Vision, Mission, and Values of the School of Information Sciences

Introduction

The School of Information Sciences (SIS) has a rich heritage, a vibrant present, and a bold vision for a dynamic future. This document recognizes the strong foundation we have built in the last eight decades, provides guidelines and evaluation measures for the next decade, and builds the vision for an innovative and enterprising program for the future.

Vision, mission, and values are the cornerstone of our program, providing an overview of where we are headed based on past success. This document outlines a foundation. It sets the context of the future — what we do and why. The School’s Strategic Plan identifies goals, and the metrics associated with those goals

VISION

The School of Information Sciences will be recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as an interdisciplinary program of excellence in library and information sciences. Graduates will be knowledgeable, skillful, and ethical in their pursuit of information and information technology. They will be well prepared for further study and inquiry, for leadership in the information professions, and for enlightened participation in the global information society. The School’s graduates will recognize their responsibilities to contribute to knowledge, advance the information professions, and to engage in lifelong learning.

Our vision is firmly rooted in the School’s commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, research and creative activity, and service.

We are guided by the mission of the University of Tennessee “to provide quality educational opportunities for the people of this state”. In achieving this mission, we seek extensive partnerships and collaborations with organizations and communities both private and not-for-profit. We reach out to those in the state, in the region, and those far away.

We strive to anticipate and respond creatively to change in the information professions and education through continuous self-assessment and reflection and vigorous current awareness. Our curriculum anticipates the skills and knowledge needed in the future. Our instruction embraces intellectual and pedagogical diversity. Faculty research and creative activity is visible and valued. The thoughtful application of information technology informs and supports the School’s mission and values.

We are clearly focused on the effectiveness and success of our graduates. Recruiting and retaining a geographically, demographically, socially, and culturally diverse student body is a high priority. Faculty and students teach and learn with each other. We focus on the need for life-long learning to maintain competence and professional effectiveness.

Our vision is based upon collaborative and inclusive governance. At some time, each of us will lead and others will follow. All participate. We embrace the challenges of managing the tensions between traditional academic and intellectual freedoms and the management needs of higher education.

MISSION

The mission of the School of Information Sciences is to educate information professionals and those who create and consume information products to live, work, and flourish in a dynamic information society through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and public service.

We provide quality education to meet student needs regardless of where the student may live. Instruction is of high quality and accommodates individual needs. All students receive thoughtful advice about career planning and placement to insure that their educational experience is relevant and forward-looking.

VALUES

The School of Information supports the University’s multi-cultural mission by collaborating with a wide range of partners, from the local community to the global village.

Our values are expressed and made manifest in our faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and everything that we do.

We value:

• Continuous enrichment
• Creativity and innovation
• Context and a seeking of meaning
• Collaboration and connectivity
• Cultural awareness and diversity

We value our continuous accreditation by the American Library Association as an endorsement of the quality of our program and its relevance to the library community.