Featured Projects
Newark Public Library
Strategic Planning Research Project
November 2024-February 2025
As Newark Public Library (NPL) prepared to launch a strategic planning process to shape its future direction, library leadership recognized the need for comprehensive, objective data to ensure their strategic goals would be realistic, community-aligned, and positioned for success. They engaged LWB US to conduct a landscape analysis and internal assessment that would form the foundation for strategic decision-making.
Our Approach
LWB US designed and executed a mixed-methods research engagement that examined NPL from multiple angles.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
We conducted interviews and surveys with library staff at all levels, interviews with community leaders and partner organizations, and direct conversations and surveys with community members to capture diverse perspectives on library needs and opportunities.
Data & Policy Analysis
We reviewed library usage trends, community demographic data, and conducted internal and external policy reviews to identify operational strengths and gaps.
Benchmarking
We produced a comparative analysis of NPL’s performance against 30 peer libraries in New Jersey and 30 similar libraries nationally, providing context for where NPL stands relative to comparable institutions.
Comprehensive Policy Review
We analyzed policies from 76 libraries across 43 states, giving NPL visibility into current practices and innovative approaches across the sector.
Beyond our analytical findings, we equipped NPL with practical tools for ongoing use: a community partner tracking system, a community asset map, a policy auditing tool, and a communications analysis. These resources extend the value of our engagement well beyond the project period.
Results
Beyond our analytical findings, we equipped NPL with practical tools for ongoing use: a community partner tracking system, a community asset map, a policy auditing tool, and a communications analysis. These resources extend the value of our engagement well beyond the project period.
This engagement illustrates LWB US’s commitment to leaving library partners stronger than we found them. We combine rigorous research with practical tool development, ensuring clients have both the insights and the infrastructure to act on what they learn.