The PACSCL Mission/Vision Statement

Adopted by the Board of Directors December 2007

Mission. The Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL) encourages scholars, educators, and other diverse audiences to explore and engage with member libraries' uniquely rich holdings and, through collaboration, strengthens these collections and the institutions that preserve and share them.

Vision. Through PACSCL the Philadelphia region will be known internationally as one of the nation's preeminent centers for research and study using rare books, manuscripts, archives, graphics, and other materials in a variety of formats. As stewards of this documentary heritage, PACSCL members will:

• share their unique and rare materials in a manner consistent with the best interests of the public.
• provide context to our user communities through the PACSCL website and through collaborative projects and programs.
• encourage scholars and other publics to appreciate Philadelphia area special collections as integral parts of an interconnected regional resource.
• create access to information about the collections of PACSCL libraries via web-mounted catalog records, on-line finding aids, and other search and discovery tools; as well as to a growing inventory of digitized collections.
• encourage Philadelphia area educational institutions to draw on primary sources and other resources in PACSCL member libraries in order to develop curricula and curricular supports for students from the elementary through postdoctoral level and for life-long learners.
• work collaboratively on projects that build capacity among members and achieve economies of scale.
• build for members' staffs at all levels a rich community of common interests and involvements that will give them access to the highest level of professional training and inform them about the collections, resources, and available expertise at member libraries.
• work with other consortia in the region, state, and country to extend the reach of its projects, share its own best practices, and draw on the expertise and best practices of other organizations.

Membership. PACSCL members are Philadelphia-region special collections libraries that are able to participate in public programming by maintaining a professional staff to serve the public; adhere to best practices standards of stewardship and access; and demonstrate a commitment to advancing PACSCL's collaborative mission by an ongoing willingness to participate in PACSCL's programs, activities, and governance.