To support the present and anticipated teaching, research and service goals of the University of South Alabama, the mission of the University Libraries is to select, acquire, organize, promote and provide timely and efficient access to information resources, regardless of format or location. This includes instruction on access to and critical evaluation of those resources. As faculty members, all librarians are encouraged to contribute to the profession and to the University of South Alabama through professional research, development and service activities on the library, the university, and the professional association levels, as well as by assisting users with their own professional research and service.
Support the philosophies embodied in the American Library Association "Library Bill of Rights," the American Library Association "Code of Ethics," and the "Joint Statement of the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers on Freedom to Read," in order to safeguard the values of intellectual freedom and free access to information.
Participate in cooperative programs with other Libraries to provide access to collections and services beyond those available at the University of South Alabama.
Establish and maintain outreach services to the community as appropriate.
Provide services for interpreting the Libraries' collections to patrons and assisting them in locating, evaluating and utilizing the resources required to meet their informational needs.
Establish and maintain a comprehensive collection development program which supports the teaching and scholarship of the University of South Alabama.
Develop effective means of communication with the Libraries' public to inform them of resources, services and policies, and to promote sustained development of the Libraries in support of the University's mission.
Utilize innovations in library technology and automation to provide efficient library services and access to the Libraries' collections and to regional and national information resources.
Provide bibliographic identification of materials by applying national standards to facilitate bibliographic control and to contribute to the sharing of knowledge.
Establish and maintain special collections of materials which are distinctive to the region, provide archival support to the University, or fulfill the obligation of the University Libraries to preserve rare and special materials.
Maintain a flexible, well-articulated organizational structure based on the best practices of academic library administration and management which ensures the collegial role of the Libraries Faculty in governance and encourages the participation by staff in decision making.
Develop organizational and management mechanisms which ensure an effective systematic approach to planning library operations.
Secure adequate financial support and provide effective budgeting to ensure that the Libraries fulfill their mission.
Recruit, develop, and support the personnel needed to fulfill the Libraries' mission and objectives.
Provide sufficient facilities, space, and equipment in order to assure access to library resources; provide adequate study areas; promote efficient library operations; and ensure the safety and security of library patrons, personnel, and resources.
Encourage and support the professional development and service activities of the University Libraries Faculty.
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Form II: Goals (as HTML)
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updated: 4/05/06. kpw