Appreciative Inquiry and Our Strategic Plan

Born out of research by Dr. David Cooperrider of Case Western University, the philosophy and process of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) focuses on the positive to create change rather than the negative. During his doctoral research, Dr. Cooperrider discovered that centering on the positive aspects of a group or individual enables people to move forward towards specific goals. Through AI, you identify what is working, analyze why it is working, then design ways in which these successes can be replicated. This process provides a framework within which we can discover, dream, design, and achieve our destiny — the 4 key elements of AI.

In the simplest terms, AI is a method of affecting change in a positive way. One key strategic directive in the University Libraries Strategic Plan is to develop dynamic learning environments beginning with the faculty librarians and staff. By harnessing our collective knowledge and creativity and applying AI, we will create environments that help others to unlock the scholarly, professional, and human potential of all those who seek it.

For more information about Appreciative Inquiry, go to: http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/

Strategic Plan Presented to Business School Faculty Assembly

Upon invitation from Dr. Ellen Harshman, Dean of the Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University, Dr. Gail M. Staines, University Libraries, presented “Great Libraries are the Heart of Great Universities” 2007- 2012 Strategic Plan to the Spring 2007 Business School Faculty Assembly. We appreciate having the opportunity to share our goals and objectives with faculty so that they can provide us with informative feedback. Presentations such as this enable us to raise the awareness of information resources and library services along with the challenges we face in providing needed support for student and faculty research and learning.

Gail M. Staines, Ph.D.

University Librarian

Saint Louis University

Provost Highlights Strategic Plan

Provost Joseph Weixlmann has highlighted the University Libraries Strategic Plan in his Spring 2007 issue of the PROVOST’s PERSPECTIVE.

In his article “Great Libraries are the Heart of Great Universities,” (on page 1), Provost Weixlmann states that this Plan will “enhance the intellectual inquiry and communication dimension of a SLU education.” We are delighted that Dr. Weixlmann chose our Strategic Planning initiatives to share with the rest of the SLU community.

Best,

Gail M. Staines, Ph.D.

University Librarian

Saint Louis University

Introduction to the Strategic Planning Blog

Dear Interested Reader:

This is the initial introductory blog posting to the Saint Louis University Libraries Strategic Plan (2007-2012). The purpose of this blog is two-fold. First, it is the place where the University Libraries will provide updates on the implementation of our Plan. Second, it is a way for you to provide us with feedback on the Plan as well as a place for you to ask questions.

Our primary audience is students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Saint Louis University, as well as friends and supporters of the University Libraries. From July through December 2006, the Strategic Planning Core Team worked countless hours to develop our blueprint for the future. A thorough Needs Assessment was completed. This included reviewing the history of the University’s libraries back to the founding of the University in 1818 as well as analyzing all aspects of information resources and library services — from collections to personnel, from buildings to technology and everything in between. From the Needs Assessment and an environmental scan of the literature and our peer institutions, four essential strategic directives were identified.

Envisioning the Library as Place is one key element of the libraries’ future. Our goal is to create and maintain user-centered research, teaching, and learning environments at Pius XII Memorial Library and the Medical Center Library as well as virtually through our web portal http://www.slulink.slu.edu. As Pius Library approaches its 50th anniversary in 2009, we will re-invent library spaces and modernize Pius Library to meet the contemporary needs of today’s students and faculty.

Unlocking the Libraries’ Potential is a second important element with the goal of developing a dynamic learning organization. Part of this strategic directive is to create an executive advisory board that will guide us in procuring outside resources to allow us to reach our goals.

Confronting the Libraries’ Role in the Academic Enterprise seeks to optimize access to information resources that support research and scholarly activity as well as establishing ideal conditions for preservation and access to the University’s rare and unique research collections.

And, through Community Engaging Opportunities, we will enhance the visibility of the University Libraries and enrich the academic community by partnering with affinity groups, individuals, and cultural institutions. By raising the awareness of information resources, library services, and special collections, we look to attract support and build resources in supporting continued excellence in scholarship and research of the University community.

With this blog, we open the door to the world of University Libraries at Saint Louis University. We hope that you will find this web site informative and we look forward to reading your feedback and answering your questions.

Best,

Gail M. Staines, Ph.D University Librarian Saint Louis University