Mission

University Library Mission

The Library supports the academic programs of Cal State L.A. through instruction, collections, technology, services, and learner-centered spaces, which enable students and faculty to access recorded knowledge and information resources. This support empowers our constituencies to:

• Develop the information and technological competencies necessary to achieve their educational, research, and professional goals;

• Advance intellectual discovery, stimulate creativity, inspire learning, and transform our diverse and engaged communities by connecting people to knowledge;

• Deliver innovative and responsive services;

• Succeed in the workforce, apply lifelong learning skills, and participate in a diverse society.

University Library Vision

The University Library will be a transformative physical and digital center of intellectual exploration, knowledge creation, and scholarly and creative engagement that will prepare students to be lifelong learners and information-literate global citizens in an increasingly digital environment.

University Library Values

• Student Success. We put our students’ academic success, career-readiness, and well-being at the center of everything we do.

• Service Excellence. We are learner-centered and strive to provide a high quality user experience by deeply understanding our user’s needs, anticipating our user’s changing needs and exceeding our user’s expectations.

• Collaboration. We recognize that in a changing and interdisciplinary academic environment, the need to advance learning, scholarship and research benefits from collaborations with individuals, departments, colleges and the community at the local, national and global level.

• Creativity, Innovation & Risk Taking. We encourage and support innovation, risk-taking, and the development of new ideas, programs, tools, services, technologies and spaces that advance the mission of the University Library.

• Diversity & Inclusion. We provide an environment where all are welcome and everyone belongs. We are responsive in providing spaces, services, resources and programs that value and celebrate diversity.

• Professional Growth. We foster a supportive work environment that encourages library faculty, staff and student assistants to continuously develop and expand their knowledge and expertise.

• Transparent Decision-Making. We make data-informed, evidence-based decisions and are open and inclusive in our approach and communication.

• Mutual Respect & Collegiality. We cultivate a positive work environment where everyone commits to fostering a culture of respect, trust, integrity and openness.

• Core Values of Librarianship. We support the American Library Association’s Core Values of Librarianship including equitable access, user privacy and confidentiality, diversity, lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, the public good, preservation, professionalism, service, and social responsibility.