Miami University Libraries - Strategic Plan
Miami University Libraries - Strategic Plan
From the Dean
We wanted a living document that would inspire action—not a plan that would sit on the shelf and be forgotten. To begin, we took the time to carefully articulate our mission, vision, and values—a process that has since proven to be infinitely valuable, having laid a strong foundation for the work ahead.
When I look back to where we began, I see immense value in the time we spent reflecting on who we were as an institution and who we wished to be. Defining these statements helped us truly commit to the work we were doing and identify areas for growth. While it is easy to look back on these moments fondly, I also remember the unease and anticipation during the process. Exploring a new type of strategic plan was a risk: we knew we had to establish new processes for this brand new model. However, with the ever-changing landscape of libraries, higher education, and the world at large, we all believed in the value of this approach to strategic planning.
Entering our fourth year of Catalyst, the Libraries’ Strategic Plan, we remain committed to the mission, vision, and values we established. Each year, initiative teams have produced usable products, generated new ideas, and reimagined the spaces and services of the libraries. Together, we have committed to facilitate an inclusive community, transform the Libraries’ environment, and forge meaningful partnerships. We have persevered past the initial stages of uncertainty and stayed focused on creating sustainable systems that drive change.
This yearly recommitment and investment in strategy would not be possible without the dedicated staff within the Libraries. I appreciate the infrastructure this team has built and am enthusiastic about the progress we will continue to make together.
Our Foundation
Mission
We proactively connect our community with the resources and personalized guidance to empower discovery, creation, and success.
Vision
We will be the catalyst for growth and discovery for every scholar in our community.
Values
You matter; you belong
We:
- are approachable and friendly
- create inviting and accessible environments
- design inclusive systems
- show empathy and actively listen
Always wonder; always learn
We:
- question our own assumptions
- listen to understand
- empower inquiry and discovery
- cultivate an atmosphere of wonder
Find connections; forge partnerships
We:
- focus on results and embrace the expertise and assistance of others
- seek knowledge even if it challenges our biases
- mediate among disciplines
- create space for others to share their perspectives
Boldly create; fearlessly innovate
We:
- encourage creative solutions
- adapt to new realities
- take smart risks and learn from every failure
- create new opportunities
Strategic Plan for 2023-2024
Goals
Develop talent, resources, and experiences to facilitate an inclusive community.
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Facilitators
- Rich Wisneski
- Zac Grisham
Transform the Libraries’ environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.
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Facilitators
- Ken Irwin
- Elizabeth Kerr
Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.
- University Advancement (UA) and the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) to build resources that increase library staff and librarians’ capacity to pursue and obtain funding;
- The ASPIRE office to submit a capital request for infrastructure enhancements.
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Facilitators
- Kevin Messner
- Jason Ezell