Submission Type

Paper Abstract Submission

Symposium Selection

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Keywords

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Evaluation, Outreach

Abstract

Although we seek to be more universal in our offerings, libraries DEIA work still centers on simply event programming and collection development.

To talk about meaningful DEIA work today however is acknowledging that true advancement goes beyond events and artifacts. We must evolve this approach to where DEIA values drive our professional development through (1) critical librarianship (2) outreach and (3) responsive evaluation.

The framework for DEIA at a large urban library has three pillars of focus. The first is our librarians. It is important that we acknowledge the work that already exists because to start to review DEIA as an institution without centering the voice of BIPOC staff is misguided. Our institutional knowledge grows through their work and informs all new DEIA initiatives.

Another pillar of DEIA at our library is to be addressed by developing a systemwide plan for outreach. Outreach at the library is incredibly important for many reasons but is also viewed as an optional service. When we are in the communities, it is our responsibility to activate the spaces we inhabit.

As Design Thinking is both mindset and process, it allows us to reframe issues in the library through programs, services, spaces and systems. Every instance of outreach is an opportunity to observe and reflect on our audiences and understand what we need to do as a library system that seeks to serve the entire city of Chicago.

But the effectiveness of our attempts at building a more equitable library system can be hard to measure. Developing a robust set of tools for evaluation that captures experiences of our patrons, staff and partners is the first step. Implementing interdisciplinary modes of evaluation is needed to accurately reflect the challenging work DEIA can bring. It is culturally misguided to attempt to quantify social and racial justice. All of society stands to benefit when libraries evolve to meet the changing needs of people in need.

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Librarians, Outreach and Evaluation: EDIA in a Large Urban Public Library

Although we seek to be more universal in our offerings, libraries DEIA work still centers on simply event programming and collection development.

To talk about meaningful DEIA work today however is acknowledging that true advancement goes beyond events and artifacts. We must evolve this approach to where DEIA values drive our professional development through (1) critical librarianship (2) outreach and (3) responsive evaluation.

The framework for DEIA at a large urban library has three pillars of focus. The first is our librarians. It is important that we acknowledge the work that already exists because to start to review DEIA as an institution without centering the voice of BIPOC staff is misguided. Our institutional knowledge grows through their work and informs all new DEIA initiatives.

Another pillar of DEIA at our library is to be addressed by developing a systemwide plan for outreach. Outreach at the library is incredibly important for many reasons but is also viewed as an optional service. When we are in the communities, it is our responsibility to activate the spaces we inhabit.

As Design Thinking is both mindset and process, it allows us to reframe issues in the library through programs, services, spaces and systems. Every instance of outreach is an opportunity to observe and reflect on our audiences and understand what we need to do as a library system that seeks to serve the entire city of Chicago.

But the effectiveness of our attempts at building a more equitable library system can be hard to measure. Developing a robust set of tools for evaluation that captures experiences of our patrons, staff and partners is the first step. Implementing interdisciplinary modes of evaluation is needed to accurately reflect the challenging work DEIA can bring. It is culturally misguided to attempt to quantify social and racial justice. All of society stands to benefit when libraries evolve to meet the changing needs of people in need.