ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

Racial & Ethnic Diversity: Information exchange

Susana Hinojosa Susana Hinojosa, University of California, Berkeley, is chair of the ACRL Racial and Ethnic Diversity Committee

ALA Conference update

The committee’s very sue- cessful (first) ALA Annual Conference program, “Get- ting Back to Basics,” fea- tured six discussion sessions. The sessions focused on: up- ward mobility, recruitment, library climate, coalition, di- versity training, and library school curriculum. As a re- sult of the discussions held on these topics, the commit- tee will be sharing publications, recommendations, strategies, and ideas on these issues through this column. At the moment, one handout prepared for the pro- gram is available to interested librarians. The handout and session are described below.

Implementing diversity

“Fostering a Climate for Diversity” was a session led by Kriza Jennings, diversity consultant with ARL. When pursuing diversity and/ or minority recruitment activities in libraries there is a need for a work environment that values and welcomes differences. Five categories of questions need to be asked within the organization prior to implementing diversity activities. These questions need to be discussed throughout the organization to ensure a successful beginning; everyone must be focused on the same goals, vision, and direction. Exploration of the questions leads the organization into the identification of strategies for fostering a climate which is responsive to diversity.

Also included in the session was a listing of qualities needed to promote and support diversity in the workplace. It was stressed that a successful diversity program should be integrated within library operations, with an emphasis on providing diversity experiences at four levels: by the individual, within the de- partment/division, within the library organization, and within the campus community. The group discussion following the presentation focused on how to implement diversity with budget constraints, and concern for gaining per- sonal commitment to diver- sity from staff members. The two-page handout pre- pared for the session in- cludes the five categories of questions and the listing of organizational qualities rec- ommended for effective di- versity programs.For a copy contact: Susana Hinojosa, Library, U.C. Berkeley, Ber- keley, CA 94720; fax: (510) 643-7891; email: shinojos @library.berkeley.edu.

ARLs diversity project

The Association of Research Libraries’ project “Meeting the Challenge of a Culturally Diverse Environment” has implemented diversity consulting, training, and presentation services. The services available include: presentations, papers, workshops, panel discussions, facilitation of small group discussions, and consulting for those involved with diversity planning and programs. The Office of Management Studies (OMS) is directing the project and has prepared an informational package on the project and services. The services are available to all types of libraries. For further information contact: Kriza Jennings, Diversity Consultant, Cultural Diversity Project, ARL/OMS, Box 815E, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 232-8656. ■