CarletonCollege

L a u r e n c e M c K i n l e y G o u l d L i b r a r y

Values[i] Statement

Prepared by Sam Demas, Mollie Freier, Terry Metz and Kristi Wermager on September 8, 2001.

The library staff commit to a philosophy based on these shared values:

• Commitment to learning and teaching—As a teaching library, we believe information fluency is fundamental to the liberal arts, and we exist to provide information services of the highest quality in advancement of the college's purpose. (see attached)

  • Personal and professional integrity—Our behavior will reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct. We pledge to uphold the principles and values of librarianship and of Carleton. As ethical guides, we rely on the "Library Bill of Rights", the American Library Association's "Code of Ethics", and Carleton's "Statement on Discrimination and Academic Freedom". (see attached)
  • Dedication to improvement, excellence, and balance—We believe that CarletonCollege deserves first-rate library services. We strive to overcome obstacles and to work with a sincere desire to evaluate ourselves critically and realistically. We are committed to creating a humane work environment that encourages each person to excel, and that also recognizes the need for balance, a healthy pacing, and a sense of humor. We believe in the essential meaning and values of S. R. Ranganathan's "Five Laws of Library Science." (see attached)
  • Recognition of unique contributions and needs—We understand that there is a significant relationship between personal, professional, and organizational growth. Within the limits of our resources, we commit to support every patron, the organization, and the institution. We pledge to reflect our service responsibilities and maintain self-discipline in all that we do.
  • Individual responsibility and accountability—We accept personal responsibility for decisions and actions. We accept ownership of problems and solutions. We will acknowledge our mistakes and take personal responsibility for correcting them. We will learn from mistakes and use the experience to improve the services we offer.
  • Commitment to communication, cooperation and group problem solving—We believe that sharing ideas and building on the strengths and contributions of every individual will help us fulfill our mission. We will communicate openly and constructively. We will strive to promote internal and external partnerships, and work toward mutual objectives with patrons and colleagues. We are committed to the closest possible collaboration and cooperation with faculty, ITS, and other academic support units in advancing the educational mission of the college. We will endeavor to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of others, and offer support wherever possible.
  • Stewardship of the community’s trust—We are caretakers of resources that belong to others. We know that service to Carleton is our duty and responsibility, and we pledge to represent the interests of the community with thoughtfulness, respect and confidentiality. We will strive to improve continually the quality and efficiency of our work and return good value for the investments made in us. We pledge to be responsible and imaginative stewards of the college library as a very special space – a place of learning and teaching and a high tech gateway to the world of knowledge -- for people to read, research, collaborate, create, debate and congregate. We pledge to work closely, formally and informally, with the Carleton community in setting and achieving our goals, and we place great importance on working with an effective Library Committee that serves as a formal sounding and advisory board on policy matters.

Page 1 of 1 Mission and Values Statement 10/5/18

[i] We wish to acknowledge and thank the staff of IUPUI's University Information Technology Services, from whose “Vision, Mission and Values Statement” much of the language of our values statement was borrowed.