Montana Trust for Libraries

Strategic Plan

Updated November 21, 2024

Mission Statement: The Montana Trust for Libraries serves Montana’s publicly funded libraries.

Vision Statement: Each Montanan has ready access to library content and services, to support their lifelong pursuit of learning.

Goal 1: Library Marketing

Objective 1.1 Create and maintain an effective information and marketing campaign, that benefits both the Trust and libraries, to work with key stakeholders to quantify and communicate the value and impact of public library services across Montana to the general public and to Montana’s leadership.

Objective 1.2 Establish an ongoing public information/marketing campaign to remind Montana residents of the critical need that Montana’s Library services provide to the public.

Objective 1.3 Enhance the public’s knowledge of library services across Montana provided by public libraries and to quantify the overall impact of these services by supporting the efforts of the Montana Library Association and their individual members to communicate the unique services that individual libraries serve in their communities.

Goal 2: Library Advocacy

Objective 2.1 Involve the Trust in an ongoing program to advocate for Montana’s public libraries by working with the Montana Library Association and local public libraries to support and advocate for their needs to adapt and grow to meet the changing needs of Montana’s citizens for current and future library services and to defend against threats to those services.

Objective 2.2 Establish and maintain an active Library Advocacy Committee within the Trust Board and support their efforts.

Objective 2.3 Enlist the support of others across the state who realize and wish to contribute to the overall support of public library across Montana.

Objective 2.4 Work to define the “Library of the Future” with examples of projects/initiatives.

Goal 3: Montana Libraries Legacy Fund

Objective 3.1 Support the enhancement of library services across Montana by building capital within the Trust’s funds to provide financial support for Montana’s libraries and their services.

Objective 3.2 Create an effective marketing campaign for the Trust to potential donors.

Objective 3.3 Work with partners and stakeholders to establish an annual event to celebrate the valuable services provided by Montana public libraries and the critical need to support them now and in the future.          

Goal 4: Fundraising

Objective 4.1 Develop a plan that identifies potential streams for donations based on potential sources

Objective 4.2 Categorize potential funding sources as near-term project related or as the core funding for the foundation’s long-term sustainability, growth, and development

Goal 5: Projects

Objective 5.1 Identify potential projects of service to libraries, statewide, and list most likely foundations to support and develop an approach for each; undertake projects strategically

Objective 5.2 Establish the means to receive and hold local public library gifts.

Goal 6: Trust for Montana Libraries Sustainability

Objective 6.1 Seek donations, partnerships, and outside foundation and other grants to support the Trust’s efforts to implementation strategic plan to support public libraries across Montana.

Objective 6.2 Determine ways/means to acquire staffing focused on long-term financial sustainability for the position

Objective 6.3 Develop Performance Measurement Standards for the Trust

Objective 6.4 Create and maintain a media strategy that regularly communicates the good work of the Trust.