Leadership & Management
Building a 21st Century Research Library
Strategic management sets priorities, guides decision-making, and measures progress. Accountability is expected of individuals, groups, and the Libraries as a whole. Policy guides funds management, accounting standards and rules are followed, and efficiency is valued.
Knowledge-based decision-making is used throughout the organization. Management groups handle strategic issues; operating decisions are made by those who are responsible for implementation. Faculty, classified staff, administrative professionals, and students participate in both policy (formulation or decisions or decision-making / needs a word after policy – just not sure which one is most appropriate) and operations.
Fundraising and grants provide support for new initiatives to supplement state funds. Development efforts focus on support for strengthening collections and services. Entrepreneurship is encouraged and supported. Public relations and fundraising are activities in which most of the staff and faculty participate. Public relations and marketing efforts are prominent and coordinated across all library units.
The annual budget and the number of staff enable the Libraries to provide excellent services and build collections appropriate to a major doctoral-degree granting institution. Association of Research Libraries’ (ARL) rank is in the middle-range. University
administration and faculty appreciate the significance of participation in ARL and other library organizations, and the Libraries is a recognized leader in library cooperation.
The Libraries rewards individual performance, creativity, and initiative in support of its mission and vision.
Continuous learning and productivity are expected and rewarded. The Libraries’ recruitment strategy focuses on future human resource needs. A training curriculum is in place that guides faculty and staff in their mastery of skills they will need in the future. Research, scholarship and outreach are encouraged and supported for library faculty and staff.
The Libraries’ faculty and staff provide leadership at all levels within the University and the Libraries. Library faculty members are involved in University policy –making and governance, and professional organizations. Both faculty and staff have influence across campus and in regional and national library organizations.
Open communication is continuous and widespread. Faculty and staff at all levels cooperate in developing the Libraries’ strategic direction and contribute to its success. Everyone values individual and group contribution and commitment. Interdepartmental conflict and rumors are rare.
The Libraries seeks flexibility in its approach to management, including human resources and fiscal management.
The campus appreciates the Libraries contribution to the University’s mission of teaching, research, and outreach, and values the role it plays in campus life. The Libraries are sought after as a partner in new initiatives.
Library faculty and staff monitor trends in learning and research and communicate these to the campus.