Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

As the academic heart of an urban public university committed to opportunity and local impact, the Michael Schwartz Library fosters discovery, learning, and needed contemporary literacies at Cleveland State University. Embracing collaboration and championing affordability, the Library advances teaching, research, and engagement across the university. Connecting people with high quality content, knowledge, technology, and each other, we empower learners and scholars to contribute meaningfully on campus, in the community, and beyond.

Vision

We seek to develop a culture of partnership by intentionally positioning the Library as a visible collaborator and a productive space for academic, research, and student success initiatives. Pursuing the goals in our strategic plan, we will work to be a vibrant center of connection and creativity - a model of welcoming excellence where all members of our community thrive. We will provide spaces that inspire learning and collaboration, celebrate Cleveland’s varied stories, and lead in expanding access to knowledge and technology. As a trusted partner in CSU’s transformation, the Library will fuel discovery and student success across our academic community.

Values

At the Michael Schwartz Library, we empower students, faculty, staff, and community members to succeed as learners, teachers, researchers, creators, and thinkers. As we build a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, we communicate openly and respectfully, value each person’s contributions, and engage in good faith to resolve conflict and promote shared success.

Grounded in the mission of Cleveland State University, our shared responsibility to the public good, and the elimination of barriers to learning and participation for our community, we commit to the following ethical principles:

• We pursue continuous improvement, professional growth, and co-creative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the university and our community.
• We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate, relevant, usefully organized resources; fair and consistent service policies; and access that is as broad and open as our licenses and responsibilities allow. We aspire to provide accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
• We champion the free exchange of ideas and open access to resources. We resist censorship and support unrestricted inquiry for all.
• We safeguard user privacy and uphold confidentiality in research, communications, and library use.
• We respect intellectual property rights and advocate for a balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
• We act with honesty and transparency in our work. We are responsible stewards of the resources, spaces, and trust placed in us, ensuring their viability now and for future generations.
• We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We strive to treat all individuals with fairness and respect, to foster a welcoming environment, and to ensure our services, spaces, and decisions reflect our responsibility to the entire campus and broader community.
• We proudly serve Cleveland State and the wider community, leveraging our location, resources, and partnerships to create meaningful, lasting impact.
• Each of us shares responsibility for upholding these values and reflecting the mission of the Michael Schwartz Library and Cleveland State University in our daily work.

This Community Values statement will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in professional standards, institutional values, and community needs. It is adapted from the ALA Code of Ethics, and the IFLA Code of Ethics for Librarians and other Information Workers.