Grounded in our role as catalysts for learning, research and community connection, the University of Waterloo Libraries’ Vision, Mission, Values and 2026–2028 Strategic Priorities aligns with the University’s long‑term goals: expanding access to knowledge, empowering researchers and learners, and contributing to Waterloo’s impact across its Global Futures.
Together, we help shape an environment where everyone can thrive.
Vision
Empowering learning and research.
At the University of Waterloo Libraries, we partner with students, researchers and community members to advance ideas, challenge assumptions and create meaningful impact. More than a home for information, we are a catalyst for learning, research and connection, empowering every changemaker on their path to discovery.
Mission
The Libraries advance the creation, discovery, sharing and use of knowledge through research, teaching and community collaborations, by providing distinctive collections, expert services and welcoming spaces.
Values
Our work is grounded in a shared commitment to empowering learning and research. We bring this commitment to life through the following values:
Access & openness
Championing equitable, barrier‑free access to knowledge, spaces and services, ensuring every learner and researcher can explore, create and grow.
Expertise & guidance
Applying deep professional expertise to support discovery, critical inquiry and innovation. We are trusted guides who help our community navigate an ever‑evolving information landscape.
Collaboration & partnership
Building strong, respectful relationships across campus and beyond, working together to create opportunities, spark ideas and strengthen community impact.
Inclusion & belonging
Cultivating welcoming, inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels seen, heard and supported throughout their learning and research journeys.
Service & stewardship
Providing responsive, proactive service and stewarding collections, spaces and knowledge resources with care, today and for future generations.
Curiosity & innovation
Embracing curiosity, continuous learning and new ways of thinking, evolving our services and spaces to meet emerging needs and inspire bold exploration.
Strategic priorities
These priorities focus our resources and expertise to anticipate the evolving needs of the campus community while contributing meaningfully to Waterloo at 100 and the University's vision to deepen interdisciplinary research and advance societal impact.
Research Services
Expert guidance, tools and partnerships that empower researchers to discover, manage, analyse and share information throughout the research lifecycle.
Areas of focus
- Deploy collections strategies to meet research and curriculum needs
- Finalize and activate research services strategy
- Integrate libraries expertise and resources into campus research activities
Learning, access & inclusion
Creating welcoming, accessible environments and delivering resources and services that enable every researcher—regardless of background or ability—to participate fully in scholarly life.
Areas of focus
- Develop information, data and AI literacy instruction for all learners
- Support historically underrepresented scholars
- Enhance excellence to our virtual library spaces
Space, activities & partnerships
Designing flexible, technology-enabled environments and programming that supports collaborative research, innovative learning and community engagement.
Areas of focus
- Begin implementation of strategic space plan
- Strengthen and explore effective campus partnerships
- Build awareness of the Libraries as a hub for integrated research and learning support
Organizational transitions
Evolving people, workflows and systems to support sustainable operations and ensure continued relevance in a changing academic landscape.
Areas of focus
- Evolve service models to meet changing user needs
- Realign teams and workflows for peak effectiveness
- Support ongoing change management and organizational culture shifts