Exploring Public Library Identity Through Mission Statements

Public libraries’ institutional identities inform library strategic planning, including marketing and branding, collection and service development, evaluation, and talent management. While each public library develops a unique identity and brand, this identity is informed by the collective institutional identity of public libraries. This study examined the mission statements of public libraries in Canada and the United States in order to identity the salient aspects of public library identity of modern public libraries. The following identity components were identified: (1) community building, (2) culture and recreation, (3) equitable access, (4) information, (5) positive impact, and (6) stewardship. These identity components are examined in relation to literature on library and librarian professional identity and history. They categories are sufficiently broad to serve as an umbrella for a wide range of public library collections, programs and services. Understanding the collective identity of public libraries allows each public library to situate their unique collections and activities within the greater library community.