Strategic Plan Framework

Advancing Knowledge, Amplifying Impact

RIT Libraries will anticipate and respond to developments shaping teaching, research, and scholarly communication, including emerging technologies and the changing nature of work, by adapting our services, collections, infrastructure, and expertise to meet our community's needs. Guided by our values of ACCESS, COMMUNITY, STEWARDSHIP, and INNOVATION, we will advance knowledge, connect people and ideas, and amplify the impact of RIT in a rapidly changing world.

Themes and Goals

Learning, Engagement, and Student Success

Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are transforming how students learn, conduct research, collaborate, and prepare for their careers. RIT Libraries is a vital partner in student success, supporting learners across disciplines throughout their academic journey. Through information, digital, and AI literacies, experiential learning, interdisciplinary inquiry, and equitable access to resources and expertise, we prepare all students to think critically, navigate an evolving information landscape, and become curious, adaptable, and future-ready.

Goals:

  • Advance Learning and Future Readiness. Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and literacies (information, AI, and data) needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
  • Empower Students at Every Stage. Develop responsive services and intentional collaborations that support student success throughout the academic experience.
  • Expand Experiential Learning. Create opportunities for students to apply knowledge through research, creative inquiry, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences.

Research, Scholarship, and Creative Inquiry

World-changing research depends on access to knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ability to transform ideas into impact. RIT Libraries strengthens the research ecosystem by supporting inquiry, discovery, creation, dissemination, and preservation. Through evolving expertise, innovative services, access to technology, and intentional investment in research infrastructure, we help researchers and creators navigate an increasingly complex scholarly landscape and amplify the reach and influence of their work.

Goals:

  • Strengthen Research Partnerships. Integrate library expertise throughout the research lifecycle to support emerging research needs and evolving scholarly practices.
  • Enable Scholarly and Creative Inquiry. Expand services, infrastructure, and expertise that support research, creative inquiry, and the creation of new knowledge.
  • Amplify Research Impact. Increase the visibility, accessibility, and engagement with RIT scholarship, creative works, and research outputs.

Community, Well-Being, and Belonging

Connection and belonging are essential to learning, creativity, and personal growth. RIT Libraries is one of the few places on campus that brings together people from across disciplines, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We create opportunities for engagement, exploration, and shared experiences that strengthen community. Through welcoming spaces, meaningful programs, and inclusive services, we foster an environment where people can feel valued, and empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive.

Goals:

  • Cultivate Welcoming Environments. Design spaces and services that support well-being, accessibility, and belonging.
  • Build Belonging Together. Foster meaningful interactions that strengthen relationships and create a stronger sense of community.
  • Inspire Curiosity and Exploration. Connect people with ideas, collections, and experiences that broaden perspectives, spark creativity, and encourage lifelong learning.

Global Engagement, Visibility, and Impact

RIT is a global university that serves learners, researchers, and communities around the world. RIT Libraries advances this mission by expanding access to expertise, resources, and services that support learning and research wherever they occur, while elevating the visibility of RIT scholarship, collections, and areas of distinction. Through global engagement, strategic partnerships, and digital access, we broaden perspectives, strengthen connections, and extend the university's reach and impact.

Goals:

  • Foster Global Access and Engagement. Expand equitable access to library expertise, resources, and services for learners and researchers across RIT.
  • Enhance Global Connections. Prioritize collaborations that encourage cross-cultural understanding, knowledge exchange, and work across communities and campuses.
  • Elevate RIT's Global Impact. Advance RIT's reputation through research partnerships, grants, engagement initiatives, and increased visibility of scholarship and collections.

Organizational Excellence, Agility, and Stewardship

Organizational excellence ensures that the library remains agile, sustainable, and accountable. To deliver exceptional services and adapt to changing needs, RIT Libraries must continually invest in its people, resources, infrastructure, and decision-making practices. Through evidence-based planning, thoughtful stewardship of collections and spaces, and continuous assessment, we strengthen our capacity to support RIT's mission today and into the future.

Goals:

  • Increase Organizational Effectiveness. Use assessment, evidence, and strategic decision-making to continuously improve services, operations, and outcomes.
  • Invest in People and Capacity. Develop skills and organizational capabilities needed to meet evolving needs and opportunities.
  • Evolve Resources for the Future. Steward collections, spaces, technologies, and financial resources to ensure long-term resilience and impact.

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