The UWM Libraries undertake strategic planning on a regular basis to ensure that we are closely aligned with UWM and engaged with broader trends in higher education and academic libraries. The following plan was developed in conversation with major University initiatives, many of which are still under development or have just started, including the 2030 Action Plan, Campus Cares initiatives focused on the health and well-being of the UWM community, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan. Our most recent planning cycle also coincided with the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed significant stress on the UWM community that we serve, our staff, and financial resources.
Student success, research excellence, community engagement and DEI values provide a solid framework for library priorities relating to collections, services, staff development, and spaces, both physical and virtual. Through these initiatives, we will advance the instructional, research, and service mission of UWM, Wisconsin’s only public, urban research university.
Student Success/Outstanding Learning Environment
Provide student-centered library services and support that result in student success in the form of retention and graduation for all students.
INITIATIVE 1: Support UWM’s affordable learning goals for students by promoting no or low-cost library collections and resources.
INITIATIVE 2: Develop and provide library services that demonstrate maximum flexibility and grace to students experiencing obstacles to their academic success.
INITIATIVE 3: Develop and offer programming related to healing and recovery (not just “back to normal”).
INITIATIVE 4: Develop library spaces aligned with student needs.
INITIATIVE 5: Rebuild student connections with the Libraries by re-engaging with key UWM stakeholders.
Research Excellence
Support the University’s research goals by providing access to resources, stewarding unique digital content and historical collections, participating in activities designed to create change in scholarly communication, and positioning the Libraries as a hub for research support services.
INITIATIVE 1: Develop an affordable collection aligned with institutional priorities, preserve rare and unique materials, and extend access to geospatial data.
INITIATIVE 2: Foster a culture of collaboration between UWM researchers and library staff around scholarly communications and open access.
INITIATIVE 3: Support innovative and forward-looking research and teaching at UWM by leveraging our staff’s growing expertise in digital technologies.
Community Engagement
Engage the UWM community and the broader public in ways that extend access to the resources, services, and staff expertise of the UWM Libraries.
INITIATIVE 1: Re-engage with the community beyond UWM in ways that are mutually beneficial and support the Libraries’ mission.
INITIATIVE 2: Expand promotion of UWM research, especially as it relies on library collections, services, and staff expertise.
INITIATIVE 3: Improve the UWM Libraries’ web presence
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Provide a radically welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone at UWM. Support the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of library operations, including collections, services, programs, staff recruitment and retention, and staff development.
See the UWM Libraries Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan for specific initiatives and actions.