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UMA Libraries' Strategic Plan

Goals and Initiatives to guide us from 2025 to 2030.

Objective: Engage a wide range of users through informative, relevant, and accessible programming.

  • Initiative 1.1: Create a comprehensive programming calendar addressing varied interests and learner needs.
  • Initiative 1.2: Collaborate with ASU teams, campus departments, student groups, and community partners for events and workshops.
  • Initiative 1.3: Gather user feedback to guide programming via surveys and other assessment tools.
  • Initiative 1.4: Incorporate Tech Hub-led workshops on digital skills, software, and basic troubleshooting to broaden digital literacy support.

Objective: Improve physical and digital spaces to support learning and engagement.

  • Initiative 2.1: Invest in and/or seek grant funding to purchase study pods, collaborative furniture, and updated spaces.
  • Initiative 2.2: Increase study spaces by continuing to weed print collections.
  • Initiative 2.3: Expand digital resources, including e-books, databases, and AI-enhanced search tools.
  • Initiative 2.4: Assess the student loaner laptop and equipment program determining sustainability.
  • Initiative 2.5: Promote and expand use of library spaces as shared university assets by supporting bookable events, cross-departmental programming, and community engagement opportunities.
  • Initiative 2.6: Create a designated physical archives space to house UMA’s institutional archives and ensure long-term preservation and accessibility of university history.
  • Initiative 2.7: Digitize portions of UMA’s archives and establish a searchable digital repository to support access, research, and institutional memory.

Objective: Strengthen the role of UMA Libraries and Tech Hub as leaders in promoting critical thinking, digital literacy, accessibility, and inclusive learning environments.

  • Initiative 3.1: Position UMA Libraries and Tech Hub as key partners in building AI literacy and critical thinking by offering workshops, consultations, and learning tools that help users navigate emerging technologies responsibly.
  • Initiative 3.2: Support neurodiverse learners through intentional design of library spaces and services that reduce barriers and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Initiative 3.3: Increase the accessibility of library physical spaces by improving signage and layout to better meet the needs of all users.
  • Initiative 3.4: Provide guidance and hands-on support for faculty, staff, and students in creating accessible digital content for teaching, learning, and scholarship, including alternatives to PDFs and use of accessibility tools.

Objective: Expand UMA Libraries and Tech Hub services to remote, underserved, and external audiences.

  • Initiative 4.1: Promote virtual and remote support services from UMA Libraries and Tech Hub, including live support and online guides.
  • Initiative 4.2: Partner with local schools, public libraries, and organizations to raise awareness of services and resources.
  • Initiative 4.3: Use digital platforms and Tech Hub expertise to broaden participation in events and increase reach.
  • Initiative 4.4: Increase marketing of individual databases and track usage over time to assess impact, identify gaps, and inform outreach strategies.
  • Initiative 4.5: Increase support for and collaboration on the annual Student Research Conference by archiving student work and promoting student scholarship.

Objective: Create clear workflows for internal and external communication.

  • Initiative 5.1: Increase collaboration between UMA Libraries and academic departments.
  • Initiative 5.2: Use surveys and other assessment tools to gather and respond to user feedback on Libraries and Tech Hub support and services.
  • Initiative 5.3: Encourage a culture of openness where users feel empowered to suggest improvements.
  • Initiative 5.4: Implement changes based on assessment findings across all service areas.
  • Initiative 5.5: Launch a Zoom Live Support feature for real-time assistance from UMA Libraries.
  • Initiative 5.6: Partner with First-Year Experience, Advising, and other departments to provide proactive Library and Tech Hub support during Orientation and early-semester programming.

Objective 1: Improve Accessibility of Digital Resources

  • Initiative 6.1.1: Redesign the Library and Tech Hub websites based on user testing and analytics. Websites will align with UMA branding.
  • Initiative 6.1.2: Improve digital search functionality and collection interfaces.
  • Initiative 6.1.3: Increase and support faculty use of affordable textbooks, OERs, and library material access options.

Objective 2: Expand Virtual Engagement with Users

  • Initiative 6.2.1: Include Tech Hub services in virtual orientations and tutorials.
  • Initiative 6.2.2: Extend virtual programming to include technology how-tos and troubleshooting.
  • Initiative 6.2.3: Increase social media engagement for UMA Libraries.
  • Initiative 6.2.4: Run targeted campaigns highlighting Libraries and Tech Hub tools and resources.

Objective 3: Foster a Cohesive Online Brand

  • Initiative 6.3.1: Standardize branding across Libraries and Tech Hub platforms.
  • Initiative 6.3.2: Showcase unique services (e.g., equipment loans, IT Helpdesk, Collaboratory)
  • Initiative 6.3.3: Assess digital content quarterly to ensure clarity, alignment, and usefulness.
Accessibility Statement
The University provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities upon request. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for a workshop should contact UMA Libraries at uma.library@maine.edu to submit a request. Due to the lead-time needed to arrange certain accommodations, individuals should submit their request no later 1 week before the event.