Reflection from Julie Garrison
I am excited to share the University Libraries’ 2024-2027 Strategic Plan in this year’s Impact Report! This effort started in 2019 and was paused until December 2022. Our Strategic Planning Task Force engaged in a renewed year-long process, reviewing feedback collected in 2019, conducting new focus groups and listening sessions, and exploring profound changes in the needs of our community over the past four years.
With Western’s 2022-2032 plan as a roadmap, our plan identifies the Libraries’ role in empowering academic excellence; advancing research, scholarly communications, and publishing; fostering community building; and cultivating well-being. As you’ll see in this year’s Impact Report, our faculty and staff are already building a robust track record of success in all these areas and are well-positioned to advance the strategies identified in our new plan.
As you browse this report, I know that our emphasis on fostering connections, enriching the student academic experience, and creating fun, inclusive and inviting library environments will stand out as points of pride. Our stories illustrate our dedication to offering relevant and engaging programs that increase awareness of important issues and heighten the visibility of essential resources.
The report highlights ways we actively listen and respond to growing faculty and student needs by continued investment in academic support services and creating adaptable spaces. Furthermore, our participation in vital state-wide and national efforts addresses broader discovery, access and preservation challenges and underscores our commitment to the academic library profession and the fulfillment of our mission.
The accomplishments of our library team continually humble me. It is undeniably an exciting time in the University Libraries. I trust you will enjoy reading this report and celebrating our achievements with us. I invite you to visit the Libraries and witness our ongoing evolution to meet the diverse needs of our community and forge into the future.