In 2017, University Libraries introduced our strategic directions—a guiding philosophy that aligns our work with the university’s priorities and shapes our vision of becoming the model 21st-century research library.
Building on these strategic directions are our strategic directions —key, resource-intensive initiatives essential to achieving our goals and upholding our values. This site outlines these priorities through the end of 2026, highlighting where we are investing significant resources—fiscal, personnel, space, and technology—into initiatives that are not yet fully operationalized.
While this document does not encompass all the critical day-to-day operations that sustain our work, it serves as a roadmap for our long-term strategic investments. As President Carter unveils the university’s Education for Citizenship 2035 strategy later this year, we will update these priorities to ensure alignment with that framework.
LSP Migration
- Priority Title: Library Services Platform (LSP) Migration
- Objective: Plan and implement the migration from the Sierra integrated library system to the Alma LSP to improve service efficiency and user experience for Ohio State’s libraries.
- Strategic Direction: Center the User Experience; Empower Knowledge Creators
- Owners: Morag Boyd
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Damon Jaggars and Gene Springs
Digital Accessibility
- Priority Title: Meet Digital Accessibility Requirements
- Objective: Work toward compliance with federal Digital Accessibility regulations by April 2026, aligning with university-wide frameworks to ensure seamless access for all users.
- Strategic Direction: Center the User Experience; Model Excellence; Empower Knowledge Creators
- Owners: Thomas Dickens, Cory Tressler (with accessibility coordinators)
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Thomas Dickens and Cory Tressler
Campus Data Sharing Planning
- Priority Title: Campus Data Sharing Planning
- Objective: Work with campus partners to empower research data sharing of OSU-produced scholarship; Compliance with federally mandated data sharing requirements; education within the libraries around data sharing options.
- Strategic Direction: Empower Knowledge Creators; Engage for Broader Impact
- Owners: Kelsey Badger, Meris Longmeier
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Alison Armstrong
Website Redesign
- Priority Title: University Libraries and Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum Website Redesign Projects
- Objective: Modernize library.osu.edu and cartoons.osu.edu to enhance accessibility, user experience, and engagement for academic and public audiences.
- Strategic Direction: Engage for Broader Impact; Center the User Experience
- Owners: Holly Cooper, Beth Snapp
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Lisa Patton-Glinski and Cory Tressler
Fundraising
- Priority Title: Time & Change Campaign Completion and Future Fundraising Planning
- Objective: Successfully conclude the Time & Change fundraising campaign and initiate strategic planning for future fundraising efforts.
- Strategic Direction: Model Excellence
- Owners: Marcus Fowler
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Damon Jaggars
Affordable Education Resources Initiative (AERI)
- Priority Title: AERI Development
- Objective: To effectively transition course material affordability, including CarmenBooks, into University Libraries.
- Strategic Direction: Equip Students for Lifelong Success; Center the User Experience; Empower Knowledge Creators; Model Excellence
- Owners: Mike Shiflet, Amanda Larson, Amanda Folk
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Alison Armstrong and Lisa Patton-Glinski
Stabilize Library Tech Center (LTC) Physical Infrastructure and Climate Control
- Priority Title: LTC Infrastructure and Targeted Climate Control Improvement
- Objective: Upgrade HVAC systems in designated storage and work areas to meet preservation standards for physical collections, including audiovisual and archival materials.
- Strategic Direction: Empower Knowledge Creators; Model Excellence
- Owners: Aaron Heil, Marcela Estevez
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Lisa Patton-Glinski and Gene Springs
Workplace of Choice through Talent and Culture
- Priority Title: Workplace of Choice through Talent and Culture
- Objective: Position University Libraries as a preferred employer by fostering a welcoming, innovative culture and enhancing career development opportunities.
- Strategic Direction: Invest in People
- Owners: Randall McKenzie
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Thomas Dickens
Budget resources and revenue
- Priority Title: Fiscal Stewardship and Planning
- Objective: Develop sustainable, values-based funding strategies to address current budgetary vulnerabilities and future needs.
- Strategic Direction: Model Excellence
- Owners: Kathryn Beach
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Lisa Patton-Glinski
Exhibitions
- Priority Title: Define and Strengthen the Exhibitions Program
- Objective: Establish clear guidelines for the Exhibitions Program to align with strategic directions, including student engagement, community outreach, and scholarly impact.
- Strategic Direction: Multiple (Equip Students; Empower Knowledge Creators; Engage for Broader Impact; Center the User Experience; Invest in People; Model Excellence)
- Owners: Jeremy Stone
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Musa Olaka
Analytics
- Priority Title: Building a Data-Driven Analytics Infrastructure
- Objective: Create an integrated analytics framework to support data-informed decision-making and align library services with university priorities.
- Strategic Direction: Model Excellence
- Owners: Ansel Oakleaf
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Lisa Patton-Glinski
Replacing Archivists’ Toolkit
- Priority Title: Archivists' Toolkit Replacement
- Objective: Replace the end-of-life Archivists' Toolkit with a modern system to streamline archival workflows.
- Strategic Direction: Empower Knowledge Creators; Model Excellence
- Owners: Tamar Chute, Cate Putirskis, Beth Snapp
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Musa Olaka and Cory Tressler
Supervisor Community of Practice
- Priority Title: Supervisor Community of Practice
- Objective: Foster a collaborative environment for supervisors to enhance leadership skills and promote continuous learning through shared experiences.
- Strategic Direction: Invest in People
- Owners: Thomas Dickens
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Thomas Dickens
AI and Emerging Technologies
- Priority Title: Engaging AI and Emerging Technologies
- Objective: Evaluate and implement AI tools to improve productivity and service delivery while providing training to enhance employee capabilities.
- Strategic Direction: Model Excellence; Empower Knowledge Creators; Invest in People
- Owners: AI Advisory Group
- Executive Committee Sponsor: Alison Armstrong and Cory Tressler