About the library > Mission & Philosophy
Mission & Philosophy
Multnomah County Library enriches lives by fostering diverse opportunities for all people to read, learn and connect.
Multnomah County Library upholds the principles of intellectual freedom and the public's right to know by providing people of all ages with access and guidance to information and collections that reflect all points of view.
We believe in:
I. The principles of intellectual freedom
- We will provide books, programs and other library resources that present a wide range of views on current and historical issues for the interest, information and enlightenment of the community.
- We will not exclude materials because of their origin or background or the views they express, nor will we remove materials because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- We will challenge censorship and cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting the abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.
- We will neither deny nor abridge a person's right to use a library because of his/her age, economic levels, beliefs, race, personal or physical characteristics.
- We will make existing meeting rooms available to the public on an equitable basis.
- We will ensure regular staff training in the principles of intellectual freedom.
II. Respect for the public we serve
Regardless of age, economic level, beliefs, race, personal or physical characteristics:
- We will treat each patron in a courteous and attentive manner.
- We will give all individuals the same consideration and level of service.
- We will see that the library's behavioral rules are upheld in order to make the library a pleasant place for all patrons.
- We will act in accordance with the intent of library policies and procedures, both in their application and in any exceptions made to them.
III. Effective and efficient service
- We will strive for accuracy and quality in the services we provide.
- We will view all interaction with the public as an opportunity to promote and support the library.
- We will review and update policies and procedures as needed.
- We will provide materials for public use in a timely manner.
IV. Library resources that anticipate and respond to community interests and needs
- We will regularly review and be aware of the community profile for the area we serve.
- We will seek and respond to public input concerning services and materials.
- We will choose materials and programming based on library roles and the library mission statement.
- We will investigate and suggest innovative library services, programs and technological advancements.
- We will represent the library in community events and interact with neighborhood organizations.
V. Friendly, inviting and safe facilities
- We will participate in regularly scheduled safety programs.
- We will stay informed about emergency procedures.
- We will take the responsibility for the general appearance of our work areas.
- We will provide ongoing input to buildings and grounds projects and identify safety issues.
VI. Professionalism and employee involvement with respect for the worth and ability of each employee
In our commitment to provide a high standard of public service:
- We will provide clear written and oral expectations of job requirements.
- We will provide staff with the tools necessary to do the best job possible, including equipment, training and information.
- We will promote staff development through workshops, seminars and/or job-related courses.
- We will provide timely performance appraisals in conjunction with on-going informal dialogue between employee and supervisor.
- We will ensure meaningful recognition and acknowledgment for job performance.
- We will establish and maintain open lines of communication at all levels.
- We will ensure that personnel are selected according to library standards.
- We will allow clearly defined time for input into decision-making.