STRATEGIC-PLANNING FOR NATIONAL LIBRARIES IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES - AN OPTIMISTS VIEW

The factors which affect the strategic planning process are described, as well as the special difficulties which they can cause for national libraries in developing countries. In spite of the difficulties, however, strategic planning is perceived as being beneficial for such libraries. Some of the benefits identified include: creating awareness of the role and function of national libraries at all levels of society; shaping the libraries' future by identifying priorities based on resource capabilities and influencing data collection and analysis for better decision making.