On Nov 6, more than thirty members from across Alberta gathered for our Strategic Planning Town Hall. It was an energizing session that reflected the depth of experience, curiosity, and collective commitment that define our consortium. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about TAL’s future, offering perspectives that were both pragmatic and visionary.
This conversation marked an important milestone in our journey toward the 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan. Members reflected on emerging futures, explored strategic choices, and shared thoughtful observations about the opportunities and challenges facing Alberta’s libraries. The richness of this dialogue demonstrated once again the value of bringing our sector together, collaborating openly, thinking boldly, and imagining what shared action can make possible.
Th
e insights gathered during the Town Hall are now being reviewed and synthesized by the Strategic Planning Committee, alongside the data from our Values/Vision/Mission session, the PESTLE and TOWS analyses, and the interviews conducted to date. Together, this growing body of work is helping to shape a coherent picture of where TAL stands today and where we must position ourselves for the future.
Over the coming months, the Committee will continue refining these ideas into a strategic framework. A draft plan will be prepared for the Board’s consideration in early 2026, and we anticipate launching the final Strategic Plan at our Annual General Meeting in April (exact date to be announced). Your engagement has already strengthened this process in deep and tangible ways.
TAL’s future direction is being built collaboratively, shaped by the voices, experience, and aspirations of the libraries we serve. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, questioned, challenged, and imagined alongside your colleagues. As we move into the next phase of planning, we look forward to continued conversations and to sharing further updates as they unfold.
Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday season.
If you’d like to see the Strategic Planning timeline, go here: https://thealbertalibrary.ca/2025/03/17/strategic-planning-announcement/
