Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has the greatest impact when it is embedded within the culture of an organization. This is especially true for libraries where we inherently serve diverse communities.
Over the last year, Western Michigan University Libraries has been working hard to embed DEI in our culture.
“By fostering an inclusive environment that breaks down barriers of inequality, we can better serve our community of learners and researchers and make the Libraries a more innovative, creative and relevant place,” said Julie Garrison, dean of University Libraries.
Evaluating DEI organizational effectiveness
In April 2022, we distributed the American Library Association’s Equity Scorecard for Library and Information Organizations as a survey to all University Libraries employees. This survey gave employees an opportunity to provide their thoughts on how our organization was doing in the areas of DEI embeddedness in the culture, training and education, and recruitment, hiring and retention. Employee responses helped us focus our DEI efforts over the last year.
Holding conversations
We partnered with Western’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion to present a series of educational opportunities throughout 2022 for library faculty and staff. The series kicked off in March with a conversation with Dr. Candy McCorkle, vice president of diversity and inclusion, who talked about the power of words and labels when welcoming and working with diverse communities.
In June, Nathan Nguyen, director of the Office of LBGT Student Services, presented a program on intersectionality. During the program, library employees had an opportunity to explore basic concepts of intersectionality and microaggressions, acknowledge structures that support white privilege and racist systems, and practice vulnerability.
To wrap up the series, Safe on Campus training was provided in September. Led by Nguyen, this training provided participants with practical strategies for addressing homophobia, ways to support LGBTQIA2S+ students on campus, and an understanding of respectful language. Those who completed the training were given a placard to display in their workspace to indicate it is a safe space for LGBTQ persons.
Studying DEI
For most of 2022, our Instruction and Outreach department undertook the study of DEI in libraries. The department created a Librarianship Literature on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guide and invited other library colleagues to contribute to the reading list. “Beginning in March, we devoted 30 minutes of our meeting agenda each month to discuss a DEI reading,” said Mike Duffy, fine arts librarian and department lead.
Members of the Instruction and Outreach department took turns selecting a reading, writing discussion questions and leading the discussion. Duffy noted that, “Making these readings and discussions an intentional part of our monthly meetings means that DEI issues are continually on the librarians’ minds and helping to inform their approach to library work.”
Reviewing policies and procedures
We spent time over the last year reviewing policies and procedures through a DEI lens.
A group of library staff reviewed all our library policies. The group concluded that our policies were already inclusive and purposeful. Minor changes, such as ensuring consistent use of gender-neutral language, were made to existing Libraries policies.
Another team was established to review policies related to the Libraries’ collections and materials. The new Collections Governance Committee is currently hard at work updating the policy for the development, procurement and preservation of collections.
We also reviewed our hiring processes to identify opportunities to incorporate additional inclusive practices. New strategies were added to the interview process in 2022 when we embarked on a search to fill two vacant librarian positions during the fall semester. University Libraries also created paid internships last year to provide equitable student field experience opportunities for WMU students and those pursuing library science degrees at other institutions.
Considering spaces
We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Last year, a team of librarians worked with the University Art Curator to review a collection of indigenous art on display in Waldo Library. After determining the origin and intended usage of these objects could not be confirmed, we connected with the Frostic School of Art to begin the process of uninstalling the artwork and returning the pieces to the University’s permanent art collection.
The lower level of Waldo Library underwent a transformation this past fall as new carpet, ceiling tiles and energy-efficient lighting were installed. A new layout also brings the physical book stacks into ADA compliance.
Looking forward
As DEI becomes an integral part of our culture, the work continues. In 2023, additional education opportunities for library staff and the WMU community will be offered, starting with a presentation in February by Dr. Emily Knox, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Knox will speak about diversity of thought as well as academic and intellectual freedom.
“We know that in order for diversity, equity and inclusion to be a part of the Libraries’ culture, it must be built into all of the work we do,” said Garrison. “I’m proud of the efforts we’ve undertaken so far and the strides we’ve made in making the University Libraries a safe and welcoming place for all.”