Probably the most troublesome aspect of the Vision Statement is how it differs from the Mission Statement. If you review very many you will find elements of each intermingled with each, because it is difficult to separate the Mission from the Vision. Where the Mission Statement addressed the issue of “Why does your library exist?”, the Vision Statement presents an image toward which the library is motivated and it inspires a compelling future – to become something more than most thought it could be.
A definition I found particularly appropriate in this context is that ‘vision is a mental image produced by the imagination’. What will you dare to dream that your library can become in the 21st Century environment? Whatever it is – DREAM IT! – and make it your Vision Statement.
Keep in mind that this vision presupposes that you understand the future, the 21st Century environment that will influence your library’s future. What does it look like? What are its characteristics and parameters? What are its real world factors regarding your library? What do you want the library’s 21st Century future to be?
VISION:
Like the Mission Statement, there is no “generic” library vision statement. AND, again, whether the library is public, school, academic or special has a HUGE impact on your vision of what you want to become. There are recommended elements of a Vision Statement that you may want to review when developing your own vision for the 21st Century. A visions statement should:
•be an image toward which the library is motivated – guided by the strategic plan,
•challenge everyone to reach for something significant – inspire a compelling future that is achievable,
•be an expression of how the library wants to be perceived in the future – what success looks like,
•provide a long-term focus for the entire library,
•include a vivid description of the library as it effectively carries out its operations,
•be library culture specific,
•be the most enjoyable part of a plan.
EXAMPLES:
Oklahoma State University Library says: “We will be the best performing land-grant university library as measured by resource access and use by OSU students, faculty and the citizens of the state. We will deliver these resources in a user-friendly and service-oriented manner. Our constituents will consider us the preferred provider of learning and research information.”
(Describes a clear, succinct vision that all members of the library can support and be inspired to achieve.)
Southbury Library Vision Statement contains almost 950 words, including; “The library will not become irrelevant. Technology will not eliminate library usefulness. Technology will serve to deliver information in a variety of new ways, taking advantage of the rapid improvements in computers and communications.”
(These 34 words could have been an OK vision statement. Not sure what to call the other 900+ words – interesting?)
The Dearborn Public Library fosters the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for all ages and cultures starting with the very young.”
(Short, succinct and filled with laudable “visions” related to what people should gain from a library.)
Vision Descriptors:
Hopefully, these action descriptors are not too difficult to read. These should be very helpful in creating a vivid description of your library’s Vision Statement.
“The Xxxxxx Library offers individual enlightenment in every aspect of information and technology in an environment that provides challenge, collaboration, entertainment and welcome for all through proactive service that meets every need to enhance quality of life.”
OK, maybe it’s a bit vague and hard to measure, but the intent was to give an example of what your library’s Vision Statement might include.
Since the Vision Statement is so ….. visionary, it is difficult to offer a template for a vision statement, but……
•Name,
•Desire to be,
•What,
•Vision,
•(and, other stuff if you feel the need)
Again, Vision Statements do NOT have to be your own original brainchild of divine inspiration, blood, sweat and tears. If it doesn’t come as a natural creative process, don’t torture yourself trying to re-invent the wheel. Borrow, borrow, borrow.
Please share yours!
More to come…………………
Next up: Values and Guiding Principals
vision plan to be given the futuristic view including Planning, Organization, staffing, Budgeting, trainnings, and other expected developments.
Hi Steve,
I’ve just read this post, and it’s uncanny how we’re on the same wavelength! I wrote a post in April about the need for vision statements to inspire me with how libraries can take the world to a better place, and identifies 7 characteristics of a vision statement: imaginable, desirable, feasible, focussed, flexible, communicable, and visionary. I then look at two vision statements from libraries in New Zealand and rate them against these characteristics. Uncanny!
If you’re interested, my post is http://findingheroes.co.nz/2011/04/19/1-inspire-me-with-your-vision-for-libraries/
Maybe it’s simply not as complicated as some people seem to think.