The Libraries are embarking on a planning process which will involve all library faculty and staff for the next few months. The Planning Committee that will lead the process is composed of Marilyn Von Seggern and Mary Gilles as co-Chairs, Janet Chisman, Vicki Croft, Rhonda Gaylord, Daryl Herbison, Lauren McNiece, Ingrid Mifflin, Jill Palmer, Barbara Paulson, Kay Vyhnanek, Sharon Walbridge, John Webb, Leslie Wykoff and Christy Zlatos. Please feel free to contact or talk with any member of the Committee during this planning process. If you prefer to contribute anonymously, that's fine.
When Nancy Baker met with the Planning Committee on February 12 she stated that now is an appropriate time to begin a planning process because the Libraries have sustained several budget cuts recently, there have been internal changes that have affected how we do things and the information world has changed dramatically in the last five years. The Committee is to start fresh and take a new look at ourselves, what we're doing, how we do it and how best to organize for the future. This process will not eliminate positions, but we can't anticipate getting any new ones either. We need to work with what we have. By next fall the Committee is to develop a statement of organizational values, a mission statement, a vision statement, over-riding principles/framework, an organization chart and a description of the decision-making process including communications and Library committees. For this effort to succeed we need and want your involvement throughout the process.
The first aspect the Committee is focusing on is a statement of organizational values. Committee members and 20 other staff and faculty attended a valued retreat about a week ago. We are planning 3 additional mini-retreats so that everyone can contribute to the development of the values statement. We strongly encourage each faculty and staff member to attend one of the mini-retreats. More information will be provided soon.
The Planning Committee is committed to an open and inclusive process as we plan our way to the future. We'll communicate and seek involvement through e-mail, a Web page, informal discussions. meetings and whatever other methods are appropriate.
As you go about your daily activities begin thinking about the kind of organization needed to meet patron information needs, the kind of organization you want the Libraries to be, the kind of organization you want to be part of. Your ideas, thoughts, experience and involvement will help us realize the organization we can be!