needs of their 21st century communities. After the event, participants will return to the online setting as they apply what they have learned and submit plans for feedback.

As a result of the training, participants will know how to:

• Organize, design, and implement dynamic strategic planning in a library environment while creating a living and actionable plan;
• Incorporate current methodologies for assessing and engaging community and staff, establishing priorities, assessing and managing risk, and using project management tools;
• Utilize key time saving principles, including using existing data, quick methods for getting input and buy-in from staff and stakeholders, and incorporating existing community plans; and
• Apply best practices in dynamic library planning using the most updated methods and tools for communicating plans and achieving continual results.

Because participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active engagement, interested public library staff are required to fill out an to be accepted into the Dynamic Planning Institute. Applications will remain open through August 5, 2016. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program within two weeks of submitting an application and can then proceed with registration.

Registration cost for the institute is $800 (PLA Members), $900 (91´«Ã½ Members) and $950 (nonmembers). For more information and to fill out an application, please visit the .

The (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.