Background

MOBIUS is at a crossroad in its history. MOBIUS recently adopted a strategic plan that identifies the need to compensate for the loss of state funding while enhancing the ability to provide members with new information resources and technologies. In considering the desire to broaden its membership and financial base, MOBIUS is hampered by the governance structure that was originally developed to generate the support of parent academic institutions and Missouri state government.

This crossroad provides an opportunity for MOBIUS to create a new, vigorous, more dynamic organization for its members, and through its members, for the citizens of Missouri. A redesigned and restructured MOBIUS will focus on enhancing the value of Missouri libraries and cultural heritage institutions by providing efficient, cost effective information resources and services to promote effective life‐long learning and workforce development opportunities; by exploiting innovative technologies to deliver those resources in new and exciting ways; and by delivering the benefits of scale while retaining the advantages of local customer service for which MOBIUS is well‐known.

Vision Statement

A redefined and restructured MOBIUS should include:

• Expanded opportunities for membership from all types of libraries and cultural heritage institutions
• Improved opportunities for cost‐effective sharing of resources statewide and regionally
• Increased purchasing power of an expanded membership
• Increased visibility and advocacy with funding sources
• Greater capacity for innovation
• Expanded opportunities for continuing library education and training
• Extended support for libraries and librarians as change agents within their communities and institutions
• Strengthened access to progressive and thought‐provoking library leadership
• Broader networking and collaborative opportunities between organizations of dissimilar size and structure but with similar mission

Time Line

1. Report on the optimal combination of strategic, structural and operational models that will achieve the vision articulated for MOBIUS – due September 1, 2009
   • Analysis of the vision and strategic objectives of MOBIUS in terms of needs and means of potential participants
   • Recommendation of a business/financial model
   • Recommendation of organization‐wide and executive leadership skills
   • Recommendation of a governance structure
2. Report on the recommended implementation plan, including timeline – due December 1, 2009

Membership

• Board of Directors Strategic Plan Subcommittee Chair (Task Force Chair)
  

  Note: After July 1, new chair of Strategic Plan Subcommittee (Chair‐Elect of Board of Directors) becomes chair of Task Force with former chair remaining as Task Force member (and chair of MOBIUS Board of Directors).

• 1 member of MOBIUS Board of Directors (selected by Chair, MOBIUS Board of Directors)
• 4 members of MOBIUS Council (selected by Chair, MOBIUS Board of Directors)
• 2 members from Missouri Library Community (selected by Chair, MOBIUS Board of Directors)
• MOBIUS Executive Director
• University of Missouri Host Institution Representative
• Missouri State Librarian
• MOREnet representative
• Missouri Department of Higher Education representative

Member qualifications

Keen interest aiding in shaping the future of MOBIUS, experience in strategic, organizational, and financial planning, enthusiasm, and patience required.

Memberhip restrictions

Must be employed in a MO library.

Frequency of Meetings

Monthly or as needed.

Communication of the Committee Minutes

Minutes of the meetings will be posted on the MOBIUS web site within 30 days of each meeting. Notification of posting will be sent to the appropriate consortium listserv.

Annual Report

No annual report required but progress reports are expected by the Board of Directors at each meeting of the EC and a final report will be due not later than.

Consortium Staff Liaison

MOBIUS Executive Director