A library can be defined and judged by its services. Library services which are based on users’ needs and is in line with changes in the society can ensure quality services. Evaluation of library services is a tool that can assess its quality. Although several assessment tools have been developed and used by different libraries, each type of library and each institution should take into consideration its own conditions, specifications and information needs. Strategic planning is not only a kind of map for defining and developing library activities, but it also provides criteria for assessing the usefulness, efficiency and effectiveness of those activities including information services. A one year research project was carried out by a team of professional librarians and an information system specialist to develop a strategic plan for a main library and 29 state libraries at the Management and Planning Organization (MPO) of Iran. The underlying aims of this strategic plan were the development of library services and accessing some criteria for controlling the quality of these services. The research population included a sample of library users (MPO researchers and users coming from other institutions), 7 MPO Deputies, 29 managers of the main and state libraries, and some documented policies and regulations. Questionnaires, structured questions for interviews and checklists were instruments for data collection. The underlying theory for designing these instruments was “Guidelines for information services” which was revised by RUSA in 2000. Data collection helps gather information about external and internal environments. SWOT analysis provides basis for designing the strategic plan for information services. Based on this strategic plan a set of criteria which match with the users’ needs and the organization’s specifications was developed for the control of planning and implementation process as well as for the future evaluation and development of information services. Keyw

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