The following principles guided the ARL Strategic Planning Task Force in its work.  The “we” in these statements refers to the Association. (2005)

Distinctive Mission

• We complement and build on the strengths of other organizations.
• We rethink historic assumptions.
• Our policy positions guide our strategies.

Community

• We are a member-driven organization.
• We are accountable to our members.
• We provide opportunity for full engagement by all member representatives.
• We respect the diversity of our membership.

Intellectual Freedom and Scholarly Communication

• We promote and advocate barrier-free access to research and educational information resources.

Collaboration

• We build relationships with other higher education societies and associations.
• We work closely with other library-related associations, councils, federations, etc.

Diversity

• We encourage and support our members as they strive to reflect society’s diversity in their staffing, collections, leadership, and programs.
• We strive to employ a diverse staff.

Operational Effectiveness

• We are focused on the needs of our member libraries.
• We allocate our resources wisely and practice sound fiscal management.
• We promote continuing staff development and growth.