Accomplishments and goals
Goal area 1 – Strategic plan
2021 accomplishment
Initial draft of a detailed EDI Strategic Plan was submitted to the former Dean of Libraries, Kathy Ray, reflecting a long-term vision and actionable goals in support of Libraries, campus and organizational priorities. Revised final plan to be completed by Summer 2022 based on the new direction and guidance of Dean Cardwell.
2022 goals
- Craft and adopt a Libraries Diversity Statement, reflecting a goal of Inclusive Excellence throughout the organization.
- Create and adopt an EDI Strategic Plan reflecting a long-term vision and actionable goals in support of Libraries, campus and organizational priorities.
Goal area 2 - Programming
2021 accomplishment
Continued to use Wikipedia edit-a-thons to expand collective activities designed to address gender and racial biases while facilitating the creation of content by underrepresented groups. On April 21, 2021 the EDI committee partnered with faculty and graduate students in the Department of Ecology (new collaboration) on a Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon, focusing on pages for women scientists and scientists of color. Participants: 31; Edited Articles: 12: Content added: 3,000+ words; 43 citations.
Established EDI Hour, a guided discussion series of conversations about equity, diversity, and inclusion with rotating facilitators. Facilitators bring readings and topics they are interested in. The first one in late 2021 had 13 participants, 9 of whom were not current EDI committee members.
2022 goals
- Incorporate EDI into Libraries programming and outreach efforts.
- Continue to develop EDI-focused programming and outreach initiatives.
- Seek additional campus and community programming partners.
Goal area 3 - Spaces and places
2021 accomplishment
Conducted IRB-sanctioned research on Library Spaces and First-Generation Students through Spring 2021 survey and April-July focused interviews. Analysis is underway to determine if students feel culturally welcomed and that they belong within the physical spaces of the University Libraries.
Identified potential space within the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center for a student-use Lactation Quiet Room, in partnership with Committee on the Status of Women, Campus Facilities Planning and Libraries Building Operations. Plans were submitted to campus administration.
2022 goals
- Identify areas of change based on evidence-based findings from the First Generation Students survey
- Facilitate a Library Space Audit with participation from Libraries committees (e.g., Onsite User Experiences; Exhibits; Outreach) and departments/units.
- Write and adopt a Land Acknowledgment
- Complete construction of the student-use Lactation and Quiet Space and support on-campus efforts to offer additional facilities.
Goal area 4 – Library collections
2021 accomplishment
Partnered with major book vendor (GOBI) to identify Diversity Award book categories that would strengthen the collection in areas of equity, diversity and social justice.
2022 goals
- Assess acquisition practices for print and e-format collections to identify resource gaps for the study or representation of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Goal Area 5 – Inclusive personnel recruitment and retention
2021 accomplishment
Began reviewing best practices for inclusive recruitment in anticipation of 2022 hires. No hires were allowed in 2021 due to budget constraints.
2022 goals
- With Libraries HR officer, review recruitment and retention processes to assess inadvertent or implicit biases and attract candidates from underrepresented groups, including processes and procedures for student employees.
- Retain employees from underrepresented groups after the hiring process.
Future plans
Spaces and places
Encourage Libraries units to develop EDI statements specific to their unit.
Research agenda
Identify literature and research gaps regarding academic libraries’ equity and inclusion. Provide training and resources on ethical, equitable, and inclusive research practices; share resources with campus and professional communities.