Sustainable Stewardship of Yale Library Special Collections

Yale Library is committed to the sustainable stewardship of its special collections. We have adopted the principles below to ensure we may responsibly provide long-term access to the cultural heritage materials in our care for the benefit of present and future generations.  

 

Sustainable stewardship is holistic. Our work is intricately interconnected, and we strive to understand the full impact and ramifications of our decisions. We consider the complex library and university ecosystems in which we operate and recognize stewardship involves multiple individuals, interests, priorities, capacities, resourcing levels, and systems. We respectfully consider stakeholder perspectives. We are mindful that every “yes” results in one or more “no.”

 

Sustainable stewardship is conscientious. We assume a duty of care in making decisions and hold ourselves accountable for our decisions and the impact we have on others. We acknowledge biases and value colleagues’ expertise and authority. We encourage collaboration and compassion. We are open to learning, evolution, and self-reflection. We respect our colleagues, past and present, and look for ways to build on and improve what was done before us.  

 

Sustainable stewardship is intentional. We make deliberate, thoughtful, strategic decisions about our commitments and priorities. Our actions are rooted in the Library’s mission and are informed by stakeholder engagement, research, institutional context and priorities, perceived value (research, education, programming, etc.), potential risks, metrics, and data.  

 

Sustainable stewardship is practical. We make practical decisions that are fiscally responsible, well-planned, and consistent. Our practices and commitments should not overextend our staff, resources, systems, or spaces. We rely on well documented policies, standards, procedures, and expectations. We use and contribute to professional standards and best practices. We ensure short-term gains do not compromise our long-term ability to fulfill our mission.  

 

Sustainable stewardship is supportive. We invest in staff learning and growth so staff may serve effectively as stewards of cultural heritage. We continually improve processes, technologies, and our workplace environment so staff can do their best work in support of the Library’s goals. 

 

Sustainable stewardship is ethical. It is rooted in integrity, professionalism, equity, and social responsibility. We adhere to the ethical codes of our university and our professions. We uphold organizational and public trust in our selection and care of a diverse cultural and historical record. We center the margins and work to lift up areas that are rendered invisible or diminished by bias. We prioritize open and equitable access to our collections, balanced with a concern for the well-being of individuals represented within. 

 

Sustainable stewardship is transparent. We are committed to dialogue (internally and externally) about what informs decisions, what our work entails, and what our priorities and capacities are. We clearly document our roles, policies, processes, decisions, actions, and impact.