Strategic Plan

In the fall of 2021, University of Houston Libraries activated a significant organizational restructure that positioned our senior administrative portfolios and attending departments in direct alignment with the University Strategic Plan. This resulted in the establishment of key partnerships with campus units, namely the Division of Research, and a notable increase in collaboration with the colleges. The new structure also inspired crucial reviews and adjustments of our high-traffic spaces and high-demand resources and services. In each case, the goal is to advance Student Success, Nationally Competitive Research and Social Responsibility while emphasizing the transformative and integral role we play in the success of the University.

The foundational strategy comprises each associate dean’s portfolio which grew from the new structure and which expands into annual departmental goals. The portfolios are:

• Collections Strategies and Discovery
• Librarian Affairs and Operations
• Research and Student Engagement
• Special Collections and Preservation

All portfolios are responsible for efforts toward Student Success, Nationally Competitive Research, and Social Responsibility. Emphasis on collaboration, documentation, articulated workflows, and accountability inform portfolio goals. Together, these portfolios advance a shared vision of the Libraries as an integrated partner in learning, research, and engagement across the University.

The Libraries Strategic Plan also accounts for the University’s goals of Nationally Relevant Athletics and Competitive Funding. Nationally Relevant Athletics that, “prepare student-athletes for academic and lifelong success,” is reflected in the Libraries’ Student Success goals for each portfolio. Strategy 2 related to Competitive Funding to, “enhance targeted private fundraising,” is a high-priority focus of the Libraries dean in coordination with Advancement, and is reflected in ongoing fundraising activities across all portfolios.

We will continually evaluate meaningful benchmarks and metrics in alignment with success measures, Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and other important instruments that advance our rankings and impact.