Evaluating, Auditing, and Diversifying Your Collections

Starting November 5, 2019

Do you want to ensure that your library’s collections are diverse, equitable, inclusive—and well-read?

Live Interactive Sessions: Tuesdays: November 5, 12, & 19 from 2-4 PM ET. Plus, additional self-guided materials and bonus content. Can’t make a live session? No worries. All sessions will be available to you “on-demand” following the initial broadcast.

In this course from Library Journal and School Library Journal, you’ll hear from an outstanding group of experts who will guide you through evaluating books and media with an inclusive lens.

We’ll explore key concepts essential to cultivating and promoting inclusive and equitable collections, such as the experiences of LGBTQIA people, Native people, people of color, people with disabilities, non-binary or gender non-conforming people and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.

As part of the course you will conduct a diversity audit and learn how to include diverse books, wider perspectives, #ownvoices, and how to be more responsive to the community you serve.

KEYNOTE PRESENTED BY:
Trevor A. Dawes
Vice Provost, Libraries and Museums, University of Delaware
Former President, ACRL

Evaluating, Auditing, and Diversifying Your Collections

Starting November 5

Early Bird Discount!

Register by September 17 and save 20%

Agenda

Session 1
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM ET | Welcome to the Course and Foundational Frameworks
Kiera Parrott, LJ/SLJ Reviews Director, will explain how the discussion groups and assignments will work and highlight key concepts, including #ownvoices, privilege, and intersectionality.
 
Session 2
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM ET | Moving the Needle on Diversity in the Library
Given the state of libraries -- their demographics, budgets, challenges, and barriers -- what do librarians need to be doing now to lead from the front when it comes to equity initiatives? In this inspiring opening keynote, Trevor Dawes will share lessons learned from his years of work in the field, including what library professional need to be doing right now to create a more equitable outlook for our patrons and communities.
Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost, Libraries and Museums, University of Delaware, Former President, ACRL
 
Intermission | 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM ET
 
Session 3
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM ET | Conducting a Diversity Audit of Your Collections
In this session, we’ll discuss both the process of conducting a diversity audit and what comes next after you’ve successfully audited your collection. 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 parts of collection management and promotion. You’ll also 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.
Karen Toonen, Collection Development Librarian, Naperville
 
Part 2: Tuesday, November 12, 2019
 
Session 1
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | From Stereotype to Authenticity: Representation in Children’s Collections
In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to dive deep into your current collection to spot problematic stereotypes and tropes -- both the easy to find and the more insidious ones -- and become a more critical reader. Dr. Sarah Park Dahlen, co-creator of the widely popular “Diversity in Children’s Books” infographics and co-editor of “Research on Diversity in Youth Literature,” will discuss both the landscape of children’s literature today as well as how we can assess books of the past - including well-loved classics like Dr. Suess - and address how we can make our libraries more inclusive for all of our patrons.
Sarah Park Dahlen, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Master of Library and Information Science Program, St. Catherine University (MN)
 
Intermission | 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM ET
 
Session 2
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Collection Management Strategies to Enact Change at Your Library
Being aware of a lack of diversity in your library collections and having the intention to make a change is important, but having a plan of action to address these problems is where the magic happens. In this session, you’ll learn concrete strategies for making lasting change in your approach to collection development and management, ensuring your library’s collections are inclusive.
Beth Atwater, Collection Development Librarian, Johnson County Library, (KS)
 
Part 3 - Tuesday, November 19, 2019
 
Session 1
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM ET | Collection Development and Readers’ Advisory for the Inclusive Librarian
Diversifying your collection begins with diversifying your suggestions. Learn from [Becky Spratford of RAforall.com] how to locate and combat implicit racism and sexism in our resources and provide a wider range of suggestions to our readers in this compelling session. Spratford will explain how encouraging readers to read more diversely results in libraries buying more diversely, and share ideas for how you can include your whole staff in the process. You’ll come away with an understanding for how equity work can become a part of your daily practice via interactions with your patrons, staff, and wider community.
Becky Spratford, Readers’ Advisory Specialist
 
Intermission | 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM ET
 
Session 2
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM ET | Dismantling Barriers and Rebuilding Collections
When we say our goal is to build diverse and inclusive library collections, what exactly does that mean? And equally important: why is this work so crucial? In this closing session, we’ll discuss how we got here: what library systems and practices are in place that enable homogeneity, as well as what wider systems of oppression are threaded through our culture that promote a dominant narrative. And of course: where we can -- and should -- go next.
Dr. Kimberly N. Parker, Teacher Developer

Learning Outcomes:

• The ability to assess current library collections, book promotions, and displays through a diverse lens in order to assess gaps in collections and service areas.
• An understanding of key diversity and cultural literacy concepts such as white privilege, unconscious bias, cultural appropriation, and intersectionality.
• The ability to recognize common problematic stereotypes, tropes, and microaggressions in media.
• The ability to assess the diversity and inclusiveness of current collection development and RA practices.
• Guidance on planning and executing a diversity audit.
• Tools, tips, and advice on how to better diversify collections and displays.
• A plan of action to better diversify your library collections and address gap areas that will transform your understanding of your library users and the services you provide.

Faculty:

Discounted group rates are also available!
Please contact us at libraryjournal@edmaker.co
for discounted rates

"The term 'privilege' comes up constantly in discussion of current issues. This course helped clarify what privilege means in the context of library service, and how it impacts our collections and services. Insights gained here will influence my approach to materials selection, marketing strategies, and program offerings in our library. I recommend the course!"

—Ann Cooper
Head Librarian
Fairborn Community Library

Can't make it this time, but know someone who might benefit from this course?
Please forward this email.