The topic of diversity in library collections has been explored extensively by librarians over the past two decades and profoundly over the last several years. While current practices in the field focus on assessment strategies that quantify diversity through audits, some librarians have also grappled with the challenges that those methodologies present. For example, how do we account for the ways that racism manifests in the systems that build library collections? How do we evaluate large, historic academic collections with inconsistent metadata and limited resources? In response to these questions, librarians at the University of Colorado Boulder developed an Anti-racist Library Collections Building Workbook to explicitly reflect on the ways Whiteness is embedded in the processes of collection development. The workbook uses the framework of White Institutional Presence developed by scholar Diane Gusa to explore various collection building and assessment practices including designing approval plans, selecting materials, purchasing materials, cataloging and classifying, weeding, and community engagement.

Participants will use the workbook sections related to selecting materials, purchasing materials, and using approval plan profiles in order to assess their collection building practices. Facilitators will provide examples of collection development policies and procedures and we will practice answering questions such as: What characteristics of Whiteness appear in collection development policies and procedures? What may be some of the potential unintended consequences, harm, or adverse impacts? How might policies and other documentation be reworked or changed through a lens of racial equity? Participants are encouraged to bring their home institution’s collection development documentation as well, including: collection development policies or collecting statements, approval plan profiles, or acquisition procedures. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand how White dominant culture and White Institutional Presence shape collection building and assessment practices
• Articulate how the dimensions of White Institutional Presence are evident in sample documentation provided by facilitators
• Develop an initial plan for investigating and addressing Whiteness in collection practices at home institutions 

Audience: This workshop is designed for anyone engaged in library collection work. We welcome those new to this work, as well as those with more expertise looking to expand their efforts to center equity in their collection practices.

Facilitators

Arthur Aguilera, Collection Development and Assessment Librarian, University of Colorado Boulder

Amanda Rybin Koob, Literature and Humanities Librarian, University of Colorado Boulder