Strategy 2026–2030
Building the future
Vision and mission
The University Library Bern shares the University’s vision of a knowledge society in which information is publicly available and presented in a comprehensible manner. As a knowledge service provider, it makes a material contribution to this within and outside the University. With its Strategy 2026—2030, it is strengthening its performance and future viability.
The University Library Bern sees its mission as providing knowledge-related services aimed at students, teachers, researchers and, as the cantonal library, the general public. It makes media available to its users, provides infrastructures, and creates the conditions for the transparent and reliable management of research data. It preserves and promotes its collections as part of Bern’s cultural heritage. It encourages data and information literacy and offers attractive spaces for research and individual or group learning. It provides high-quality services and is committed to the future of the library and information system through its dedication to training and the professional development of its employees. It is also aligned with the principles of operational and environmental sustainability.
Present and future
The strategy of the University Library Bern is being developed at a time of accelerated technological development. In recent decades, academic libraries have continuously changed their infrastructures and services as a result of digitalization. Now they are facing a future in which artificial intelligence will play a key role. On the one hand, it is clear that AI is already transforming the world of libraries. On the other, it is still unclear what this means, what services libraries will provide in the medium and long term with which methods.
The University Library Bern is addressing this open situation with a clear stance. It sees the starting situation as an opportunity and is focusing on developing its own organization. The Strategy 2026—2030 aims to position the University Library Bern as a strong institution in a changing environment in the face of current and upcoming technological and other challenges. It follows the guiding principle that a well-positioned library will be able to respond flexibly and appropriately to the requirements of the future. What’s more: It will be able to shape its future actively and take the initiative.
The University Library Bern is organized on a decentralized basis, with a large number of faculty libraries, but without a main library. Its locations, structures, processes and collaborations are key elements. These should be better coordinated from the ground up, more clearly structured, and set up with a clear focus on the future. With this in mind, the strategy defines four guiding principles: Plan locations as a whole, increase efficiency, shape collaborations, and promote competencies. The aim is to transform the University Library Bern so that it can continue to provide its services in the future in the best interests of its users and to their satisfaction.
Plan locations as a whole
The University Library Bern exploits the potential of its locations through comprehensive planning. By creating focal points for services, it addresses the needs of users to the best of its ability. It exploits synergies, avoids multi-track processes and examines ways of collaborating and merging individual locations. It focuses on the further development of places of learning and social interaction, and is setting up an open library with extended opening hours as part of a pilot project.
Increase efficiency
As part of its decentralized organization, the University Library Bern is improving its structures and processes, thereby increasing its efficiency. It develops clear organizational structures for research services and establishes a University-wide management system for its physical collections. It defines holistic media handling processes and adapts staff roles and tasks where necessary. It develops a clear and simple procedure for media funding across the University Library Bern.
Shape collaborations
The University Library Bern is establishing itself as a powerful partner in University, regional and national collaborations. To manage research services, it is establishing a governance structure with the involvement of University departments. It clarifies its role and mission as a cantonal library and coordinates with related organizations. In collaboration with the Swiss Library Service Platform AG, it is setting up a digital knowledge space in accordance with the latest technical standards. In doing so, it is optimizing access to digital infrastructures and media offerings.
Promote competencies
The University Library Bern provides impetus to strengthen its forward-looking approach. It establishes a comprehensive range of training and advice on information literacy for members of the University, with a focus on working with data and artificial intelligence. It is also establishing an internal network to promote innovative projects. Last but not least, it provides targeted support for the further training and professional development of employees.