USMAI Statement of Purpose, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Priorities

Adopted April 21, 2020 by the Council of Library Directors

Purpose

The purpose of the Consortium is to support effective access to library resources, provide and promote a range of services, leverage expertise, and maximize benefits to the individual libraries of the member institutions.

Guiding Principles

  • Effective collaboration and sharing across USMAI member libraries produces greater collective benefits than can be achieved individually.
  • USMAI enables our member libraries to better accomplish their missions and serve their users by providing high-quality, cost-effective resources and services that evolve to meet the changing needs of our members.
  • The benefits of consortium membership will vary among our diverse institutions.
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are fundamental values of the consortium and its members and are reflected in both the internal operations of each organization and in the resources and services provided to all users.
  • The staff of USMAI and its libraries are our greatest resource. Their professional growth and enhancement of their skills will be supported.
  • USMAI’s success depends on participation, accountability, open and timely communication, and commitment to joint work by all members.
  • USMAI will be a responsible steward of resources entrusted to it by its members.
  • We advocate for our libraries and principles on the state and national level.

Strategic Priorities

Shared Systems, Tools, and Services

USMAI provides forward-looking shared technology infrastructure solutions that:

  • increase each library's capabilities and contributions to its institutional missions;
  • support improved productivity among member libraries and their authorized users;
  • leverage coordinated workflows and tools for greater efficiency and effectiveness;
  • make information more discoverable, reusable, and durable; and
  • enable improved local and group assessment and decision-making.

Shared Information Resources

USMAI is committed to expanding affordable and equitable access to information resources in all formats, by all authorized users of member libraries, through:

  • resource sharing programs;
  • cost-effective shared collections management;
  • group licensing and purchasing of electronic resources and digital collections;
  • coordinated digitization and discovery pathways for distinctive local materials; and
  • collective advocacy and actions with other partners creating open and sustainable systems for creation and distribution of scholarly information and creative works.

Shared Expertise and Practices

USMAI provides shared expertise and supports the development of a diverse and talented library workforce across its member institutions through:

  • shared program coordinators and technical experts;
  • high quality training events and programs;
  • mentoring and other enhanced experiences to prepare future library leaders; and
  • shared expertise and cultivation of communities of practice.

Organizational Effectiveness

USMAI serves its members through an effective organizational model that:

  • respects and promotes the diverse cultures and practices of member institutions;
  • supports membership cost-sharing reflecting each institution’s usage of shared consortium resources;
  • provides opt-in services and resources for both current members and potential new partners;
  • utilizes consistent staffing practices in hiring and retaining consortium staff;
  • provides clear lines of communication and accountability;
  • achieves greater cost efficiencies through scalable financial practices; and
  • relies upon regular reporting of data to inform decision-making.


PDF Version of the Statement of Purpose, Guiding Principles, and Strategic Priorities

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