The mission of the Athens State University Library is to identify, acquire, maintain, preserve, and provide access to information and research in support of academic programs offered by the institution; to enhance bibliographic skills of patrons through instruction; to work cooperatively with faculty and the greater community to build appropriate collections in a variety of formats; to respond to advances in information technology; to establish and maintain cooperative agreements for resource sharing with other libraries; and to encourage research and life-long learning.

Objectives for the Library are developed and assessed each year as a part of the University-wide planning process. A survey of students and other patrons is conducted during the Spring semester to solicit input for improvements.