ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú

Mission

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú library’s mission is to foster an inclusive environment for our community to engage in curiosity, innovation, and creative activities.

We support lifelong learning by providing the human, print, and digital resources necessary to facilitate research, evidence-based decision-making, and critical thinking.

We provide equitable access to collections broadly in all formats to support our curriculum and facilitate knowledge creation.

We identify the technological and social needs of our students, faculty, and staff to invest in a space that meets their needs through inclusive design principles, ensuring accessibility and usability for all.

We teach our students how to use, evaluate, and find the tools and resources necessary to continue learning throughout their lives, as the information landscape changes.

Vision

The ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú library will foster inquiry-minded communities and advance the public good through innovative services and spaces, subject expertise, and unparalleled collections in an evolving information landscape.

Values Statement and Values Norms 

Collaboration  

We value collaborative relationships with one another and across campus; we recognize that through collaboration, we bring people and ideas together. 

Norms 

• Respect the contributions and ideas of others. 
• Listen with an open mind. 
• Create a welcoming space for dialogue. 
• Embrace curiosity, creativity, and experimentation. 
• Be aware of intent and impact. 
• Encourage open and honest communication. 
• Acknowledge all voices and strengths. 
• Be prepared to compromise and work as a team. 
• Foster mutual respect and trust in others to do the same. 
• Embrace collaborative spaces to encourage flexibility, reflection, and contemplation. 

Employee Development 

The process of providing opportunities for employees to grow and enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities in a diverse and respectful work environment that encourages innovation and work-life balance. 

Norms 

• Build employee development into the culture and budget for it. 
• Provide equal opportunities for learning and career growth. 
• Encourage open and respectful communication. 
• Allow employees to experiment and take risks in a safe & supportive environment. 
• Encourage skill set growth of employees by providing understandable and achievable goals. 
• Recognition through performance reviews and public recognition, if desired by employees.  

Work-Life Balance 

Create equitable time and action for team members to infuse wellness and self-care into their professional and personal life. 

Norms 

• Open communication between employee and employer. 
• Flexibility & sensitivity with deadlines and priorities. 
• Integrate a healthy lifestyle in the work environment. 
• Implement cross-training or job sharing to increase flexibility. 

Respect 

Foster a transparent, safe, and comfortable environment to listen, express and interact with civility and consideration of each team member and those for whom we provide excellent service.  

Norms 

• Being respectful of people’s time. 
• Recognize the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. 
• Professional courtesy. 
• Allow individuals to say ‘no’; allow team members the right to ‘I want to do that’.  
• Actively encourage voices in decisions that impact their units and departments.  
• Allowing opposing views. 
• Timely notification of all parties involved. 
• Recognition of team members' privacy/those to who we provide service excellence.  
• Active communication. 
• Consult the responsible person first instead of going around them. 
• Follow through with commitments.  

Empowerment 

To create an environment and exhibit behaviors that foster autonomy and constructive cooperation. 

Norms 

• Equal distribution of voices and perspectives. 
• Confidence to explore new/different procedures. 
• Provide resources & support for personal and professional growth. 
• Periodical positive reinforcement, feedback, and evaluation. 
• Provide corrective feedback that bypasses hierarchies.  
• Foster a culture that allows employees to explore themselves without fear.  

Innovation 

Cultivate a library that adapts to new ideas while retaining the integrity of the institution. 

Norms 

• Adapt to new technologies. 
• Address weaknesses. 
• Accommodate changing needs of users. 
• Ease of access. 
• Promote awareness of library resources (for employees and patrons). 
• Foster opportunities for employee development. 
• Maintain a balance between technology and in-person experience.  

Service Excellence 

Deliver a high-quality standard of customer-focused service executed by friendly, efficient, positive, and non-discriminatory team members to meet the needs of the community at large. 

Norms 

• Provide a positive environment. 
• Smile/be pleasant/respectful 7 courteous. 
• Respond promptly. 
• Exceed expectations. 
• Communicate effectively (face-to-face, electronically, and via phone). 
• Give community members the correct information or make the proper referrals. 
• Consistent high-quality customer-focused service. 

Inclusivity 

Promoting diversity and equity by ensuring equal access to an extensive range of resources. 

Norms 

• Broaden the scope of accessible material. 
• Support diverse perspectives. 
• Foster open-mindedness. 
• Provide adaptable resources. 
• Encourage a compassionate environment. 
• Address inequities.  

Integrity 

Integrity is the quality of adhering to ethical values and standards in all actions and decisions. 

Norms 

• Trustworthiness – demonstrate reliability & consistency in dealing with others. 
• Respect for others – treat others with dignity and respect regardless of position or status. 
• Impartiality – Avoid censorship & personal bias. 
• Confidentiality – protect sensitive info & the privacy of others. 
• Professionalism – maintain high standards of conduct in all interactions. 
  (Upholding copyright law, providing complete and accurate information) 
• Responsibility – be accountable for one’s actions and decisions. 
   

Adopted by Library Administration on March 27, 2023