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Cushing Library is now permanently closed. It was a pleasure serving you!

Mission, Vision, and Values: Mission, Vision, and Strategic Priorities

Mission & Vision

Mission 

Inquiry, Community, Knowledge 

 

Vision  

The Paul J. Cushing Library strives to cultivate the curiosity, critical thinking, and grounded knowledge of the HNU community by supporting life-long learning and the full development of the human person.

Strategic Priorities

Resources & Collections 

We curate a collection of resources and tools in support of curriculum-based inquiry and inclusion. 

  • Build print, eBook, and other physical collections that reflect and meet the needs of our student demographics 

  • Curate and improve access to Archives Room materials

  • Expand Digital Special Collections 

  • Increase the percentage of course materials available through the library 

  • Develop a cross-departmental Open Educational Resources program  

Learning Space & Environment  

We offer welcoming, inviting spaces conducive to study, collaboration, and self-reflection. 

  • Provide welcoming, inclusive, and safe spaces to enhance user experience  

  • Assess and expand space considering 21st century design methods 

  • Ensure learning environment meets accessibility and safety standards

Exceptional Service & Radical Hospitality 

We provide services contributing to equitable access to information and resources, in support of Holy Names University’s learning, teaching, research, and social justice missions.  

  • Provide access and services that evolve to reflect our users’ growing information needs

  • Ensure the success of our diverse community through personalized service 

  • Assess user experience of the library website and work to increase accessibility and usability 

  • Reexamine the role of the reference desk and expand research services to focus on meeting our users at their point of need

Teaching & Learning 

We provide instruction and support through all facets of the intellectual and personal inquiry process, including research, reading, critical thinking, and the production of knowledge. 

  • Create for-credit information literacy (IL) courses at the undergraduate and graduate level 

  • Collaborate with faculty to embed IL in syllabi and the curriculum 

  • Expand virtual resource offerings and targeted stand-alone workshops based on student need 

  • Transition from in-class guest class sessions on general research to assignment-specific sessions and asynchronous modules 

  • Author a comprehensive assessment plan and deepen targeted data collection to assist in instructional improvement  

Planning & Development  

We engage in ongoing outreach and dialogue with our community to facilitate self-reflection and continual improvement as a library and information commons. 

  • Build partnerships within the HNU community in support of student success 

  • Develop and invest in a structure for library staff professional development, engagement, and growth 

  • Identify and reduce barriers to library services in accordance with the campus Anti-Racist Action Plan 

  • Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that communicates information, establishes our identity, and builds trust