The document discusses best practices for supporting diversity within academic libraries. It provides recommendations in five key areas: library climate, recruitment, outreach, library instruction, and collection development. Some specific recommendations include evaluating the library's physical space and signage to ensure it is inclusive, partnering with campus departments to recruit a diverse staff and student workers, and appointing liaisons to make sure the collection reflects the curriculum and interests of diverse groups on campus. The library at Framingham State University is supporting these efforts through involvement in the University's Diversity Committee and formation of its own Library Diversity Committee.

1. DIVERSITY AS A CORE VALUE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Millie Gonzalez, Reference Librarian Marion Slack, Reference Librarian Debbie Hogan, Periodicals Supervisor Laura Wilson, Reference Librarian Debbie Percher, Reference Librarian

2. Diversity as a Core Value in Academic Libraries Research on best practices to support diversity within academic libraries specifically in these areas: the climate of the library recruitment outreach library instruction collection development

3. Diversity as a Core Value in Academic Libraries Framingham State University supports diversity as it relates to racial/ethnic identity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, religion, physical ability, teaching style, learning style, and political philosophy.

4. Library Climate The climate of the library is determined by both its social and physical environment . The social aspect is the level of camaraderie perceived between the staff as well as between the staff and patrons. The physical environment consists of things that can increase the ease of use and comfort level for the patrons.

5. Library Climate By recognizing the various needs of the library patrons and implementing the tools reflective of these needs, libraries can create a climate of inclusion and comfort that will draw the students to use the library in a variety of ways.

6. One of the first steps in improving diversity in the library is to evaluate and determine whether the library is currently reflecting the needs of the patrons.According to “Seeking the Best Path: Assessing a Library’s Diversity Climate,” what is needed…is “a body of empirical research…involving staff in developing the focus and direction of a diversity initiative.” (Coats, Goodwin & Bangs, 2000)Through assessing the diversity climate of our library, we can provide students and faculty with an ‘interactive experience’ where they can see “how valuable the library really is and enjoy spending time there.” (Sanders, 2005) Library Climate

7. One way to evaluate the present climate is for library staff to take a survey. In the article ClimateQUAL, a survey was developed to address a number of issues surrounding the climate of the library, such as “diversity, teamwork, learning and fairness”. The authors believe that “an optimal level of diversity relates to climate for service and defines the concept of a healthy organization, which is ‘better able to fulfill its service mission’ and that the climate of an organization does have a ‘direct and perceived impact on the service experienced by customers.” (Kyrillidou and Baughman, 2009) Library Climate

8. To monitor the climate, a committee comprised of library staff, student assistants, and faculty could be formed to focus on such issues as whether the library reinforces a climate of inclusiveness. A benefit of this will be to “emphasize the library’s visible commitment to diversity” as well as “encourage people to talk about diversity issues.” Talking is the first step to change. A committee can create accountability. “Without following a regular and systematic planning and evaluation process, it is easy to fall into the we’ve always done it this way trap.” (Overall, 2009) Library Climate

9. An aspect of diversity is a commitment to recognize and appreciate the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. To create this atmosphere, the American Library Association in part envisions this to be a “high level of service to the membership in an environment where respect, appreciation, equity, and inclusion are core values.” (Gulati, 2010) Library Climate

12. Recruitment According to past president of ALA, Camila Alire, recruiting librarians from underserved populations: “can identify with people in the minority communities; who can assist in the necessary outreach efforts to serve those minority residents; and who can service as role models…” (Neely, 2007)

13. Recruitment The recruitment process of librarians and of students may include: traditional methods used internships residency programs fellowships mentorships partnering with associations

14. Recruitment Be flexible. Be creative. Hire minority students workers to affirm the library’s commitment to diversity. Proactively seek students by connecting with departments across campus. Create an orientation program for all student workers that focus “on welcoming cultural diversity and recognizing discriminatory behaviors.” Form a committee to work with HR to recommend ways to correct limited minority hiring in a productive way.

15. Recruitment Barriers: - lack of qualified applicants - ignorance about where to find qualified minority applicants - constraints in university screening and recruitment procedures - union contracts

16. Outreach Reach out to the entire campus population Attend and host events Online via social networking Online tutorials with captioning Informal “mixer” social events Diversity Committee, Outreach Committee Resource guides for specific groups (international students, GLBT studies)

17. Outreach International Students Increasing numbers in American higher education May not have exposure to open stacks, call numbers, free borrowing, online databases, and librarians who offer research assistance Create webpages dedicated to information for international students Translate these pages into foreign languages used by students on campus

18. Outreach Students with Disabilities Percentage of students with disabilities who attend higher education is rising A staff member from disability services should educate the library staff about campus services for the disabled Library staff should learn to use Windows and Macintosh universal-access capabilities Incorporate accessibility features into websites

19. Outreach GLBT students Library can be a resource for information on either self-discovery and/or research on sexuality Establish a relationship of trust among GLBT patrons Librarians should be confident in answering questions related to GLBT topics Self check-out methods for students who might feel self conscious to check out materials on GLBT topics

20. Library Information and Literacy Instruction Overall Goal To serve the learning needs of the school’s diverse student groups and nontraditional students, the Reference and Instruction librarians need to broaden the reference and instruction services offered. The following are recommendations to accommodate the needs of institutions’ diverse groups in order to increase the chance of student success.

21. Library Information and Literacy Instruction General Recommendations for all students - In collaboration with institution’s departments, provide librarians with sensitivity training to increase awareness of students’ needs. - Appoint designated librarians to assist the diverse student groups. - Provide sign-up library instruction sessions of various levels throughout the semester. - Customize library instruction sessions to complement each class’ curriculum.

26. Library Information and Literacy Instruction For the Multicultural/Ethnic Groups who require additional assistance - Offer tours of the library and preliminary library instruction classes prior to the beginning of the school year. - Offer sign-up instruction sessions in the use of computer programs and electronic library resources at the beginning of each semester. - Create a Library Peer Information Counseling Program, which would be comprised of fellow students. - Instruct students in the use of “Paper Navigator” to provide a project timeline for the paper writing process.

28. Point out pertinent areas in the open stacks

29. Instruct students in how to use the library equipment

32. Library Diversity Research Committee For the Distance Learners - Include a separate webpage on the library website that will provide distance learners with instructions and guides on how to use all the library services from online. - Include a large variety of online tutorials and PowerPoint presentations to guide students on how to use the library and its services. - Offer an embedded librarian service for online classes. - Provide course-integrated guides and tutorials to assist online students. - Offer evening and weekend library instruction sessions for students in hybrid classes.

33. Collection Development Libraries can infuse diversity throughout library collections as it supports the institution’s academic curriculum and serves to create an inclusive climate.

34. Collection Development Library should have a collection development statement: Specifically stating multicultural and multidisciplinary collection and retention policies Top-level link on website to diversity resources webpage Web page can contain collection development policy, librarian contact information, links to diversity related events, etc.

35. Collection Development - Use non-traditional approaches and resources for collection development - Regularly evaluate the collection - Educate entire library staff on the collection as well as methods to search for materials related to diversity topics and issues

37. Weed, evaluate the collection, target to the research needs of the diversity related disciplines

39. Library Diversity Research Committee Questions? Our research and presentation is available on our library blog: http://whittemorelibrary.wordpress.com/ References are available in an open RefWorks database: http://goo.gl/ezNih