NMSU Library Strategic Plan Working Documents

As we begin the strategic planning process, it is important for us to develop a compelling vision of the future we want to create. The vision should define a preferred future and serve as the initial step towards achieving it. The vision forms the basis for all subsequent planning and action. In the past, libraries have often relied on passive statements, such as "the heart of the university" to define their vision. In my opinion, this does not accurately state the very active and important efforts libraries can undertake to assure quality from the beginning of the academic enterprise.

Our vision, it seems to me, must address outcomes that are appropriate for a Carnegie I research university with a land grant mission. The vision should focus on the user and be demand driven. It should reach beyond the traditional boundaries for materials, technologies, instruction, and services. The vision should recognize the centrality of skilled personnel and human interpretation in the scholarly information process. It should honor the past and create the future. With these concepts in mind, I believe that by the year 2000:

The New Mexico State University Library will assure an environment for intellectual inquiry by providing user-focused services to obtain and evaluate scholarly information and knowledge--in many formats and from multiple sources--necessary for the NMSU community to create new knowledge, to increase understanding, and to develop wisdom.

This draft vision is intended to serve as the starting point for a discussion on a strategic plan for the University Library. I hope you will add to it, delete from it, and help interpret it throughout the planning process.

Please address comments or questions about this document to Charles Townley, ctownley@lib.nmsu.edu, Dean, University Library

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