NLW Strategic Objectives

Objective 1 — Preserve and develop the nation’s memory

The first objective which is core to our purpose is to both safeguard and increase knowledge about Wales and its people by collecting and acquiring recorded knowledge that is in written and audio-visual format. Specifically:

• Safeguard collections by ensuring that they receive care and conservation work of the highest order and promoting excellence in international standards of physical and digital preservation.
• Expand and develop archive and unique content collections whilst nurturing the expertise to improve the diversity of the physical and digital collections and the means to describe them.
• Maintain the national published collections as Wales’s only Legal Deposit Library and enhance access to the print and non-print Legal Deposit collection in Aberystwyth and beyond.

Objective 3 — Connecting Communities

A core objective is to reach a greater range of audiences in every part of Wales and beyond and to achieve this through pro-active engagement programmes that promote inclusion, diversity and access to Welsh language and culture. Specifically:

• Develop and co-produce programmes with a wider range of Wales’s communities that enable these communities to benefit from the collections and for the Library to learn and improve from this creative dialogue with communities.
• Give priority to voices and lived experiences that have been under-represented in the Library’s collections and activities and committing to an anti-racist Wales.
• Engage further by developing the Library’s partnerships with the library and archives sector in Wales, our Legal Deposit partners, and our international partners in the knowledge and culture sectors.
• Create new connections beyond Wales with communities and international partners that can benefit from the wealth of the collections about Wales and to raise the profile of Wales and its culture.

Objective 4 — Education, Skills and Research

We want to enrich skills, research and the learning experiences of all learners in Wales. Specifically:

• Work collaboratively to develop resources, skills and experiences that support learners and schools to meet the requirements of the new curriculum, including literacy and information literacy and a deep understanding of ‘Cynefin’ and the nation’s cultural richness and diversity.
• Develop resources, expertise, and skills that support researchers and lifelong learners to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and employers in different sectors of the economy.
• Develop partnerships with colleges, universities and other institutions to support research and innovation by developing ground-breaking work in linked data, big data, artificial intelligence, and digital humanities.

Operational Priorities

This section summarises the main operational priorities to give direction to decisions on resources and investment. These priorities will be reflected clearly in the annual Operational Plan.

Developing the National Collections

• We will place the priority for growth on the unique content that tells the stories of Wales and its people.
• We will review the Library’s provision for readers and researchers with the aim of increasing access and delivering value for money.
• We will improve diversity and accessibility across the collections and place the needs and interests of users at the forefront, especially where they have been under-represented in our work.
• We will develop long-term plans for collection storage, conservation expertise and a resilient digital infrastructure.

Sharing and Engaging 

• We will increase the emphasis on promoting health, well-being, anti-racism and social justice through engaging more widely with communities and audiences.
• We will develop state-of-the-art platforms for digital collections to improve the experience for users.
• We will improve the visitor experience – through developing the Library building to be more accessible and welcoming, with activity programmes that appeal more widely.
• We will create skills programmes with partners in education and lifelong learning to raise standards in information and digital literacy and to foster creativity and employability.
• We will establish new partnerships to foster skills, innovation and research.
• We will provide imaginative exhibitions and creative opportunities for volunteering, participation and enjoyment.

Develop, Change, Improve

• We will drive improvements that put the user at their heart, and which give direction to our connections with communities and with digital audiences.
• We will introduce a Change & Renewal Programme that promotes an ambitious and enterprising culture that places a priority on the workforce’s well-being, skills and flexibility.
• We will maintain strong financial foundations through effective financial management and by developing a variety of income generating activities.
• We will continue to invest in de-carbonisation and net zero plans — taking advantage of every opportunity to promote sustainable development.