RAMble, the University Libraries' blog

WC University Libraries Unveils New Strategic Plan

WC University Libraries Unveils New Strategic Plan

At West Chester University (WCU), our mission is clear: we are “a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.” The University Libraries play an integral role in fulfilling this mission by providing essential resources, fostering a sense of community, and championing student success.

Today, we are excited to introduce our new strategic plan, which lays out a vision for the next three years (2024-2027). This plan was developed through a collaborative process that brought together the voices and expertise of library faculty and staff across all departments. We aimed to create an action plan that reflects our collective priorities and positions University Libraries to lead and support student success at WCU.

Four Key Goals Guiding Our Future

The new strategic plan focuses on four main goals:

1. Enhancing Learning and Knowledge Generation - We are committed to creating spaces and providing resources that empower students and faculty to explore, learn, and generate new knowledge.
2. Fostering Community and Belonging - University Libraries serve as more than just a place to study; we are a community hub. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
3. Reducing Equity Gaps and Improving Access - Ensuring equitable access to library resources is a top priority. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and making our services accessible to all.
4. Increasing Organizational Effectiveness - To support our mission, we strive to cultivate professional growth, foster effective collaboration, and be recognized for contributing to a thriving WCU campus.

A Collective Effort, a Shared Vision

The process of developing this strategic plan was inclusive and thorough. As noted by the Dean of Libraries, “We came together as a community to develop this plan, with near full engagement across all library employees. The point of the process was to listen, ensure the breadth of our voices and expertise could be heard, and to develop an integrated action plan to grow in areas we collectively prioritize to ensure excellence as an academic library.”

The strategic plan is intentionally broad yet flexible, allowing each library department to define its role and prioritize actions that align with our goals. While aspirational, the plan is grounded in practicality, as we will develop annual action plans that balance our ideals with realistic expectations.

Looking Ahead

Every member of the University Libraries will play a part in bringing this plan to life. We are deeply proud of this strategic roadmap and are committed to working together to achieve our goals over the next three years. We are ready to shape a brighter future for our university community through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision.

WC University Libraries is your place for CONNECTION, COLLECTIONS, and COMMUNITY.

For more details, visit our strategic plan landing page: WCU University Libraries Strategic Plan.