A plan of service, a type of strategic plan, emphasizes what the library does for the local community. Libraries are legally obligated to produce a plan of service based on a community needs assessment. These plans help align the library with the community and help increase its use and effectiveness. In addition, the process and the final plan are strong tools for building community support and advocacy. The goals and objectives in the plan become the basis on which a library measures its success.
– from A Plan of Service: A Guide for Alberta Public Libraries.