Service Vision Statement
(Approved by RISG, 4/15/09)
The MIT Libraries will provide a culture that facilitates user self-sufficiency and independent discovery. Users will have quick connectivity to subject and technical expertise when consultation is needed, through a variety of communication channels.
We will strive:
- to deliver consistently high-quality services through follow-up and assessment.
- to be agile, developing innovative solutions in response to our dynamic environment.
- to raise users' awareness of our services in support of their independence and self-sufficiency.
Older drafts and notes (also see play space below)
2009 reference vision statement first draft:
The MIT Libraries will provide a reference culture that enables user self-sufficiency and easy access to staff. We will facilitate independent discovery and provide quick connectivity to appropriate experts when needed. Through our flexibility and mobility, we will strive to help users where they need help. We will strive to develop innovative solutions in response to the dynamic environment. We will make every effort to raise awareness of services in our community, because user self-sufficiency requires it. Our well-trained staff will stay current to help with immediate needs and will know when to refer.
Notes from RISG meeting, 3/18/09:
- We need to define reference. This would put us on the same page, and make sure that people know it's not just for librarians; it's for everyone. (I'm wondering if we just need to call it something else, or if there's a way around defining this word. I don't like the idea of having to understand a definition to understand the rest of the statement.)
- A lot of things in the statement address more than just traditional reference. Should we really just call it a reference vision statement, when we mention outreach, instruction, and marketing, too??
- Add something about how reference occurs is a lot of different ways (in person, at desk, etc.).
- At least one person liked the phrase "reference culture."
- We talked about taking the word "reference" out. It would still make total sense.
- This is kind of a vision and mission statement combined. We talk about how to get there, too, and we should really just look at where we want to be.
- Missing: issue of referral. Should we put that last sentence of the 2002 report back in?
- Add something about when people need help. (Maybe change it to "we will strive to help users where and when then need help.")
- Maggie like the word "consultations" that we saw in one of the reference definitions. Looking back, I would have liked to have heard more about why that word works for her.
- The last sentence didn't sit too well with some people; maybe take the word "well-trained" out? (The reason: our staff is not all well-trained.)
- When we send it, we should say what and who this statement addresses. (desk staff, all public service staff, whatever.)