Since planning is a continuing process based on evaluation and reassessment, a plan is a flexible document seasoned by specific local needs. However, most plans include the following essentials:

• Preface - very brief overview of the planning process with acknowledgments and thank yous
• Description of the library's service area and communities
• A vision statement describing the library’s preferred future
• A mission statement of the overall purpose of the library
• Strategic Issues - critical challenges facing the library
• Goals - broader statements of what is to be achieved
• Strategies - general approaches that will be taken to achieve the goals
• Activities - actions that will be taken to implement the strategies
• Measures of Success / Evaluative Criteria - how the library will know if it has been successful in its services
• Implementation & Evaluation - description of how the plan will be implemented and how the evaluation process will be used
• Timeline to achieve goals and evaluate and reassess the plan periodically
• Publicity plan to build awareness in the community
• Appendices - Summary of needs assessment data, etc.