MU Libraries Strategic Plan
for 2025–2028
Masaryk University Libraries are modern, dynamic, and inclusive centres of education, science, and cultural life, serving students, academic staff, and the general public. The MU Libraries are a meeting point of tradition and innovation, which is why we focus on incorporating new technologies such as next-generation platforms and artificial intelligence into library services to facilitate public access to information and support study and research at Masaryk University. We have strengthened the role of libraries in the professional community by organizing cultural and educational events, leading to reading and encouraging volunteerism and collaboration.
We have expanded and internationalized our collections and services with the aim of making the libraries places sought after by international students. We have improved the physical environment of the libraries, increased the accessibility of study rooms, and introduced new services such as reading clubs and makerspaces that encourage creativity and innovation. We are emphasising collaboration across the University and with external partners, standardising services, optimising processes, and gathering feedback on our work to better respond to the needs of our users and provide appropriate services.
In line with the above, we are acting as a unified collaborative network under the “Masaryk University Libraries” brand and fulfilling the motto “Come for information, stay for inspiration”.
Science and Research
Research support is one of the MU Libraries' priorities. We strive to deepen information support in the context of Open Science activities and to initiate support in administrative areas of research, such as the management of licenses or persistent identifiers. Last but not least, we want to invest in the development of human capital in libraries by building a team of experts in research data management.
Information Education
Based on an information literacy framework tailored to the needs of Masaryk University, MU Libraries plan to revise the content of existing information literacy courses across all study programs, create cross-cutting reference teaching materials, offer a method for testing information literacy levels, and strengthen the service of individual information literacy consultations.
The Social Role of Libraries
As institutions that are legally required to offer their services to the general public, MU Libraries are considering ways to strengthen their social role by organizing cultural events and leisure activities, or by optimizing their activities, processes, and spaces in terms of environmental sustainability and the specific needs of disabled library users.
Library Spaces and Reference Services
Despite the ongoing digitization of services and information content, physical spaces remain the main asset of MU Libraries, which we must continue to develop and improve. It is desirable to meet readers' demands, whether it be an orientation system, comfortable places for study or teamwork, the availability of technology, or the removal of historical barriers through strict prohibitions on specific activities.
Intra-university Cooperation
Expanding cooperation with other university departments and between libraries themselves has excellent potential. We strive to be a sought-after partner for selected departments of the MU Rector's Office, and we also seek opportunities for greater interlibrary cooperation to increase the level and comfort of our services for readers
Electronic Information Resources
The wealth of information held by MU Libraries lies in their collections, both physical and electronic. Proper care of this entrusted wealth must therefore also involve innovation in relevant information systems and the digitization of paper books into an electronic archive. Our medium-term goal in this area is to transition to a new-generation platform and expand the existing digitized repository of copies.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
MU Libraries not only provide access to information, but also train experts who can process this information into reports and visualizations. It is therefore our ambition to collect and analyze data and offer an expanded information service for decision-making based on available data, both at the level of the libraries themselves and for the needs of the management of individual economic centers.
Support Systems and Technologies
For MU Libraries to continuously offer top-quality services, they must keep pace with developments in information and communication technologies. That is why we focus on developing new library applications and improving existing ones. We want to meet our readers' requirements regarding how they are identified and how we communicate with them. We cannot do this without a stable team of programmers and other IT experts.
External Cooperation and Partnerships
The strength of libraries lies in their cooperation across the globe – we are not competitors, but colleagues who constantly think together about advancing the information services field. Therefore, we strive not only to maintain existing partnership activities, led by the organization of MUSTweek and participation in AKVŠ, but also to expand them and seek other external partners with whom we can mutually assist each other in our work.
Personnel Requirements
Top-quality library services cannot be provided without top-quality librarians. In line with the university's mission, we want to support our employees in the lifelong development of their skills, encourage them to gain international experience, and motivate them to collaborate not only within their home library but also across libraries. Of course, we also pay attention to their working conditions and remuneration.