University Libraries unveils new strategic plan

We are thrilled to unveil our new 2024-2027 strategic plan after an extensive development process.

We paused our initial planning process in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many organizations, we honed our operations and priorities to focus on serving our community during a difficult time. In late 2022, we restarted our strategic planning process and embarked on an extensive listening campaign to tap into our community’s needs and aspirations.

Utilizing the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation's Turning Outward framework, we held conversations with stakeholders to gain insight into community aspirations and uncover innovative connections between their vision and what we can offer. Campus surveys, student tabling sessions, and extensive discussions with our library team followed these community conversations.

Our 2024-2027 University Libraries Strategic Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community, aligns with our University’s priorities and supports our values. We are energized by our goals and the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change, empower our community and enhance the impact of our academic libraries.

Goals

Empower academic excellence

We develop high-impact, inclusive learning experiences to help students and researchers navigate and critically engage with an ever-changing, complex information ecosystem.

Advance research, scholarly communications, and publishing

We support the successful research of the WMU community by providing access to information in all formats, representing diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives. We develop pathways for disseminating and publishing research results effectively.

Foster community building

We build relationships that foster belonging and inclusion throughout our communities by preserving and sharing untold histories. We create responsive programs that utilize our unique resources and expertise.

Cultivate well-being

We holistically address our users’ needs, cultivating an inclusive, welcoming environment and empowering them to develop along the eight dimensions of wellness.

Read our full strategic plan online at wmich.edu/library/strategic-plan.