Vision – A library’s vision defines the ideal desired future state of what it wants to achieve over time and provides guidance and inspiration for what the library program aims to accomplish in five or more years. Topics in this section include a process for building a vision, mission statements, resources for vision building and stakeholder responsibilities.
VISION, MISSION, AND GOALS of New York City School Libraries
VISION
The library fosters a community of learning and literacy that leads to high academic achievement, independent reading and learning, and collaboration throughout the school.
MISSION
The mission of the library program is to support and provoke the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students by:
Providing physical and intellectual access to information in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment.
Providing instruction, learning strategies, and practice in using ideas and information for effective learning.
Integrating the library program throughout every student’s education through collaboration and advocacy.
GOALS FOR EFFECTIVE LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Students are motivated and independent learners.
The library is a powerful intellectual and social space where students and teachers gather ideas, exchange points of view, and learn together.
Students and teachers have access to certified school library media specialists.
Students have equitable access to the library and its resources.
The library provides access to high-quality resources in a variety of formats that support curricular and instructional goals and respond to diverse student needs and interests.
The library facility is welcoming, with a climate conducive to individual and shared learning.
Current technology is available and operable to support multiple learning experiences in the library and remote access to library resources.
The library program supports a culture of literacy throughout the school.
The library fosters a professional learning community.
Teachers, principals, and librarians engage in ongoing professional development.
Librarians facilitate professional dialog and networking among teachers, principals, and other librarians to support continuous improvement of practice.