Library Strategic Plan: 2026-2030

Over the course of the academic year, library faculty and staff collaboratively developed a strategic plan extending through 2030. Rather than relying on an outside facilitator, four goal committees worked independently within assigned themes, engaging library colleagues and key stakeholders to gather information, share perspectives, and identify priorities. Through this collaborative process, all committee members actively contributed their knowledge and insights, helping shape strategic goals that align the Library’s work with the University’s goals and the Library’s values while emphasizing transparency, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to learning and growth.

1. Foster a Student-Centered Learning Environment (Library Value 1)
   Promote the central campus environment that encourages undergraduate and graduate student learning, instills a sense of belonging, and empowers students to thrive as their best and most authentic selves.
   By 2030, we will:
   a. Support and prepare the whole student to successfully enter the workforce and the broader society (University Goal 1.1);
   b. Prioritize physical and psychological safety, mental health support, and crisis readiness in support of student retention (University Goal 1.2);
   c. Provide inclusive and flexible spaces (University Goal 4.2, 5.1);
   d. Invest in an empowered workforce and an agile and responsive organizational structure through collaboration, continuous learning, professional growth, recognition, and well-being (University Goal 2.1).
    
2. Engage with Diverse Perspectives (Library Values 2, 4)
   Equip students with the ability to analyze how different backgrounds and beliefs influence the way information is understood and interpreted.
   By 2030, we will:
   a.    Expand opportunities for connection, belonging, and access by bringing together diverse voices (University Goal 4.1, 5.1);
   b.    Cultivate cultural humility and understanding of diverse student needs to enhance the library’s workplace environment (University Goal 2.2);
   c.    Expand representation of diverse perspectives across programming and collections (University Goal 1.2).
    
3. Advance Ethical Research and Artificial Intelligence Literacy for Faculty and Students (Library Values 1, 3)
   Lead critical evaluation of research, including artificial intelligence.
   By 2030, we will:
   a.    Support researchers by providing expertise, technologies, and scholarly communication services that enhance the creation, discovery, dissemination, preservation, and impact of UTC scholarship (University Goal 3.1);  
   b.    Collaborate with campus partners to help students responsibly and ethically evaluate and engage with AI (University Goal 1.2);
   c.    Invest in professional development to increase staff knowledge of and competencies regarding AI (University Goal 2.2).
    
4. Strengthen Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Visibility (Library Values 2, 4)
   Build meaningful relationships with campus, Chattanooga, and other relevant communities to empower citizens of all backgrounds in developing their unique strengths and potential.
   By 2030, we will:
   a.    Expand collaboration with local and regional partners (University Goal 5.2);
   b.    Strengthen communication and outreach strategies (University Goal 5.1).