With 170 million items in its collections, the Library of Congress is the world's largest library.
Its new strategic plan Enriching the Library Experience” has taken over a year to develop and is a great exemplar of clear writing and strong vision.
The strategy framework
Library of Congress Mission
Engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.
Library of Congress Vision
All Americans are connected to the Library of Congress.
Library of Congress goals and objectives
Expand access - make our unique collections, experts, and services available when, where, and how users need them:
- Increase discoverability and availability
- Use connectors to extend reach
- Expand physical presence
Enhance services – create valuable experiences for every user to foster lifelong connections to the library:
- Elevate digital experiences
- Transform in-person experiences
- Develop user-centred content
Optimise resources - modernise, strengthen, and streamline our operational capabilities
- Align core library activities
- Modernise operations
- Invest in talent for the future
- Diversify and expand funding
Measure impact – understand users, communicate impact, continuous improvement
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A user centred experience
There are four key user groups for the Library of Congress:
- Congress - first and foremost, supporting access to authoritative information and the democratic exchange of ideas
- Creators - researchers, originators of new knowledge and scholarship, builders of cultural capacity, and copyright users and stakeholders
- Learners - those of any age who seek understanding and knowledge through the Library's digital and physical collections and services
- Connectors - external communities such as libraries, schools, and other groups and institutions that ultimately connect users with the Library
Download the full document here.