Bâton Global Featured in Public Library Magazine for Advancing Data-Driven Strategic Planning in Public Libraries

The article, “Data-Driven Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Public Libraries,” underscores how libraries can move beyond traditional, aspiration-heavy planning models to embrace approaches that use measurable outcomes, and provides flexibility to library teams on best to achieve their goals and mission.

Elevating the Role of Data in Modern Libraries

In the feature, Bâton Global emphasizes that while many libraries set visionary goals, such as improving literacy or strengthening community engagement, these efforts often fall short without measurable indicators to define success. DDSPs solve this challenge by grounding strategy in key performance indicators (KPIs) that track progress over time and ensure that goals remain Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).

Flexibility and Accountability as Advantages

The Public Library Magazine feature highlights one of the core advantages of DDSPs: they evolve with the organization. Instead of becoming static, once-a-year documents, these plans operate as living frameworks that encourage experimentation and adaptation based on real-time data.

“When outcomes are on track, libraries can stay the course,” the article notes. “If results fall short, the data help answer: What do we need to do differently?”

Real-World Impact: Lessons from the Field

The magazine spotlights examples of libraries that have partnered with Bâton Global to apply DDSP principles:

• Hayward Public Library (California) used its plan to build support for a refurbished branch and a new community hub offering education, health, and workforce services. Since launching the initiatives, the library has seen increases in visits and program attendance.
• West Des Moines Public Library (Iowa) aligned its mission, “to enrich lives by igniting curiosity, engaging community, and expanding perspectives,"with measurable outcomes that helped secure support for a new bookmobile. The result: growing engagement across community events.

These examples illustrate how data-driven planning can translate into tangible outcomes, from expanded services to stronger stakeholder support.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The article also provides guidance on challenges libraries should watch for when implementing DDSPs, including:

• Tracking too many KPIs (“data clutter”)
• Trying to perfectly map every measure to every goal
• Failing to schedule regular reviews
• Overlooking the importance of community storytelling to complement the data

By addressing these pitfalls, libraries can keep their plans focused, practical, and deeply connected to community impact.

Advancing the Field of Strategic Planning

Bâton Global’s recognition in the strategic planning issue of Public Library Magazine reflects our ongoing commitment to helping public institutions translate strategy into measurable impact. Our team is honored to support libraries nationwide as they enhance services, broaden access, and adapt to changing community needs.