Award Date

1-1-1992

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Administration and Higher Education

First Committee Member

Carl R. Steinhoff

Number of Pages

206

Abstract

This study determined the extent to which the 1862 and 1890 land-grant university libraries had implemented strategic planning, including the reasons, processes, problems, and benefits of strategic planning. The study also examined the relationship of the land-grant libraries' planning to that of the parent universities; The research was modeled after Meredith's (1985, 1987) studies of strategic planning in higher education institutions. Descriptive statistics were used to compile the data which were compared to Meredith's results. Responses were also sorted by geographical area to determine where strategic planning was most and least prevalent; The majority of land-grant university libraries reported that they had done strategic planning, with the 1890 libraries being involved in planning to a greater extent than the 1862 libraries. The number validated as doing bona fide strategic planning was substantially smaller. Further, only one-third of the universities used the term "strategic plan" to describe their regular planning system. The top three reasons that land-grant university libraries had initiated strategic planning were to improve the quality of programs, help meet and adapt to needed change, and improve overall management capabilities. The processes and steps which land-grant university library administrators had used in doing strategic planning were developed and carried out primarily by library staff. Generally, the processes that were used most extensively during the strategic planning effort were also the most successful. The libraries were able to clarify and redefine their goals and objectives, clarify and redefine their mission and purpose, formulate and implement a library plan. The processes which were used least, and which were considered least successful, related to forecasting the external environment and matching external opportunities and threats with internal strengths and values; The majority of the land-grant university libraries were somewhat satisfied with their planning and reported that strategic planning became easier with time. The greatest problem for the land-grant university libraries was an insufficient link between capital allocation and strategic planning. Although strategic planning was time-consuming, it produced improved communication and staff participation. Administrative support, both within the library and from the university, was also important.

Keywords

Analysis; Grant; Land; Land Grant University; Libraries; Planning; Strategic; University; Land Grant University

Controlled Subject

Education, Higher; Library science; School management and organization

File Format

pdf

File Size

4577.28 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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Rights

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