Vision, Mission and Goals
About the Library
Lovejoy Library was named for the abolitionist newspaper editor, Elijah Lovejoy, who was shot and killed while defending his press from a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois, in 1837.
Mission
Library and Information Services (LIS) is an innovative, student-centered environment that fosters collaboration, communication and diversity to support the University’s mission. We shape a changing world through a dynamic information literacy program, and by connecting scholars and lifelong learners to resources.
Vision
LIS will empower individuals and advance scholarly research and learning by creating diverse collections, connecting users to resources, investing in dynamic collaborative spaces and teaching information literacy.
Building a Community: Six Strategic Directions
Teach \ˈtēch\ verb: to impart knowledge
- Develop and implement a robust Information Literacy Program (ILP) aligned with general education and school programs by using the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) framework as the foundation for transformational learning.
- The ACRL framework is based on a cluster of interconnected core concepts, with flexible options for implementation. This framework will guide and inform the ILP through all disciplines at SIUE. The framework is organized into six frames: authority is constructed and contextual, information creation as a process, information has value, research as inquiry, scholarship as conversation, and searching as strategic exploration.
Learn \ˈlərn\ verb: to acquire knowledge and skill
- Create a rewarding workplace environment with an emphasis on excellence, collaboration and diversity, where library faculty and staff succeed and grow professionally and personally.
- As academic libraries shift from an ownership of a physical resources model to an access to virtual resources model, the need for well-educated, flexible and high tech-savvy professional librarians and staff members will continue to increase. LIS will hire adaptable staff members with advanced education, training and skills. It is imperative that all full-time LIS employees become better acquainted with the art and science of academic librarianship.
Enhance \in-ˈhan(t)s\ verb: to raise up to a higher degree
- Integrate 21st century technologies to transform approaches to information literacy, library space, collections and assessment.
- All areas of the 21st century library are affected by advances in technology, from new approaches to the delivery of Library Instruction, to re-envisioning how library space should be organized for student use. Within collections, the use of digital tools enhances data collection, management and analysis, resulting in more effective information curation and display, and enhancing assessment of library space, collections and services. Additionally, new innovative tools are significantly improving user experience of content discovery. Because technology impacts all library operations, strategic directions in this area must be addressed in a holistic way.
Design \di-ˈzīn\ verb: to fashion artistically or skillfully
- Provide and expand innovative spaces for diverse users collaborating in the creation of knowledge.
- LIS provides space for diverse groups of thinkers, which reflects our commitment to supporting all patrons. The provision of physical and virtual space is essential for providing academic experiences and success.
Empower \im-ˈpau̇ (-ə)r\ verb: to become stronger or more successful
- Ensure the success of special student populations by providing services and resources that meet their unique needs.
- Post-traditional students are an increasing cohort in university enrollment. These students generally demonstrate a wide diversity in their learning approaches and preferences. They include single mothers, veterans and career changers who have accumulated some college credit, and are seeking career-oriented credentials. Such learners are generally typified by defining characteristics that the world of work, community engagement, parenting, travel and other life experiences provide.
Engage \in-ˈgāj\ verb: to attract and connect
- Create strategic outreach opportunities involving University and community partners to facilitate learning and scholarship through sharing, managing, developing and preserving information.
- Library Outreach is defined as a nexus of activities from advocacy, public relations, publicity, promotion, instruction, programming and marketing. Outreach involves marketing library services, collections, people and spaces. Furthermore, outreach allows for the dissemination of the changing nature of information, communicating successes and demonstrating the impact and value of the library. While outreach increases the library’s visibility, it more importantly fosters high impact learning through critical analysis, engagement in teaching, research and campus citizenship.
