Community Engagement as a Catalyst for DEI in Libraries
Leveraging Limited Resources to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Proactive Outreach
The team refined their problem statement to address a critical challenge in the library sector: equitably allocating resources, including time, training, and finances, to enhance the participation of diverse groups, increase the circulation of diverse materials, and boost the quantity and diversity of feedback. This approach underscores the commitment to measurable goals and targeted efforts to ensure libraries serve as inclusive community hubs.
How might we help library workers at all levels of career growth define, develop and iterate their own learning journey to cultivate professional satisfaction and support organizational health.
Strategic Approach to Community Engagement:
1. Holistic View of Library as a Community Artifact: The team conceptualizes the library not just as a repository of books but as a vibrant community artifact. This perspective encourages libraries to actively participate in and contribute to the cultural and social fabric of their communities, maximizing their impact despite financial constraints.
2. Targeted Outreach to Diverse Communities: Recognizing the need for libraries to extend beyond their physical boundaries, the proposal advocates for proactive community engagement. By reaching out to diverse groups within the community, including Black individuals and people of color, libraries can foster a deeper understanding of the community’s needs and interests.
3. Inclusion Beyond the Library Walls: The team suggests that libraries should engage with the community in various local settings, such as car parks and community malls, to make the library’s presence felt more broadly. This outreach strategy aims to bring the library closer to the community, ensuring it is accessible and relevant to all, especially those who may not traditionally visit the library.
4. Empowering Library Workers: Central to the proposal is the empowerment of library workers to undertake this mission of community engagement for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By equitably allocating available resources, library staff can be better equipped to initiate and sustain meaningful interactions with the community.
5. Measurable Goals for DEI Initiatives: The emphasis on measurable goals highlights the team’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. By setting specific targets for increasing attendance from diverse groups, enhancing the circulation of diverse materials, and expanding feedback, libraries can track their progress in real-time, making adjustments as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
This team’s presentation offers a compelling vision for transforming libraries into active agents of DEI within their communities. Through strategic community engagement and the judicious use of limited resources, libraries can significantly enhance their relevance and impact. This proactive approach not only enriches the library’s offerings and services but also strengthens its role as a key pillar of community support, cultural exchange, and inclusive education. By embracing this model, libraries can better meet the diverse needs of their communities, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.
Team 18 Members
Thanks to these project team members for their collaboration with DATALIS and their contributions towards innovating professional development.
- Abbas Ahmed
- Jonathan Wheeler
- Rebecca Serrano
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