Library Mission

The mission of the Cardinal Stritch University Library is to provide access to the information and resources required to meet the needs of the programs and interests of Cardinal Stritch University.

In order to determine these needs and concerns the Library endeavors to match the programs and interests as stated in the mission of Cardinal Stritch University.

First, the Library endeavors to provide access to its services in such a way that will meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, faculty and staff. The Library also provides services, through cooperative arrangements, for members of the larger Stritch community and metropolitan area.

Second, the collection policy is primarily designed to support curriculum for both traditional and nontraditional programs. Library materials are purchased in all appropriate formats from paper through electronic databases.

Third, the Library strives to provide a place and services conductive to independent study and learning outside the classroom and laboratory.

Fourth, each year the Library develops goals and objectives appropriate to the University's strategic goals.

Right to Read

The right of any individual to information is basic to a democratic society. The right is based on the assumption that the educated, free person possesses the power of discrimination and is entrusted with the determination of personal action.

Since the Cardinal Stritch University Library serves and is supported by many and varied groups and individuals, it cannot satisfy the interests and beliefs of one group to sacrifice the interests of others.

Public opinion tends to change with time and circumstances. Faculty and librarians do not claim to be exempt from transitory social currents of thought. Majority public opinion may not be a reliable guide for materials selection in a library with the responsibility to the future as well as the present. History shows that many books which have been controversial have later been recognized as significant. If any holding is truly controversial, the best approach is ready access, thorough study and understanding, and informed decision-making.

Right to Learn

Higher education is one effort to improve the quality of choices made in exercising the right of freedom of speech and of the press. Like all rights founded in our constitution, the right to read and the right to information can be used wisely or foolishly. To deny the opportunity of choice in the fear that it may be used unwisely jeopardizes such freedoms.

Right to Reconsider

The right of dissent, protected by the First Amendment, allows objections to library materials. Any qualified library patron of Cardinal Stritch University, therefore, may challenge library holdings by following appropriate policies and procedures.

At the same time, educators, librarians and other trained professionals whose primary allegiance remains the integrity of knowledge, must be accorded a measure of judgment in their materials selection. No professional involved in such decisions that faithfully follows the policies contained herein shall be held liable or punished in any way.