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Vision, Mission and Values

Vision, mission, and values statements of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System.

Vision

We believe that a vibrant, connected, accessible network of libraries will lead to improved public education and quality of life for our citizens. Therefore, The System will:

  • encourage and support cooperation among all types of libraries, facilitating and promoting the sharing of library resources to create wider access to information, including access for persons with disabilities;
  • improve the cost effectiveness and substantively increase the impact of libraries and their services as vital agencies in creating an informed citizenry by wise use of taxpayer resources;
  • advocate to policy makers and stakeholders the value of academic, public, special and school libraries in the information age by working with our partners;
  • lead innovation in library services, providing timely information on emerging trends and important research in the field of library science;
  • enable libraries to ensure that every resident within the service area has equitable access to the information needed for lifelong learning that supports work, school, or personal growth and development, through technology supports, professional development, consulting, and group purchasing.

Mission

The System promotes excellence in library operations by providing critical and cost effective supportive services.

Values

We value the right of Illinois library users to have access to information.

We believe in the important role that interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing among our members plays in providing that access.

We value our members and our staff.

We recognize the importance of our members and staff and the contributions they make to our ability to fulfill our mission.

We value our partnerships.

We have a unique integrating role in the public interest that links our key stakeholders: member libraries, our technology partners, and state government.

We value and encourage open dialogue.

We will actively engage stakeholders in shaping the services we provide.

We value innovation and creativity.

We recognize that a balance of appropriate caution and strategic risk are both necessary for creativity and innovation.

We value responsible stewardship of our resources and operate with integrity.

We understand our responsibility to seek out and adopt both ethical principles and practice standards to guide the provision of services.


(Adopted by the Merger Design Team, 7 December 2010.)