Strong Libraries is based upon 12 elements in four categories. Business Considerations are elements that must be attended to in any successful organization. Analysis means grading how your customers and your staff view your library. Interaction leads to constructive interaction with other entities in your community. Transformation helps your library to adapt to the enormous changes that are seemingly continuous.
| Business Considerations | Analysis | Interaction | Transformation |
| Leadership | Self-analysis | Partnerships | Continuous learning |
| Organizational efficacy | Customer analysis | Competition | Technology |
| Planning + | Data analysis | Special added value | Vision |