I would like to update you on this year’s outcomes from Catalyst, Miami University Libraries’ strategic plan. Catalyst’s yearly approach to strategic planning uses three long-term goals and actionable yearly initiatives to drive real change. This year, workgroups tackled three strategic initiatives: professional development, virtual spaces and services, and meaningful partnerships.
On June 17, we held this year’s third and final business review, when staff met to share final outcomes and look ahead to next year. I’d like to provide you with some of the highlights.
Final Outcomes:
Libraries staff strive for persistent excellence, and I was proud to see this reflected in the work of each initiative workgroup. Each group has produced a final product aligned with the Libraries’ mission, vision, and values and one of the three goals of Catalyst.
1. Develop talent, resources, and experiences to facilitate an inclusive community.
The professional development initiative workgroup developed a staff guide that brings together resources and information related to professional development for all staff classifications. The guide provides a central location for university-wide policies and library-specific procedures to help staff access professional development opportunities.
2. Transform the Libraries’ environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.
The virtual spaces and services initiative workgroup created two products. First, they developed a marketing campaign to promote four of the Libraries’ virtual services this August: MyGuide, “Ask a Librarian!” Live Chat, Software Checkout, and the Leisure Reading Collection. This workgroup also created a central data store and visualization dashboard that will equip each department with tools to make data-informed decisions.
3. Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.
The meaningful partnerships initiative workgroup created a Partnerships Toolkit to guide Libraries staff in partnership work. The toolkit includes best practices for maintaining successful partnerships, workflows for creating partnerships, evaluation tools, and a list of current Libraries partnerships.
All of the products developed during this year’s iteration of Catalyst will support library staff in serving Miami University’s students and community. I look forward to seeing each product implemented in the coming year.
Highlights:
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41% of Libraries’ staff served on a strategic planning workgroup, with full representation of every department and classification.
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Visibility of Catalyst increased by 81% year-over-year through the Catalyst Website.
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Finishing strong with clear transition plans and standardized final reports.
- MiamiRISE, DEI initiatives, and assessment outcomes were more fully integrated.
Next Steps:
Initiative workgroups will finalize their initiatives by July 1, and the Libraries will relaunch with Catalyst AY23 in August.
Keep an eye out for the official kick-off, which will include impactful initiatives, semesterly updates, and, as always, a focus on student success.
Peace,
Jerome