Statement of Core Values
The Library
- serves Newman Theological College, a Roman Catholic school of theology founded on the principles of Vatican II
- is a curriculum-based academic library in its collections, services, and administration
- provides research and circulation assistance in a timely and professional manner
- fosters a safe, orderly, and quiet environment conducive to personal study
- respects the dignity of all library users as image bearers of God
- upholds and defends the Freedom of Inquiry so that users can pursue subjects of interest without impediment
- believes, more generally, that to read, write, or create according to one’s inclination, belief, or conviction is fundamental to a democratic society
- acquires resources that reflect different viewpoints, value systems, and lived experiences to benefit the development of critical thinking skills, and personal growth
- curates a diversity of scholarly research, methodologies, and approaches - current and retrospective, Catholic and non-Catholic, ecumenical and interfaith - to allow for coherent and authoritative coverage of subject areas and the fair exchange of ideas
- encourages engagement with the Fine Arts and Literature through the provision of a variety of artistic works in multiple formats, and a range of literary works that encompass multiple genres, nationalities, and reading levels
- facilitates creative self-expression through sponsored activities
- resists efforts to unduly influence, censor, or politicize its collections or staffing
- counters such efforts through adherence to its collection development policy, educational outreach, and the provision of fact- based information
- responds to, or reports, behaviour meant to intimidate, provoke, or threaten library users or staff, instill discomfort, or otherwise disrupt an inclusive library environment
- adheres to copyright compliance, but recognizes the right to copy, within established limits, for educational purposes
- honours NEOS policies and procedures as a consortium member, and actively participates in NEOS initiatives, planning, and governance
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