The Wayne State University Libraries’ 2025–2028 Strategic Plan reaffirms the Libraries’ role as a dynamic and essential center for academic excellence, research innovation, and community connection. Guided by a bold vision to be the heart of academic and intellectual excellence at Wayne State, and grounded in its mission to elevate learning, research, and well-being through equitable engagement and professional expertise, the Libraries are committed to fostering inclusive, accessible, and responsive environments. Core values such as academic and intellectual freedom, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, adaptability, and stewardship form the foundation of the Libraries’ continued evolution to meet the changing needs of students, faculty, and the broader community.
This strategic plan was shaped through an extensive and inclusive planning process led by Mark A. Puente & Associates, LLC, Mark Puente and Sue Baughman, the ULS Strategic Planning Steering Committee, with active engagement from library staff, university stakeholders, and campus partners. Through focus groups, surveys; and interviews the libraries identified strengths and opportunities across areas such as research support, digital collections, space optimization, and student success. Key insights revealed a need to modernize infrastructure, deepen integration with the research enterprise, and prioritize staff development and organizational health. This collaborative process produced ten major thematic areas that informed the creation of five strategic goals addressing academic success, research collaboration, resource accessibility, space enhancement, and internal culture.
To achieve these goals, the Libraries will revitalize programs, improve data literacy, expand digital and special collections, foster a sense of belonging in physical and digital spaces, and strengthen leadership and communication. Each objective is designed to align with institutional priorities and leverage strategic partnerships across campus and beyond. With this plan, the Libraries are positioned not only to support academic achievement and scholarly output but also to act as a catalyst for equity, innovation, and long-term institutional transformation.