Heights Libraries
Cleveland Heights-University Heights
"Opening Doors, Opening Minds"

Planning the Library's Future

Cleveland Heights – University Heights Public Library
2008 Strategic Plan (Balanced Scorecard)

  • "Should we introduce new services?"
  • "What new services support our objectives for the upcoming year?"
  • "How can we measure the effect of a service to be sure it is worthwhile?"
  • "How will this service affect the entire operation of the library?"

    • The Cleveland Heights - University Heights Public Library just completed our 2008-2009 Strategic Plan (Balanced Scorecard.) Our Board of Trustees, staff and planning teams depend on continual input from our customers when developing future plans. If you have a comment to share, please send it!

    Do you have an idea for the library? Send us a note>>


    Read more about our current plans and past accomplishments:

    2010 - 2011
    2008 - 2009
    2007
    2006


    How does Balanced Scorecard work?


    Q:  What is a Balanced Scorecard?
    A:  It is a planning tool. It is just a new way of looking at Strategic Planning.

    Q:  What does it do?
    A:  It helps us turn our Mission, Vision and Values into reality. Used as a management or decision making tool, it helps us stay focused on fulfilling our mission.
     
    Q:  Where’s the “Balance?”
    A:  The Scorecard emphasizes results. Measurements are taken throughout the year and success is “measured.” We seek a “balance” between past accomplishments and future achievements. Also, we consider all facets of our operation when aligning our plan. that includes financial, operational, customer service, collection and staffing perspectives.

    Q:  What does the Balanced Scorecard replace?
    A:  It replaces a traditional, long-range (3-5 year) planning document.

    Q:  Why use it? What’s wrong with traditional Long Range Planning?
    A:  For some industries, traditional long range planning still works. But, in libraries, rapid change and an ability to adapt quickly to customer needs is the most important outcome. By “re-writing” our Scorecard more frequently, we can stay on top of what our customers want and how we can “keep up” with giving it to them.

    Q:  So how will you actually use the Balanced Scorecard and how will results be given to the community?
    A:  We will use The Balanced Scorecard to gauge decisions we make on how we spend our time and money. We'll use the Scorecard to ask ourselves…

    Progress is reported at each month’s Board of Trustees meeting and will be shared in our quarterly newsletter, Check Us Out.