The core activities of the library have traditionally been the selection and acquisition of materials, the organization and description of those holdings, the provision of assistance in the discovery and use of materials through instruction, reference, and access services, and the preservation of materials under its stewardship for the benefit of future generations. Numerous ancillary services such as budgeting, facilities planning and maintenance, and technology support undergird the Library's key services. Over the years the methods for achieving the Library's goals have changed, and the balance of efforts has also shifted, as the Library was able to take advantage of copy cataloging, for example, or reallocate resources from reference to instruction when inquiries declined and the need for training in the use of complex databases grew.

The proposed goals and objectives must be considered in the context of the whole of the Library's endeavors. In some cases, these goals and objectives are logical extensions of our current undertakings and follow a pattern of incremental development. In others they are more revolutionary proposals to engage in behaviors and endeavors that are very different interpretations of the role of the library and the librarian. In the coming months and years we will strive to evaluate these goals and the possibilities they present, pursuing those which will best support our mission. With careful planning and some risk-taking, we will continue to be an outstanding library and strong contributor to the University.