Strategic Plan Summary

Five strategic priorities guiding the Michael Schwartz Library, 2026–2028.

This summary highlights our five strategic priorities, briefly describing each and indicating their alignment with the University’s Cleveland State United plan. Our goals appear under each priority, and specific planned actions are provided in the full strategic plan document.

Advance Student Success and Instructional Engagement

Pursues effective alignment of our research, instructional, and support efforts to advance student success and engagement across the curriculum. Aligns with the University priority to Advance Academic Offerings, Delivery, and Scholarship to Foster Success.

  • Integrate librarians into assignment and course design by providing targeted research support, specialized instruction, and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Investigate and assess the effectiveness of in person and virtual research services and determine how to most effectively provide assistance to students and faculty.
  • Purposefully strengthen the Library’s role in student success and engagement, through affordability advocacy and other means.

Amplify Outreach, Partnerships, & Advocacy

Strengthens our active, essential role on campus, advancing Cleveland State’s academic and civic goals through partnerships, engagement, and consistent advocacy, extending beyond traditional expectations. Aligns with the University priority to Reimagine Community Partnerships to Increase Opportunities.

  • Advance community and donor engagement through a revitalized Friends of the Library, and other efforts in concert with University Advancement.
  • Elevate and transform the Library’s overall digital presence.
  • Engage students and campus communities using signage, programs, and events.
  • Reimagine and revitalize the entrance to our physical spaces.
  • Reinforce the Library’s role as a visible, trusted partner by deepening our organizational and affordability advocacy across the university.

Cultivate our Collections and Content

Emphasizes our responsibility to manage, preserve, and share resources that reflect our mission, values, and community. Aligns with the University priorities to Advance Academic Offerings, Delivery, and Scholarship to Foster Success; and to Reimagine Community Partnerships to Increase Opportunities.

  • Center the Library as the home of the University’s Archives, history, and records.
  • Enhance the discoverability of Library-provided scholarly resources.
  • Focus collection development efforts to reflect our mission as CSU’s source of high-quality content while embodying our values of belonging and community connection.
  • Update gift/acceptance procedures and documentation to reflect current staffing and desired practices.

Develop Resilient and Sustainable Library Environments

Creates safe, adaptable spaces to meet the evolving needs of collections, services, and users. Aligns with the University priority to Restructure Operational and Financial Model to Enable our Mission-Focused Work.

  • Design and reimagine spaces for students and faculty that reflect our commitment to accessibility, plurality, and a sense of belonging for all.
  • Establish and maintain environmentally responsible practices and cleanliness to create healthy and sustainable work and learning spaces for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Implement a comprehensive plan integrating disaster preparedness, risk management, and health and safety measures to protect people, collections, and operations in conjunction with FAST and Capital Planning.
  • Optimize and improve collection space use through shifting.
  • Transform library spaces to maximize welcoming functionality and increase usage of collections and services, ensuring they meet evolving academic and community needs.

Support Employees and Strengthen Organizational Stability

Improves our organization by implementing clear and contemporary structures, training, and practices that support employees and sustain our work. Aligns with the University priority to Restructure Operational and Financial Model to Enable our Mission-Focused Work.

  • Act on specific organizational needs and ideas that support safety, transparency, and shared understanding.
  • Develop our employees and the plurality of our organization through intentional hiring, advancement, and community-connected recruitment.
  • Implement broad organizational updates and actions that clarify roles, support planning, and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.