Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Summer 8-1-2023
Abstract
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) initiatives in public libraries are noble and endless endeavors that take many forms of action. Obviously, no one community, nor library, is the same. Consequently, no one community and/or library-centered EDI journey is the same. However, interestingly, progressive Illinois (IL) state libraries have walked the same roads. Interestingly, these realizations have led to a shift in priority and strategic focus resulting in many of these libraries to take action by contracting consultants to conduct full-scale equity assessments. Conclusions from these kinds of equity assessments have helped to contextualize and legitimize EDI-focused strategic planning decisions and outcomes for many IL libraries. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to contextualize these EDI consultations and/or interventions and assess their ability to empower public libraries and their communities to make change beyond and through the use of anti-hate statements, mission statements, or vision statements.
Comments
Copyright © 2023 Jameson Paul Ghalioungui