The HS/HSL strategic planning team spent most of the past year building our strategic planning knowledge base through strategic listening, food events, surveys, and follow-up conversations with anyone who will talk to us. We’ve accumulated quite a bit of data. Soon it will be information. Then, knowledge. And finally, a new strategic plan! There’s some work to do to get to that point.

Some quick things that we have learned:

From the students: They really want 24 hour library access and love our space. So much so, they wouldn’t mind if we provided blankets!

From the faculty: For the faculty, it’s all about the resources and the expertise we provide to help them with systematic reviews, impact analyses, and research and grant proposals.

From the staff: Here is where we found the greatest need. We discovered that staff don’t know all the things the library team can do to help them personally or in support of their work. Clearly, we have some opportunities.

Overall, we have found a great appreciation of the Library as a neutral, cultural space for exhibits and programs where all are welcome.

Thanks so much to everyone who contributed ideas or suggestions. We truly appreciate it!