BLC Strategic Directions 2019-2021

Resource Sharing – explore an expandeddefinition of ‘resource’ to include people,functional expertise, distinctive collectionsand digital assets, as well as further refiningthe ‘techniques’ of resource sharing toensure maximum efficiency for users.

Access and Interoperability – continuouslyimprove the ‘One Library’ user experienceby removing remaining barriers betweenBLC member libraries to create a seamlessuser experience.

Collaborative Initiatives – exploreopportunities for greater collaborationaround projects such as digital exhibitions,digitization projects, preservation, andshared repositories. Shared staff expertisecould include licensing, intellectual propertyand accessibility of online resources andphysical facilities.

Core Values of the BLC:

Approved by the BLC Board of Directors June 6, 2019.

The Boston Library Consortium (BLC) iscommitted to the core values of librarianship andto ensuring that these core values guide ourdecision making, our words, and our actions. Thecore value statements below provide a frameworkfor the work of the Consortium and are intended todefine, inform, and guide our professionalpractices. These values reflect the history of andongoing development of the profession.

Access – The BLC believes that all informationresources provided directly or indirectly by itsmember libraries should be readily, equally, andequitably accessible to all the members of itscommunity.

Confidentiality and Privacy – The BLC expectsits members to protect user privacy andconfidentiality as a fundamental right.

Collaboration – We believe in the power ofworking collectively to achieve mutually beneficialgoals.

Diversity – The BLC is committed to creating and supporting inclusive, diverse, and equitable communities.

Intellectual Freedom – We uphold the principlesof intellectual freedom and resist efforts to censorlibrary resources and services.

Preservation – The BLC supports thepreservation of information resources in all mediaand formats and encourages collaborative effortsto undertake preservation in a cost-effectivemanner.

Service and Professionalism – The BLC strivesfor excellence in the profession by enhancingknowledge and skills through ongoingprofessional development and by fostering theaspirations of all members of the community.

Social Responsibility – The BLC fosters aculture of social responsibility and advocates withits member libraries on current critical issues.