Committee on Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivating an Inclusive Library Environment

Abstract

This Poster will highlight the establishment of the university libraries’ first Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CoDI). CoDI has been working to establish infrastructures that will increase awareness and sensitivity among employees, and help recruit and retain a diverse workforce. This poster will outline the strategic planning process and methodologies used to craft the Library Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The goal of the plan is to foster an inclusive virtual and physical environment, for all learners, researchers, and library staff; and to proactively provide spaces, services, programs, and resources that embrace and promote the transformative power of diversity. The primary focus of the poster is to share ideas and suggestions on how other libraries can create a unified voice/vision that may help to advance ideas, projects and initiatives that truly support and reflect the needs of its communities and constituents. Finally, the poster will highlight some future plans and reflect on some important lessons learned during the strategic planning process.