Date
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Session Type
Poster
Name
Not A Special Interest: Normalizing DEIA/J Work in a Large Public University Library
Description

In this presentation, two creators of learning and action-based programs reflect on the development and implementation process of their work as well as plans for the sustainability of DEIA/J at their large public university library. With support from library leadership, the presenters created two staff-based programs to carry out their library's DEIA/J strategic framework. One was devoted to in-depth learning, and the other was committed to grant-funded action with library worker-led projects. The learning program engaged participants with one or more resources each day in a habit-forming challenge that included library-wide discussions and racial identity caucus meetings. The action-based program encouraged library staff to submit small grant proposals for projects that worked to advance DEIA/J in the library. Working in tandem, these two programs provided staff with opportunities to make critical connections between racism and equity and the work of libraries and archives, while also supplying the monetary building blocks in support of staff taking their foundational learning to the next level. These dual programs were geared toward sustainable and normalizing action and provided library staff with the necessary tools to move DEIA/J work from “special interest projects” to everyday responsibilities.

Track
Poster