Mission & Philosophy
Mesa Community College Libraries create a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive environment that supports:
- Critical, information-literate inquiry across the curriculum through transformational learning experiences
- Access to scholarly resources representing diverse viewpoints
- Accessible spaces for all learners—including ADA-compliant, sensory, family-friendly, and reflective environments
- The preservation of knowledge and cultural heritage
- The information needs of our college and local community
- Equitable operations across both campuses, unified as one college
Our service philosophy is user-centered and grounded in the following values:
- Engaged Learning: We foster student success by empowering critical thinking and information literacy across disciplines.
- Transparency & Collaboration: We cultivate a workplace that values open communication and shared contributions from all employees.
- Service Excellence: We are committed to delivering high-quality service to the college and broader community.
- Professional Development: We invest in the growth of full- and part-time employees, recognizing their essential role in fulfilling our mission.
- Adaptability & Innovation: We embrace change with agility and insight to lead in an evolving academic landscape.
- Academic & Intellectual Freedom: We champion the free exchange of ideas, oppose censorship, and uphold the right to explore knowledge without restriction.
- Privacy: We protect the confidentiality of all individuals' information needs and research activity.
- Civil Discourse: We promote respectful dialogue and a learning environment that supports diverse perspectives and knowledge creation.
- Stewardship: We responsibly manage collections and archives to ensure long-term access, including MCC’s history and cultural heritage.
About Paul A. Elsner
The MCC Library at Southern & Dobson is named in honor of Dr. Paul A. Elsner, former Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District (1977–1999). During his 22-year tenure, Elsner championed instructional and information technology as tools to expand access and equity in education.
A graduate of Stanford University (Ph.D., 1964) and Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management, Elsner held influential roles with organizations such as the Educational Testing Service, the League for Innovation, and the American Association of Community Colleges. He has received numerous honors, including the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, the AACC Leadership Award, and the Anderson Medal for co-founding “The Think Tank.” The Chronicle of Higher Education and Change Magazine have named him one of the most influential higher education leaders of our time.
In retirement, Elsner continued to advocate for global education through speaking engagements across six continents and ongoing community work.