This Masters thesis is concerned with the complex planning process of setting up a citizen bureau in a public library. The aim is to find out how citizen bureaux are designed and to suggest a simplified model of strategic planning. The planning process is studied from a business perspective in the library context, and this perspective is also used to study citizen bureaux and their written plans elsewhere. A combination of qualitative methods are used: observations, focus group discussions and interviews. Observations in the public library showed a great need for an environmental analysis as well as structure to the planning process. In two focus group discussions a Critical Success Factor CSF analysis was used. A CSF analysis was considered a useful tool which meets the need for consensus in public organizations. The results of the three interviews showed that the citizen bureaux are all of the same type, namely integrated information centres with an increased service level as their main aim. The differences between them were due to demographic and contextual reasons. The proposed simplified strategic planning model consists of four activities: an environmental analysis, strategic focus, implementation and evaluation. The CSF model is suggested as a tool for environmental analysis activities as well as for addressing important factors in setting a strategic focus. The study shows that the model needs to address the specific conditions and needs of public organizations and suggests further research to clarify its function and possible advantages.