Strategic Planning Research · November 2024 – February 2025
As Newark Public Library prepared to launch a strategic planning process, leadership needed comprehensive, objective data to make their goals realistic, community-aligned, and positioned for success. They engaged LWB US to conduct a landscape analysis and internal assessment as the foundation for strategic decision-making.
A mixed-methods research engagement that examined NPL from multiple angles.
01
Interviews and surveys with staff at all levels, community leaders, partner organizations, and community members — capturing diverse perspectives on library needs and opportunities.
02
Library usage trends, community demographics, and internal and external policy reviews to identify operational strengths and gaps.
03
Comparative analysis against 30 peer libraries in New Jersey and 30 similar libraries nationally — context for where NPL stands.
04
Policies from 76 libraries across 43 states — visibility into current practices and innovative approaches across the sector.
Beyond our analytical findings, we equipped NPL with practical tools for ongoing use:
Community partner tracking system
Community asset map
Policy auditing tool
Communications analysis
We combine rigorous research with practical tool development — leaving library partners stronger than we found them.
