In support of the University of Rhode Island's mission, the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies exercises leadership in the global information age through research, service, and the preparation of knowledgeable and ethical professionals who can serve the library and information needs of a diverse society.
In fulfillment of its mission, the School supports the following six goals:
- Goal 1 (Planning and Evaluation): To support the School’s vision, values, and mission through a strong planning and evaluation structure that includes regular input from students, graduates, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
- Goal 2 (Academic Program): Provide a foundation of knowledge that enables graduates to meet the School’s stated educational outcomes, preparing students for leadership roles and information services by offering a high quality academic program.
- Goal 3 (Faculty): To provide a dedicated, talented, and diverse faculty who contribute to the profession, the academic community, and society through teaching, research, and service.
- Goal 4 (Students): To attract and retain highly motivated and academically qualified students from a wide variety of backgrounds who will become dedicated library and information professionals.
- Goal 5 (Culture and Environment): To foster a culture that encourages mutual respect and collaboration in learning, research, and service; and to create an environment that values contributions to the profession and society.
- Goal 6 (Service and Outreach): To serve in local, regional, national, and international academic and professional communities and to cultivate mutually supportive relationships, especially within the New England region.
PLANNING AND EVALUATION (GOAL ONE) : To support the School’s vision, values, and mission through a strong planning and evaluation structure that includes regular input from students, graduates, practitioners, and other stakeholders. To achieve this goal, GSLIS will:
- 1.1 Review, revise, and extend the School’s three-year strategic plan through 2008-2009, aligning the program within the University and with university priorities.
Status: Faculty discussed and approved action steps, August 30, 2006 - 1.2 Provide systematic processes for regular program review and revision
- 1.3 Review the funding needs of GSLIS and develop and implement strategies to increase funding levels
- 1.4 Plan for successful implementation of the new School of Communication and Information
ACADEMIC PROGRAM (GOAL TWO) : Provide a foundation of knowledge that enables graduates to meet the School’s stated educational outcomes, preparing students for leadership roles and information services by offering a high quality academic program. To achieve this goal, GSLIS will:
- 2.1 Provide a strong foundation in library and information studies through a coherent core curriculum.
- 2.2 Supplement the core courses with electives that support the career objectives of students in libraries, information agencies, and other settings.
- 2.3 Provide opportunities for individualized study through supervised practicums, professional field experiences, and independent work, including projects, research, and publications.
- 2.4 Provide an intellectual atmosphere of active learning and collegiality within each course
- 2.5 Provide students with opportunities for collaborative research with faculty and practitioners and collaborative projects within classes.
- 2.6 Instill professional attitudes toward scholarship, research, and service; and instill a commitment to professional ethics.
- 2.7 Develop and maintain links and collaborative interdisciplinary programs with other URI Departments and Colleges.
- 2.8 Increase and improve opportunities for distance learning.
FACULTY (GOAL THREE) : To provide a dedicated, talented, and diverse faculty who contribute to the profession, the academic community, and society through teaching, research, and service. To achieve this goal:
- 3.1 The GSLIS will recruit and retain a diverse faculty committed to providing the highest quality in teaching, research, and service.
- 3.2 The GSLIS will provide support for faculty teaching, research, and service.
- 3.3 Each faculty member will maintain an active and balanced program of teaching, research, and service, consistent with guidelines in the AAUP Contract, the University Manual, and the November 2004 GSLIS Guidelines for Promotion and Tenure.
STUDENTS (GOAL FOUR) : To attract and retain highly motivated and academically qualified students from a wide variety of backgrounds who will become dedicated library and information professionals. To achieve this goal, GSLIS will:
- 4.1 Increase financial aid.
- 4.2 Utilize a variety of means, including exhibits, conferences, and the Internet, for recruitment.
- 4.3 Provide current and prospective students with clear and useful information about the School and the University.
- 4.4 Maintain fair and equitable policies in recruitment and retention of students
- 4.5 Provide career information for students and potential students via collaboration with professional associations.
- 4.6 Involve students in the governance of the school.
- 4.7 Encourage and support student membership and participation in professional organizations
- 4.8 Assist students in developing coherent programs of study.
- 4.9 Evaluate student outcomes.
CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT (GOAL FIVE) : To provide a culture that encourages mutual respect and collaboration in learning, research, and service; and to create an environment that values contributions to the profession and society. To achieve this goal, GSLIS will:
- 5.1 Incorporate high ethical standards and a commitment to information access, as exemplified by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and the codes of ethics of the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science, and other related professional associations.
- 5.2 Provide an intellectual atmosphere of active learning and collegiality.
- 5.3 Foster collegiality, community, and collaboration through student, alumni, and other associations.
- 5.4 Provide appropriate physical facilities and technological support for a productive learning and teaching environment for students and faculty.
- 5.5 Provide a supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds at all delivery locations.
SERVICE AND OUTREACH (GOAL SIX) : To serve in local, regional, national, and international academic and professional communities and to cultivate mutually supportive relationships, especially within the New England region. To achieve this goal, GSLIS will:
- 6.1 Encourage collaborations and service through faculty participation in URI committees and in professional organizations and projects
- 6.2 Support the continued professional growth of students, graduates, and members of the state and regional library community by offering continuing education activities, including collaborative programs with other university units and/or professional organizations.
- 6.3 Consult, collaborate, and communicate with library and information professionals, especially in the New England Region.
- 6.4 Encourage and support student membership and participation in professional associations.
- 6.5 Provide opportunities for library and information service to diverse communities.
Approved by the GSLIS faculty on February 17, 1999
Reviewed, revised, and reaffirmed each academic year.
Last reaffirmed by the GSLIS faculty on September 13, 2006.
