About the Library

SMSU McFarland Library Strategic Priorities Plan

University Mission:  
Southwest Minnesota State University prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Our comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition,  
are dedicated to connecting students’ academic and practical professional development experiences in southwestern Minnesota to the wider world. 

Library Mission:  
The McFarland Library promotes the success of the SMSU community by providing access to quality resources, instruction, services, and spaces to support research, teaching, and learning in an inviting, inclusive environment.  
- Adopted October 2017  

Strategic Priority 1: Space & Services 

(Aligns with University Strategic Plan, Institutional Capacity & Effectiveness 1.5.2, and Facilities Plan 1.2.2B & 1.2.3A)  

Objective 1: Evaluate and propose or implement improvements to the mix of study, technology, group, individual, quiet, and collection spaces in the library.

Objective 2: Continue to offer excellent direct user interactions at service points in the Library.

Objective 3: Continue to develop cross training of Library and Technology Resource Center staff to improve services for students, faculty, and staff.

Strategic Priority 2: Teaching & Learning  

Objective 4: Promote and support faculty efforts to incorporate information literacy learning outcomes, library resources, and technology into curricula.

Objective 5: Continue development and assessment of information literacy components in the curriculum.

Objective 6: Revise our Information Literacy Rubric to align with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy. 

Strategic Priority 3: Collections & Access 

Objective 7: Improve the usability of the Library's virtual presence.

Objective 8: Continue evaluating print and digital collections.

Objective 9:  Improve efficiencies and workflows with ALMA (Library System).

Objective 10: Continue expanding and marketing the University Print and Digital Archives collections.

Strategic Priority 4: Scholarship & Outreach  

Objective 11: Support Open Educational Resource (OER) development at SMSU.

Objective 12: Continue to engage in the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Objective 13: Collaborate with libraries, educational institutions, or campus departments to meet student needs, promote scholarship, or raise awareness. 

^{Initiated AY 2017-18
Updated AY 2019-20}

The Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association is a policy of McFarland Library:

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

The McFarland Library faculty as members of the American Library Association adhere to the profession's Code of Ethics.