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University of Washington

University of Washington Information School

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    • Informatics Undergraduate major and minor
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    • About Us The iSchool is home to innovators and leaders who make information work
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Information to Impact

  1. The School
  2. About Us
  3. Strategic Plan

Information is central to knowledge; to truth; to impact. Amid a public health crisis, climate change, threats to democratic institutions and a revolution in artificial intelligence, information plays a pivotal role in solving the monumental challenges we all face and realizing the opportunities in front of us. The UW Information School is leading the global movement to devise information solutions that improve people’s lives and tackle the world’s toughest challenges.

Grand Challenges

In facing the challenges articulated below, we draw upon a range of disciplines that focus on how people create, use, store, share and communicate information. Our faculty and students are drawn together into this work because of the problems they want to solve, and a recognition that it takes the widest range of knowledge and skills to do so.

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A Healthier Planet

We are infusing an information lens on the work of environmental science, public policy, and intergovernmental affairs. Learn more.

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A Stronger Democracy and a More Informed Public

Our commitment to building a better democracy and a more informed public is a signature of our work at the Information School. Learn more.

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Responsible AI

We explore ethical and fairness issues with artificial intelligence systems and develop value-sensitive, human-centric solutions. Learn more.

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Healthier, Happier People

Leading in novel approaches to bettering health and well-being through information research at the individual, organization and population level. Learn more.

Strategic Objectives

As we work towards our strategic vision, we have defined five areas that require qualitative and continuous improvements to our work and our school:

Increase access to information science education: Increase teaching capacity; create routes to better affordability; foster pedagogical inclusivity

Invest in supporting infrastructure and resources: Expand and enhance Information School space; recruit the best faculty and staff; sustain, support and retain a joyous faculty and staff community; support sustainable responsive processes for efficient execution across all units; secure sustainable financial resources that support strategic needs.

Expand research impact through translational research: Engage more students in research; align research and teaching; start and support collaborative research centers; maximize our competitiveness for major funded research opportunities; invest in risky research and collaborations; increase and sustain our variety of researchers.

Invest in constituent experience: Engage the public; enhance the student experience; foster and support a joyous faculty and staff culture; actively engage alumni; strengthen external partner engagement.

Strengthen the Information School identity: Refresh the Information School identity; renew the future of the field of library and information science; amplify the identity of our programs.

Commitments

Beyond what we hope to achieve, we also recognize that how we structure our efforts is critical to our success. We have identified two cross-cutting values that will be central to all of our strategic objectives, priorities and initiatives: 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access & Sovereignty

The Information School is working toward a more just world by dismantling institutional barriers through our research, education and daily work. We go beyond only saying we support intersectional identities. We will confront and take action against any expressions of racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia, religious discrimination, or any other instances of bias, microaggressions and discrimination to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive School and community. We are committed to cultivating a multicultural experience for faculty, staff, and students to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their lives within the School and beyond.

Responsiveness, Planning, Strategy

Through planning and crafting coherent strategies, we are committed to operating with responsiveness in an ever-changing environment. Through each of our objectives and priorities, we will reflect on process with an eye to making transactions efficient and compliant.

Resources:

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News

25 years in, Information School is more essential than ever

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Twenty-five years ago, there were no smartphones or social media. Most of us had dial-up internet. We went to Blockbuster when we wanted to rent movies and read newspapers when we wanted to stay informed. Artificial intelligence was the...
Read more
A photo of Cynthia Leitich Smith and images of two of her books, "Jingle Dancer" and "Sisters of the Neversea."

Cynthia Leitich Smith to share insights on Indigenous stories

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Children's and young adult book author Cynthia Leitich Smith writes stories that center Indigenous youth as heroes. Her storytelling draws inspiration from moments and experiences she’s had in her own life.“I didn't really think of it...
Read more

Events

Oct 14
 
12:00-1:30PM

CALMA Round Table : Mapping the Black Information Future

Virtual
Oct 14
 
3:00-4:00PM

Museology Prospective Student Application Workshop

Zoom / Online
Oct 14
 
5:30-6:30PM

Speak Their Language: Translating your MLIS Skills for Corporate Resumes & Beyond

Husky Union Building 214
Oct 16
 
8:30-9:30AM

Pick Your Path Through MSIM

Zoom / Online
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© 2025 UW Information School
Box 352840 - Mary Gates Hall, Ste. 370
Seattle, WA 98195-2840
United States of America
206-685-9937
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