Collaborative Strategic Planning with Deb Cryderman from Airdrie Public Library (Episode 3)

In this conversation, Trina McCarroll talks with Deb Cryderman, Director at Airdrie Public Library, to explore their innovative approach to creating a strategic Plan of Service. Deb describes her vision for a responsive and flexible framework that aligns with Airdrie's rapid growth and changing community needs. Drawing upon community and staff input, Trina and Deb described the collaborative strategic planning process the team used to position the library for growth in their expanded location in the new multi-use facility, Inspire.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The strategic planning process aimed for a fresh and flexible approach. 

  • Community engagement was a key focus in developing the plan. 

  • Staff involvement was crucial for gathering insights and ideas. 

  • The vision and mission were shaped by collective input from staff and patrons. 

  • Prioritizing community needs requires careful consideration and flexibility. 

  • Collaboration with other organizations is essential for maximizing resources. 

  • The plan serves as a communication tool to raise awareness about library services. 

  • The library aims to be a community space that fosters connections. 

  • The legacy of the plan is to ensure ongoing community involvement in library services. 

NEXT STEPS: 

1. Leave a review here  

2. Sign up for our newsletter here 

CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Strategic Planning at Airdrie Public Library 

02:49 Engagement Process and Community Involvement 

05:34 Vision, Mission, and Values Development 

08:15 Implementation and Future Directions 

10:59 Collaboration and Resource Management 

13:40 Communication and Community Awareness 

15:53 Legacy and Future Impact 

 

ABOUT DEB CRYDERMAN: 

Deb Cryderman is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of success in the library industry. She is known for creating dramatic increases in library use by responding directly to the needs and interests of the communities she serves. Deb brings expertise in nonprofit organizations, public libraries, strategic planning, library studies, and library instruction. A strong and dedicated professional, she holds a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta and a Library and Information Technology diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. 

Learn more about Airdrie Public Library here or connect with Deb on Linked In

ABOUT TRINA MCCARROLL:  

Trina McCarroll, CPF, CPHR helps leaders build thriving, high-performing teams through strategic planning, culture building, and transformation journeys. The team at McCarroll Consulting specializes in supporting municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and purpose-driven organizations across Alberta.  Drawing on years of experience in facilitation and organizational transformation, Trina brings practical insight, curiosity, and courage to every conversation.  

Learn more about McCarroll Consulting at www.mccarrollconsulting.com or connect with Trina on Linked In

ABOUT STRATEGY & CULTURE CONVERSATIONS:  

Strategy and Culture Conversations explores how senior leaders across Alberta navigate complexity, make intentional choices, and create teams where people can contribute their best work towards organizational success. 

Trina McCarroll

Trina McCarroll, CPF, CPHR has almost twenty years of experience supporting senior leadership teams to create thriving, high-performing organizations and teams. She specializes in strategic planning, culture building, and transformation.

You can read her full bio here.

Previous
Previous

Insights in Integrating Strategy and Culture with Lowell Befus from ATB (Episode 4)

Next
Next

Building Culture Through Intentional Values with Melanie Ducholke from AFSC (Episode 2)