Tag Archives: diversity

Championing Change: The EDI Scholars-in-Residence Program at UBC Library

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , , , ,

By Allan Cho, Community Engagement Librarian, University of British Columbia (UBC) Library

Lisabelle Tan, Master’s in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) Candidate, University of British Columbia, School of Information

Abstract

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Library’s EDI Scholars in Residence Program, initiated in 2022, addresses equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in academia. This innovative program fosters inclusivity by providing scholars from historically marginalized backgrounds with research opportunities and access to library resources. The article explores the program’s genesis, principles, and impact, highlighting its significance in dismantling systemic barriers. A review of EDI concepts and institutional strategies underscores the importance of nuanced approaches. By promoting collaboration and research, the program exemplifies a transformative initiative in advancing EDI within academic libraries and higher education institutions.

Keywords: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Academic Libraries, Programming
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Shelving the Status Quo: Improving the Student Employment Experience at Penfield Library

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , ,

By Morgan Bond, Electronic Resources and Systems Librarian
State University of New York at Oswego,

Erin Kovalsky, Principal Law Librarian
New York State Unified Court System,

and

Zachary Vickery, University Archivist Librarian
State University of New York at Oswego

Abstract

Student employment in academic libraries supports the overall student experience by both complementing traditional studies, and bolstering students’ sense of belonging. Three librarians at a regional comprehensive university worked to create and implement a Library Employment Program for college students in an effort to align with university and library missions, visions, and values. A critical examination of processes across four library units led to changes to the application process, onboarding materials, evaluative tools, and an increased focus on career preparation. Effectiveness of the changes were mixed; while positive results were observed with the adoption of a new recruitment platform and a more inclusive student employment handbook, new evaluative tools were difficult for student supervisors to use consistently, and students struggled with communicating transferable job skills. Creating a library-wide Student Employment Program offers opportunities to develop and utilize consistent practices for all student supervisors to follow, but generating buy-in can be difficult and time-consuming before demonstrable results are observed.

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Supporting Transgender Individuals in Libraries: Developing Responsive Policies

Essay, , ,

Alejandro Marquez
Instruction/Reference Librarian
Fort Lewis College

One of the American Library Association’s Core Values of Librarianship is diversity. The document states: “We value our nation’s diversity and strive to reflect that diversity by providing a full spectrum of resources and services to the communities we serve” (American Library Association). The library welcomes individuals from many different walks of life ethnic and racial backgrounds, young and old, and different sexual orientations. As members of society have gotten to know gay and lesbian individuals, one segment that people typically know little about is transgender individuals. A recent national survey of about 2,000 people by the Public Religion Research Institute found that thirty percent of Americans did not know how to define the term “transgender.”

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