The Washington State University Libraries serve the evolving needs of teaching and learning, research and service for the University and provide opportunities for the lifelong learning of the citizens of the state.

u We value communication that is open, creative, consultative and responsive to individual differences and user and organizational needs.

u We value trust, openness, integrity, and respect which allow individuals to work productively and effectively so both the individual and the organization thrive.

u We value our collective knowledge, experience, and skills and utilize them to work at our fullest potential to provide service to users.

u We value the opportunity for each member of the WSU Libraries to be both a leader and a follower.

u To meet the challenges of a continually changing academic and information environment, we embrace innovative thinking and flexibility. We approach our work cooperatively and with a good sense of humor.

The Washington State University Libraries provide access to a diversity of information, ideas, and creative works to stimulate and support the University’s land-grant mission of teaching and learning, research and service. We also provide support for the lifelong learning of the citizens of the state. The Libraries are committed to developing, organizing and preserving collections in all forms, providing access to a diversity of information resources, and to instructing people in their use. The Libraries provide work and service environments that nurture creativity, productivity and trust among staff and users of the Libraries’ resources.

Higher education is changing to meet the challenges of expanded access, increased diversity, enriched modes of learning, competition, and declining state and federal financial support. The Libraries’ role is growing in the areas of instruction in how to find, acquire, and evaluate information, and of provisions of tools for accessing networked information. Libraries were once relatively self contained organizations, but a networked environment will require new modes of cooperation. Within the Libraries this will be facilitated by different organizational models and new modes of working and will require flexibility to learn new skills. Among libraries this will extend buying power, foster the exchange of ideas, and improve service to information seekers. Values such as cooperation, flexibility, innovation, and risk-taking will be essential for information providers and information seekers in this changing, networked environment. Libraries will continue to be leaders in bringing information and people together.