State DOT libraries are changing along with the information landscape. The need for information resources, management and services, though shifting, remains and thrives. Whatever program or functional label is used, state DOT libraries and the research programs that provide information services can serve as a nexus to bring information, institutional knowledge and people together.
An articulation of the ideal program to accommodate the changing information landscape and meet evolving user needs can set the direction for programmatic efforts. A succinct vision statement, ideally one or two sentences, describes what an organization is or desires to be. A mission statement describes what an organization does to be what it is or wants to be. Both will set the stage for more detailed planning and prioritization.
Source: Texas DOT Research Library
Below are selected state DOT library vision and mission statements:
California
The California Department of Transportation Library supports the Department’s employees statewide in working to improve and preserve the state’s transportation infrastructure and shape its future.
As part of its mission the Library maintains and sustains a physical and digital library, an archive collection and services designed to meet the Department’s current information needs and preserve its history. To effectively deliver these collections and services, the Library subscribes to electronic information systems and databases that are easily accessed by all Department employees.
The Library is committed to developing partnerships within the Department and the wider transportation community, to ensure that its systems and services are relevant, innovative and accessible.
Minnesota
The MnDOT Library advances your knowledge with timely, direct and cost-effective connections to the information you need to provide the highest quality transportation system.
Missouri
The MoDOT Library delivers quality, actionable information to support the informed decision making by the agency’s managers, professional and technical staff; provides access to the best transportation knowledge resources and tools; and disseminates MoDOT research innovations and solutions.
New Jersey
The NJDOT Research Library provides knowledge resources to transportation professionals in New Jersey so that they can plan, design, construct and maintain a high-quality transportation system.
Texas
TxDOT has implemented an informal and internal mission statement to direct priorities:
To fulfill and respond to the research needs of the greater transportation community by providing access to print and digital works supporting transportation research, providing leadership in partnerships and collaborations, and offering premier research and library information services that support TxDOT's goal of being a "best in class" transportation agency.
The Special Libraries Association operates under this guidance:
Vision: The Special Libraries Association is the global organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners.
Mission: The Special Libraries Association promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy and networking initiatives.
To craft effective vision and mission statements: