Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings DAY 1 Session 5 Analysis of Constraints and Opportunities (using SWOT) and determining Outcomes

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings At the end of this session participants should be able to: Identify constraints and opportunities for their library association’s proposal. Describe the intended outcomes of their proposal for their library association. Outcomes for participants

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings It is a framework that can be used to scan the environment or to analyse a key issue. S is for Strength W is for Weakness O is for Opportunity T is for Threat What is SWOT?

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings SWOT analysis involves looking at the positive and negative, or challenging, factors that face the organisation. Some are: SWOT Analysis

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings What do we do exceptionally well? What advantages do we have? What valuable assets and resources do we have? What do members/stakeholders identify as our strengths? Strengths

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings What could we do better? What are we criticised for or receive complaints about? Where are we vulnerable? Weaknesses

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings What opportunities do we know about, but have not been able to address? Are there emerging trends on which we can capitalise? Opportunities

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings Are any of our weaknesses likely to make us critically vulnerable? What external roadblocks exist that block our progress? Are our competitors or quasi-competitors doing anything different? Is there significant change coming in our members' sector? Is technology dramatically changing the sector and services to it? Are economic conditions affecting our financial viability? Threats

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings SWOT analysis can be very helpful to identify the issues impacting on an association. The results can: Open up new opportunities that had not yet been considered Guide the development of the strategic plan Help focus on the challenges that the association will face when moving to the operational plans. Strategic Awareness

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings The SWOT worked example is based on a library association preparing a proposal for a professional development programme using BSLA materials. If your library association were preparing a similar proposal would it have the same constraints? Opportunities? Discuss within your group. SWOT : Worked Example

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings Outcomes can be defined as broad, desired end-states brought about by a specific intervention ( e.g., an initiative; a project; a plan). Example: a professional education programme using BSLA materials. If this proposal were to be supported by IFLA, or similar organisation, the outcomes and benefits might include: Improved educational opportunities for members and affiliates Improved benefits to attract and retain association members Improved skills and capabilities of members and affiliates Heightened expertise of library association staff to manage and sustain the association Increased expertise and capability of members to advocate for the profession Outcomes

Building Strong Library Associations | Regional Convenings Indirectly, the outcomes might also influence: An enhanced image of the profession Increased authority and respect for the profession from government agencies, partner organisations, sponsors and potential donors. Indirect Outcomes