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Library Information

Mission, Vision, and Values Statement

Adopted Aug. 8, 2012

Mission Statement

The Woodward Library faculty and staff work collaboratively with the University community to connect people with high-quality information, from which new knowledge is created.

Vision Statement

We aspire to be the first choice information gateway for the APSU community, creating the path for information-smart citizens to be successful in academic and life pursuits.

Core Values

Collaborative Growth, Innovative Service, Diverse Viewpoints, Mutual Respect, Perpetual Learning, Student Success

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Adopted Dec. 8, 2020

The foundation of modern librarianship is based on an essential and inter-related set of core values that includes access, diversity, education and lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. To that end, the Woodward Library is committed to helping achieve Austin Peay State University’s mission and vision of educating informed global citizens by:

  • creating a welcoming environment that is conducive to exploration, learning, and research for all users;
  • providing access to content that represents diverse voices and viewpoints.

Further, we recognize that we are members of an inclusive campus community and everyone employed by the Woodward Library has a responsibility to treat coworkers, faculty, staff, students, and other users with respect and dignity regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political views, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

In order to advocate for our diverse users and to provide active, intentional, and ongoing engagement to foster diversity initiatives, the Woodward Library will:

  • enhance the experience of all Library users by maintaining inclusive, safe, and welcoming library spaces.
  • provide content, collections, resources, services, programs, events, and exhibits that support diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging.
  • maintain strong relationships with APSU’s diverse communities -- including but not limited to cultural and identity groups (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+), first-generation students, low-income students, post-traditional students, military-affiliated students, and international students -- and the programs that support them.
  • work in concert with APSU’s Office of Equity, Access, & Inclusion to facilitate professional development training and support for all Library employees in understanding and developing cultural competencies.
  • work with APSU’s Offices of Human Resources and Equity, Access, & Inclusion to utilize hiring practices that will allow our Library employees to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

---Inspired by statements from Austin Peay State University’s College of Arts and Letters, the American Library Association, Morris Library-Southern Illinois University, and California State University Monterey Bay