Publication of the values of Spanish university libraries on their websites

Resumen

The article aims to shed light on the values that guide professional practice in Spanish university libraries and the strategies deployed to publicise them on library websites. Identifying the statements that inform each library staff´s behaviour called for analysing the corporate documents published on such sites. Value visibility and accessibility were assessed on the grounds of the length of the route from the home page. The prominence of the corporate document containing the information was also studied. The analysis initially revealed values relating to the administration of public assets, such as engagement with the institution, its services and users. That was followed by professional values such as defence of access to information, data and science. The values most frequently espoused were innovation and professionalism. Libraries are encouraged to define their values which, along with their mission and vision, are a significant component of their internal and external strategy and communication policy. Their publication, in turn, redounds to transparency and enhances the relationship with their target audience.