Many academic libraries have strategic plans and those that don’t often feel pressure to have one. Strategic plans are a tool for communicating priorities, values, and initiatives to library staff, college and university partners, leadership and external stakeholders, such as funders and prospective employees. The process, however, can take months and even years of library staff time and resources. Too often valuable time is taken developing, promoting and reviewing surveys. Outside consultants can stretch thin budgets. Strategic planning can create unrealistic expectations – what happens if external factors make some goals impossible to achieve? This presentation by an academic library director will outline time-saving ways to develop strategic plans that position the library as an essential element of a successful institution. Attendees will learn about alternative assessment methods, such as Appreciative Inquiry, that offer valuable information in hours. They will be able to utilize existing sources of quantitative and qualitative data rather than starting from scratch. They will be able to easily incorporate the skills and knowledge of existing team members ensuring that everyone can see themselves in the plan. They will leave with practical tips for creating a plan that is actionable, achievable and agile in uncertain times.