Conduct a diversity audit of your collections in our How To Build Diverse Collections online course starting March 8. Over three weeks, you will hear about ways to include wider perspectives from and about LGBTQIA people; people of color; ethnic, cultural, religious minorities; and more. In this transformative course, learn how to ensure that your collections are more reflective of the diversity of your community and the larger world.

Here’s what one participant said about the course:

“The presenters were top-notch. Highly professional, exceptionally prepared, and absolutely the individuals that were needed to share these important presentations. They were all, without exception, passionate about their work and it was contagious! The time for this work is now and if this doesn't light a fire to start the process, then nothing will. So many solid ideas, tips, real-world examples, and resources were presented to us - practically gift wrapped - that the work should and will be able to proceed easily. They are at our disposal to answer any questions and they are happy to share what they know. This is probably the best workshop I have attended in all my years in the library business (25+) and by far the most important one I have attended this year. Thank you!”

- Kim Valeika, Program and Outreach Manager, Davis County Library

The speaker program runs on March 8, 15, and 22, 2:00-4:30 pm ET (recordings available) with an ongoing workshop over 3 weeks.

Program

Week 1: Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Session 1 | 2:00-2:45 pm ET
Opening session to be announced.

Session 2 | 3:00-3:45 pm ET
Conducting a Diversity Audit of Your Collections and Ordering
In this session, we’ll discuss the process of conducting a diversity audit of both your collections and your ordering processes. You’ll learn how to plan a diversity audit, which salient data points should be included, how to gather the requisite information, how to set goals to address gaps, and how to make diversity and inclusion natural and ongoing parts of collection management and promotion. You’ll come away with an understanding of what to do with your data once you have it, how to create a plan of implementation, and where to go next.

Session 3 | 3:45-4:00 pm ET
Auditing Your Non-Fiction Collection
Can we apply the same audit process to all of our collections, both fiction and non-fiction? In this session, you’ll learn where the processes align, and where they differ, including top tips and considerations for your non-fiction collection audit. You’ll come away with a framework for assessing your current non-fiction collections and the vital information you need to know to make progress on your goals.

Speakers:

Week 2: Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Stereotypes, Tropes, and Cultural Appropriation: A Collection Development Deep Dive
Some common stereotypes in books and media are easy to spot—others require a more fine-tuned understanding of culture and history. In this series of enlightening sessions, you will learn how to spot problematic stereotypes and tropes and how to avoid unintentionally perpetuating such depictions. You will hear from several experts in the field about the ways that specific marginalized cultures—Native American, Asian American, African American, and LGBTQIA+—are portrayed in mainstream media, their cultural traditions misunderstood or misrepresented, and their stories appropriated by cultural outsiders. You’ll walk away with the knowledge you need to build a more representative, inclusive collection at your library or institution.

Speakers:

Week 3: Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Session 1 | 2:00-2:45 pm ET

Reading, Writing, and Reviewing Diverse Books: A Conversation

There’s more to building diverse collections than auditing! In this session, we’ll approach diversifying your collections from new angles, considering the author and reviewer’s perspectives in the process. You’ll hear why one author started writing, what they found missing from the books they were seeing on the shelves, and what improvements they’ve seen since they’ve been in the business. You’ll also hear from a collection development expert and reviewer on both the great benefits and the limitations of the review. This session will help you broaden your approach to collection development and enhance your ability to build a more equitable collection.

Session 2 | 3:00-3:45 pm ET

Librarianship Through a Racial Reckoning
How do our personal identities impact the culture of our libraries? A truly inclusive library culture begins, first, with ourselves and considering how our blindspots can impact what our library spaces become. Creating libraries that reflect, and are safe for, BIPOC children and youth, is an active, ongoing practice requiring intent and unflagging effort. In this closing keynote, Dr. Kim Parker will help you think through how you can create an environment that is liberatory and reflective of diverse populations, on your shelves and beyond.

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