Mission Statement

The Lock Haven University Libraries provide bibliographical, physical, intellectual and
technological access to knowledge and information that supports and enriches the educational
program and curricular needs of campuses. We seek to ensure that Lock Haven University
students graduate prepared for the 21st century, able to effectively locate, organize, evaluate,
synthesize, and apply information to enhance their careers and their lives as citizens of the
Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

Vision Statement

The goal of the libraries is to encourage faculty and students to explore the vast amount of
knowledge and information available to them, and to assist faculty and students in their quest for
learning. Ideally the libraries hope to become the true information centers for the campuses.

We envision an expanded definition of what it means to be the “heart of the university,” creating
spaces where individuals and groups can come to enjoy, critique, analyze, explore, and build
upon the recorded knowledge of mankind. Towards that goal, we will be working on a plan for a
more comprehensive renovation of Stevenson Library.

Over the next ten years we will be continuing to build our on-site print collections, but will focus increasingly on new forms of media and electronic access. The libraries are asked not only to meet the needs of expanding undergraduate curricula, but also to support new graduate programs and accreditation research expectations.

New generations of faculty and students are coming to the campuses expecting ready electronic access to books, newspapers, journal articles, multimedia, websites, simulations, data-files, and numerous other information formats. The libraries are committed to making judicious choices in moving toward new technologies.

Beyond the physical buildings and collections, the libraries seek to build partnerships with other
parts of the campus to create a rich information environment for our users. As the information
explosion continues, classroom and library faculty will be increasingly challenged to provide
students with a full range of information literacy and critical thinking skills, and there will be
increased demand for assessment of those efforts.

We will build ties with professionals in student affairs, computing, honors, international studies, and other areas to provide opportunities for students to engage fully in university life and to develop lifelong learning skills. As a core element of Academic Affairs, we contribute significantly to the professional development of the university’s faculty, and support the informational needs of the administration.

Our vision is tempered by the imperative to keep the costs of higher education down – to operate
as efficiently as possible. The libraries will be challenged to manage our limited human
resources to our best advantage. The libraries rely on teamwork both internally and with others
on campus and across PASSHE in working towards this vision.

Dr. Tara Lynn Fulton, September 2005