Libraries provide expertise and create places to foster inclusion, creativity and collaboration. We support the search for discovery and trailblazing research that forges the future. The rapid advancement of technology has shifted the way we interact with information, creating challenges and opportunities for the mission of educating an informed citizenry well versed in information literacy, rhetoric and scientific inquiry. OU Libraries explores the possibilities created by emerging technologies, while maintaining a high standard of academic and intellectual rigor. Our strategic vision for OU Libraries is structured through five foundational pillars based on trust in scientific methodologies, expertise, and critical evaluation of information in the academic search for truth.

• We will create excellent library experiences: We will provide engaging spaces that support independent and collaborative research and study. We will create the best online experience that supports our scholars research needs.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Beginning summer 2019, we will begin drafting a master plan for the libraries that includes all collections, specifically special collections, will provide direction on future renovations, development needs, as well as programming and services
    • Upgrading our digital infrastructure and improving the website design. The updated website is expected to go live by spring 2020.
• We will introduce, teach and promote experimentation with emerging technologies: Rapidly advancing technologies are reshaping research and transforming the way information is taught and learned. OU Libraries will support training in digital skills among the topics of artificial intelligence, data visualization, virtual reality, algorithms, digital literacy and accuracy, digital privacy, blockchain, robotics and more.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • In summer 2019, we will launch an AI chatbot on our website to respond to patron questions when libraries personnel are not available, and will begin providing workshops to instruct students on using and understanding AI and machine learning in fall 2019.
    • In summer 2019, the Digital Skills Hub will plan programming for AY 2019-2020, micro-credentialing, and complete its website.
• We will provide service models that enable access to services and resources that foster academic and personal success:
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • In response to user feedback, University Libraries will begin creating an outreach plan in summer 2019 and develop programming activities for AY19-20 that take library services to point of need in an effort to better meet the demands of today's faculty, students and staff.
• We will support campus research and scholarly communications: As the intellectual crossroads of campus, OU Libraries supports cross-disciplinary research by developing programs, services and resources to connect scholars with the tools to advance their research. OU Libraries will lead the development and introduction of tools and services to help manage the research life cycle of their work. We are committed to developing support for researchers to increase their expertise in tracking and communicating their academic impact, and we are committed to supporting faculty and student partners who are championing new avenues of research and seeking external funding.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • The OU Impact Challenge, in fall 2019, will become a digital book and be packaged into stand-alone modules for long-term use and reference. In fall 2019, OU Libraries will also lead the development of a cohort-based learning community.
    • We will expand the data workshop series to support more intermediate skill levels through fall 2019.
    • We are pursuing a grant from the Sloan Foundation to develop infrastructure for the creation, curation, analysis, and dissemination of 3-Dimensional (3D) research data. If awarded in fall 2019, the project will deliver open-source, technical tools and workflows for researchers and academic librarians to support 3D data gathering, use, and preservation.
• OU Libraries will continue to support open initiatives that help reduce student expenses and give educators more control of their instructional materials: We will strive to increase library and campus awareness of open access issues, expand copyright consultation services, and advance author rights advocacy. We will continue to promote library-licensed content to reduce the cost of course materials, and we will strive to increase library publishing efforts. We will continue to invest in and advocate for open educational resources and digital repositories that extend the impact of OU research and scholarship.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • OU Libraries is undertaking a complete upgrade to our collaborative online repository, SHAREOK, and will support better functionality and user experience for the OU community and partnering institutions by 2020.
• We will build on excellence in special collections: Our collections provide unique research opportunities for students and scholars at OU and beyond. OU Libraries special collections distinguish the university, while also being fully integrated into a larger documentary landscape that increasingly transcends institutional boundaries. Our collections are recognized for their excellence and serve researchers at the local, national and global levels. Our commitment to supporting collections-focused fellowships and support for visiting scholars extends the reach and impact of OU research.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Ongoing support for internships with OU academic departments to enhance student learning, and fund-endowed fellowships for OU graduate students and visiting scholars (Haley, Dale Society, Masterson, Mellon) to facilitate deep dives into collections.
• OU Libraries recognizes our commitment to steward, preserve and provide digital access to special collections: We will strive to support the collections’ longevity by competing for grant funding to digitize, conserve and preserve at-risk materials.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Summer receipt of the grant-funded digitized files for Native Voices over the Airwaves and fall 2019 launch an exhibition celebrating the radio show and this valuable resource.
    • We will implement an automated collection management system, ArchivesSpace, that will support access to finding aids and track usage and movement of collections across multiple spaces and facilities, planned for AY ‘19-’20 launch.
    • We will begin processing the collection of Jens Rud Nielsen in the History of Science Collections over summer 2019 supported by a grant awarded by the American Institute of Physics.
• OU Libraries will work to actively and thoughtfully target areas to expand our special collections that build on existing strengths and support the university community:
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Space and collections planning for the Western History Collections housed in Monnet Hall over summer 2019, as mandated by environmental constraints.
• We will develop relationships and practices to support community engagement: OU Libraries recognizes our commitment to the local community, the state, other libraries and scholars. Our expertise and experience supports educators, museums and academic partners worldwide. Our distinguished special collections attract researchers and cultural heritage scholars. Due to the trust placed in OU Libraries, we are in the unique position to engage our community in academic pursuits and provide opportunities to support education, research and service that benefit our state and society.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Continuing to communicate our impact through the digital publications, Sooner Horizon, our annual report and social media throughout 2019.
    • Upgrading and rebranding the libraries’ strategic planning and outreach website to better support our digital communications and development goals. The improved site will be live in fall 2019.
    • Launching a Bizzell Library Society membership drive in fall 2019.
    • Also in fall 2019, liaison librarians will engage their academic communities to ensure that the libraries are best serving the needs of our scholars and researchers.
• Our robust exhibition program highlights faculty research and graduate student contributions, and strengthens and supports collaborations across the university and beyond. Exhibition content supports learning and provides unique opportunities for scholarship and engagement.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • In addition to the Native Voices over the Airwaves exhibition opening Nov. 2019 on the main floor of Bizzell, OU Libraries will begin triannual exhibit rotations for Monnet Hall and the 5th floor of Bizzell beginning summer 2019.
    • Student-led exhibits throughout Bizzell which are planned to begin in summer 2019.  
• We will strengthen skills and capabilities: For OU’s champions to reach their academic goals, OU Libraries’ experts offer tools and resources to support every campus department. As the core of the OU family, our personnel are essential in forging the future sooner. We are committed to supporting campus research and we are committed to investing in tools and training to ensure that our personnel can better measure and communicate our impact. We are invested in developing our personnel to ensure that we provide a competitive environment for our experts, and that we continue to serve as a model for the the library profession.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Launching a UL Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Plan taskforce in summer 2019 through AY ‘19-’20.
• OU Libraries will continue to train students through library instruction. Through our robust instruction program, in which we partner with faculty, we provide students with the resources and information literacy skills they need to succeed in their coursework, develop as engaged citizens, and thrive as lifelong learners.
  • 2019-20 Sprints include:
    • Launching the Digital Skills Hub initiative to help students and faculty be informed about emerging technologies and accessible services on campus. A collaborative initiative, the Digital Skills Hub will connect students, faculty, and staff who are doing similar work to promote digital literacy and emerging technologies in fall 2019
    • Developing a Scholarly Communication Bootcamp for libraries’ personnel to launch in spring 2020.