2025-2028 ULA Strategic Plan

Posted on Posted in General

MISSION

Cultivate professional development, connection, and inclusivity to promote strong Utah libraries and librarians ready to confront the many voices of opposition.

VISION

To be(come) the organization to which libraries and librarians turn for support in their efforts to fulfill their mission of providing access to information.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1

Advocacy is vital to strengthening Utah’s libraries and to ensuring all Utahns have access to quality information and technology.

PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT LIBRARIES ARE EQUIPPED FOR ADVOCACY WORK

Success means empowered library professionals and patrons, greater local and state funding for libraries, better public understanding of the value of libraries.

DECISION-MAKERS, PARTNERS, AND RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF LIBRARIES.

Success means stakeholders seek more ways to support libraries, through advocacy, funding, volunteering, or usage.

LIBRARIES CAN RELY ON ULA FOR SUPPORT DURING CHALLENGES

Success means the infrastructure and personnel are in place and available at a moment’s notice to provide talking points or other support to libraries and librarians.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2

Outreach & Engagement enrich the ULA community with new voices, more opportunities, and greater impact.

ULA HAS EXTENDED REACH THROUGHOUT THE STATE BY ENGAGING NEW MEMBERS

Success means a larger community of passionate members who are growing together as professionals.

CURRENT MEMBERS BECOME DEEPLY CONNECTED TO OTHER MEMBERS & INCREASINGLY ENGAGED WITH ULA

Success means idea-sharing, collaborations, friendships, and innovations through participation in conferences, workshops, or other ULA events.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 3

Education & Leadership provide a strong foundation for ULA members’ professional growth and community impact.

UTAH LIBRARY STAFF MEMBERS HAVE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NEEDED FOR INCLUSIVE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

Success means confident library professionals feel confident and supported in creating meaningful, inclusive impacts in their communities.

UTAH RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS LOOK TO THEIR LIBRARIES AS TRUSTED, INCLUSIVE SPACES FOR INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY CHANGE

Success means libraries evolve to meet emerging needs while fostering equity and belonging for all stakeholders.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 4

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging need to be considered in all decisions of the library profession and its institutions.

ULA HAS DIVERSE MEMBERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

Success means a ULA community that actively integrates diverse cultural perspectives into programming and leadership and strives for equitable opportunities.

UTAH LIBRARIES ARE EQUITABLE, INCLUSIVE, AND PROMOTE BELONGING

Success means libraries are committed to identifying and removing systemic barriers between community members and library services.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 5

ULA’s organizational health fuels the ability to serve its members and the State of Utah

ULA HAS APPROPRIATE SUPPORT TO ACHIEVE ITS MISSION

Success means ULA has robust operations through sustainable growth of staff, funding, members, and services.

ULA LEADERSHIP DEMONSTRATES EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

Success means ULA leadership is well-trained and supported to be effective in their responsibilities which strengthens organizational alignment.

 

Members of the Planning Team included:

  • Michael Whitchurch, President Elect
  • Marissa Bischoff
  • Amber Swartz, Member-at-large
  • Heidi Fendrick
  • Rachel Lenahan,