Library collections must be diverse and inclusive, offering windows into and reflections of the vast array of people, stories and experiences that make up our world. In this course, you’ll learn from an outstanding group of experts as they explore key concepts essential to cultivating and promoting inclusive and equitable collections.
Create library collections that are inclusive and reflect a diverse range of people, stories, and experiences by learning how to conduct a diversity audit, ensure representation, and defend your collections against censorship challenges.
Course Program
How to Build and Defend Inclusive Collections
Week 1: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Establishing goals and priorities: Defining inclusive collections and learning how to build and maintain them
Session 1
2:00-2:45 pm ET
Creating Inclusive Library Collections
SPEAKER
Kymberlee Powe Children and YA Consultant, Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development
Session 2
3:00-3:45 pm ET
Conducting a Diversity Audit of Your Collections and Ordering: Where to Start
SPEAKER
Betsy Bird
Collection Development Manager, Evanston Public Library (IL)
SPEAKER
Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Collection Management Librarian, Oak Park Public Library (IL)
Week 2: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Preparing for your collection assessment: Identifying harmful—and amplifying authentic—stories in our library materials
Session 1
2:00-2:45 pm ET
Black Stories in Library Collections
SPEAKER
Jennifer Baker
Writer, Editor, Advocate, and Founder, Minorities in Publishing podcast
Session 2
Thursday, December 7, 2023
3:00-3:45 pm ET
Muslim Stories in Library Collections
SPEAKER
Mahasin Abuwi Aleem
(she, her)
Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library, Antioch Libraries (CA), Co-Founder, Hijabi Librarians, Co-Founder, Hijabi Librarians
SPEAKER
Hadeal Salamah
(she, her)
Lower and Middle School Librarian, Georgetown Day School, Washington DC
Session 3
3:00-3:25 pm ET
Queer Stories in Library Collections
SPEAKER
Carson Williams
(he, him)
Collection Development Librarian, Cornell University (NY)
Session 4
3:25-3:50 pm ET
Native American Stories in Library Collections
SPEAKER
Stacy Wells
Youth Librarian
Session 5
3:25-3:50 pm ET
Disability Stories in Library Collections
SPEAKER
Dan Freeman
Senior Assistant Director for Curriculum Policy and Support at the College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University-Bloomington
Week 3: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Beginning your audit and defending inclusive collections
Session 1
2:00-2:45 pm ET
Assessing and Revising Your Collection Management Policies to Protect Your Collections and Yourself
SPEAKER
Kelly Jensen
Editor, Book Riot
Session 2
3:00-3:45 pm ET
Stronger Together: Building Community, Coalitions, and Allies
SPEAKER
Erika Long
(she, her)
School Library Consultant
Session 3
3:45-4:15 pm ET
Sustaining Collection Assessment Momentum
SPEAKER
Kymberlee Powe
Children and YA Consultant, Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development
"Wow! This course was so eye-opening. All the presenters were fabulous and I already want to watch the recordings again a second time. Having homework deadlines helped give me accountability and it felt good completing the course in just three weeks. I would definitely take another class in the future!"
— Lisa Gillihan School Library Media Specialist, NBCT Brownsburg, IN
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