TrusteE-Talk
Community Considerations: Conducting a GAP Analysis Part I
“Knowledge is knowing what we cannot know” – Emerson.
In preparing for planning projects in both the large and small context it is important to
consider the merits of understanding the linking factors which influence our every day
library environments. Conducting a gap analysis will help to fully examine your library’s
environment by mapping the past, present, and future as your library endeavours to move
towards a healthy and prosperous future.
Gap analysis: Technique for determining the steps to be taken in moving from a current state
to a desired future-state. It begins with (1) listing of characteristic factors (such as attributes,
competencies, performance levels) of the present situation (“what is”), (2) cross-lists factors
required to achieve the future objectives (“what should be”), and then (3) highlights the
‘gaps’ that exist and need to be ‘filled.’ Also called need-gap analysis, needs analysis, and
needs assessment.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/
A gap analysis can be used as a foundational technique to anticipate what your community’s
future may hold or what the community may require from the public library in terms of
enhanced programming and services.
This provides a sound starting point for your board to orient itself to current local, regional,
national and international trends. Many of these influencing factors will impact the direction
and decisions made by the board.
By the end of a gap analysis exercise, the board should know
1. What knowledge the library board currently posses, specifically reflecting the present situation.
2. What knowledge the library board requires to meet its goals, and future objectives.
These two products of analysis will provide the board with the identifying factors that define
the “GAPS” (knowledge, capacities, training services, programming etc). They will in turn
characterize and identify the missing links particular to your library’s situation.
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The following diagram illustrates how the GAP analysis assists with identifying the known
knowledge and the desired knowledge required to achieve short and long term goals.
GAP Analysis
L
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Where the library wants to be!
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v
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GAP
Where the library is now!
Time
Adapted from http://www.marketingteacher.com/
At this point your analysis should help you ascertain and identify some of the elements
which will be essential to your internal planning processes. Identifying the GAPS will allow
for the careful analysis of the state of your library. These efforts will also give your planners
the opportunity to construct action plans which reflect the library’s mission and vision and
allow for the setting of realistic goals.
An interesting aspect of this type of analysis is that the data gathered may re-enforce or
point out challenges already obvious in the planning process. These identified ‘GAPs’ may
already be impacting the overall growth and development of the library, the community
and the citizenry that you serve. Using this planning process the library board will have the
opportunity to establish strong strategies that will ensure progress towards the achievement
of the library’s goals in support of a uniquely defined mission.
In the next issue, we will examine how to assess and treat the “GAPS” your board has
identified.
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Selected Resources:
Introduction to the GAP Analysis
http://www.marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_gap_analysis.htm
The GAP Analysis © Charles A. Dana Center
http://www.utdanacenter.org/downloads/presentations/gapanalysis_march04.pdf From the EBSCO KO Database – Chartered accountant focused, however it does provide
an interesting contextualization of the priority setting exercise we will explore in future
issues.
Title: Performing a gap analysis.
Authors: Burns, Michael
Source: CA Magazine; Nov2007, Vol. 140 Issue 9, p16-16, 1p
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=2&sid=78d9531d-497a-4558-b2fc-edaa21
497dd0%40sessionmgr7
Online Training Video – Introducing the Gap Analysis by Brian Tracy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJC9O6Jgnqk
If you would like to suggest a future topic, request further information or comment on the
TrusteE-Talk content, please contact:
Steven Kraus
Skills Development Advisor
skraus@olsn.ca
1-800-461-6348 ext. 228
Volume 2
LIBRARIES NORTH: TOGETHER FOR THE DISTANCE
BIBLIOTHÈQUES DU NORD: ENSEMBLE POUR LA DISTANCE
Issue 4