Strategic commitments

The University of Waterloo's unique character calls for a library that is agile and builds partnerships to continuously transform approaches to the creation, discovery, use, sharing, and preservation of information that is open and equitably accessible.

The Library commits to making progress in the following areas by 2025

  • Equip scholars to navigate complex information
  • Re-envision spaces and programs to maximize impact
  • Empower staff to advance library services for learner success

The Library is uniquely positioned to realize these outcomes. Through our unparalleled services, research collections, deep expertise, and indispensable teaching of critical information appraisal, we equip scholars and students to find, assess, and integrate data and scholarship into ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems.

Vision

Your partner in learning, research and innovation.

We are bold in our services and expertise while focused on our mission and commitment to quality. Wherever your ideas may lead you, we are your partner in learning, research and innovation.

Mission

The Library advances the creation, discovery, sharing and use of knowledge through research, teaching and community collaborations that complement the stewardship of distinctive collections, services and spaces.

Values

The Library is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and human rights.

Building on this foundation, library staff combine strength and talent as we commit to these values:

  • access: equitable and open access to resources, spaces and services
  • knowledge: scholarly collections, scholarship and the creation of knowledge
  • expertise: our deep knowledge that enables the success of learning, teaching and research and empowers new discoveries
  • service: a commitment to exceptional service that motivates and characterizes all that we do
  • partnerships: intentionally being connected, engaged and active with our partners
  • community: being responsive to our learner and research communities

Strategic priorities

2020-2025 directions and goals: summary

Drawing on our mission and our values of access, knowledge, expertise, service, partnerships, and community, we will achieve the goals articulated under our strategic priorities, while embracing flexibility in responding to emerging needs.