Mission, Vision and Strategies for the MU Libraries

Revised: June, 2006

Mission Statement - What we are all about:

In support of the instruction, research, service and economic development programs of the University, the MU Libraries acquire, preserve and make accessible scholarly resources; develop innovative services; and apply new information technologies to achieve a single overarching purpose: to serve the needs of our users.

Vision Statement - What we aspire to be:

The MU Libraries will be "one library" - a single, holistic, integrated, and interdependent organization, focused on its prime mission. We will always put the needs of our users foremost; we will constantly strive to improve service; and we will continually assess the quality, relevancy and usability of all that we do.

We will be recognized by our users as:

• a preferred gateway to global information resources;
• a secure repository for scholarship created by and for the University;
• an open and accessible learning environment, both physical and virtual; and
• full partners, peers, and colleagues engaged in the discovery and pursuit of knowledge.

We will be known by our users as "A Library That Works."

Strategic Directions and Goals - How we accomplish our tasks:

Serve Our Users

• Provide Critical Resources and Services
• Promote User Self-sufficiency
• Develop Learning Environments, both Physical and Virtual
• Assess User Needs and Satisfaction Continually
• Promote Existing Services Fully

Build and Maintain Partnerships

• Increase Consultation with Faculty and other Constituencies
• Demonstrate Centrality of Libraries in all MU Academic Programs
• Work Collaboratively with Peer Academic Institutions
• Respond to new Scholarly Communications Environment

Develop Internal Capacities

• Recruit, Retain, Respect, and Reward Quality Employees
• Foster Development of All Employees to Full Potential
• Enhance Library Facilities
• Pursue Supplemental Income Streams
• Tell the MU Libraries' "story"

Pursue Organizational Development

• Promote Collaborative/Collegial Work Environment
• Develop Internal Structures for Planning, Setting Priorities, and Taking Action
• Build Trust and Develop Leadership from within
• Enhance Organizational and Reporting Relationships