Mission of Howard University

The mission of Howard University as a comprehensive, research-oriented, predominantly African-American university is to provide an educational experience of exceptional quality at reasonable cost to students of high academic potential. Particular emphasis is placed upon providing educational opportunities for African-American men and women, and for other historically disenfranchised groups. Furthermore, Howard University is dedicated to attracting, sustaining and developing a cadre of faculty who, through their teaching and research, are committed to producing distinguished and compassionate graduates who seek solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.1

Our Mission of the Library System

The Howard University Libraries is a forward-looking organization, dedicated to providing the highest standards in service and resources that support the University mission for excellence in learning, scholarship and service. In a society increasingly dependent on information technology and life-long learning we are committed to fostering information empowerment for academic and professional success; support the shaping of new knowledge and research endeavors; with a distinct commitment to preparing people of color and the economically disadvantaged for leadership and service to our nation and the global community.

Vision of the Library System

To help Howard University achieve its mission, the vision of the library system is to be the source of “up to date” intellectual information for faculty, students and staff members; to provide said users with “state of the art” technology to access resource materials to do their work, in an environment both physically and virtually user-friendly empowering them to reach their goals and to have an impact on the global community. We are mindful that the realization of this vision requires a guided integrated administrative decision-making structure, a sustained focus and allocation of resources.

To realized the vision, the library system will concentrate on XX goals for the next five years.

Howard University . The Strategic Framework for Action II, p. 5