Strategic Plan

Mission

The mission of Library and Academic Innovation (LAI) is to cultivate an integrated hub of expertise where WOU faculty, staff, and students connect with intellectual and practical resources through vibrant, welcoming, and supportive environments.

Vision

LAI envisions empowered lifelong learners

Goals

Supported and Empowered Learners

LAI empowers learners by providing a vibrant learning environment with expert support and inclusive spaces.

Strength Through Community

LAI fosters community by serving as a central hub and collaborative partner, building a culture of trust and mutual support across campus for the benefit of all.

Continuous Improvement

LAI cultivates a culture of continuous improvement, using data and user feedback to evolve our programs and services to meet a dynamic community’s needs.

Outcomes and indicators

Outcomes: Supported and Empowered Learners

Students, faculty and staff are aware of and have seamless access to LAI resources and services
People have positive and meaningful interactions with LAI staff and Hamersly Library spaces, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive learning environment which supports their academic and personal success.
Faculty are empowered to explore new teaching methods, and are supported to create equitable and engaging learning experiences for diverse learners.
LAI student employees build transferable skills for future employment through deep and impactful professional development experiences.
Our programs, services, and spaces nurture a sense of belonging and learner agency, empowering students with the confidence to ask for help.

Indicators: Supported and Empowered Learners

Increase in utilization statistics – building, program, service, and resource
Positive feedback on surveys; growth in student engagement, confidence, and sense of belonging over time
Students report greater self-efficacy and comfort with asking for help
LAI student employees report impactful professional development experiences

Outcomes: Strength Through Community

LAI staff and faculty serve as key partners for collaborative efforts internally, in Academic Affairs, and across campus
The Hamersly Library is a central place on campus for students, staff and faculty to find and engage with community
LAI faculty and staff engage intentionally with shared governance, contributing to a culture of trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Student employees gain an understanding of university structures and LAI operations that they can then communicate to other students

Indicators: Strength Through Community

Programs report having had positive experiences working with LAI on collaborative projects and initiatives
Library employees report engagement and satisfaction while they are at work
Student employees are able to demonstrate an understanding of university structures and LAI operations
Increase in groups booking space in library
More community-focused, cross-departmental events taking place in the library
Overall increase in building usage

Outcomes: Continuous Improvement

LAI programs have meaningful, relevant information they can use to continuously improve the program
LAI programs evaluate and seek to improve the user experience with each of their services
LAI programs monitor the needs of our learners as they change to ensure our professional development programming continues to be relevant
The work and impact of LAI is visible to external stakeholders

Indicators: Continuous Improvement

Each LAI unit has a systematic and routine way of tracking engagement, gathering feedback, understanding the user experience, etc.
A system is in place that provides visibility for unit-level reports
Processes are streamlined and costs for providing resources and services are reduced
We have the ability to track when student success outcomes improve in an academic program that we have been supporting / collaborating with

Core Values

Student-Centeredness

LAI prioritizes students in all of our endeavors. As the needs of our community evolve alongside shifting societal contexts and individual progress, we meet learners where they are, seek and value their input, and adapt our work accordingly.

Inclusion

LAI believes in equitable access and the power of belonging. We want our community to feel safe and empowered when engaging with our people, resources, services, systems and spaces.

Empowerment

LAI recognizes that building skills and knowledge over time cultivates confidence, competence, and resilience. We support progressive improvement that empowers learners to face future challenges with independence, advocacy, and leadership.

Collaboration

LAI takes an integrated approach to programs and projects, decision-making, working and learning. Our teams bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths to our community. We build relationships based on trust, respect, inclusion, kindness, compromise, and clear boundaries. We collaborate with open minds, positive intent, and a shared commitment to growth.

Transparency

LAI values clear, consistent, and transparent communication, especially during times of change or uncertainty. We believe good decision-making involves getting feedback from stakeholders early on and sharing information in a timely, accessible way. Through proactive outreach and collaboration, we help the WOU community make the most of our resources and services.

Creativity

LAI values adaptability, curiosity, and the joy of learning. We learn and apply knowledge in a generative cycle. We use our resources creatively and continually seek new ways to nurture innovation, both within ourselves and across our campus.