ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

May 1992 / 337

Racial & Ethnic Diversity: Information exchange

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

With this column, the ACRL Racial and Ethnic Di- versity Committee hopes to start a series of “theme-re- lated” news items. Future themes will include: biblio- graphic instruction, collection development, recruitment activities, and library pro- gramming. The theme for this column is ongoing research on issues of race and eth- nicity within libraries and the profession.

Asian American librarians

Within many professional fields, Asian Americans are not seen as an underrepresented group. It is widely believed that many Asian American librarians are hired primarily for their language skills, and because of this perception Asian American librarians have not attained the level of executive/management positions in proportion to their representation in the profession or the population at large. Ichiko Morita, head, Cataloging Department, and Leta Hendricks, head, Human Ecology Library at the Ohio State University Libraries, are testing this hypothesis by surveying Asian American librarians.

A questionnaire has been developed that will elicit information on: barriers to advancement; discrimination based on race, age, sex, and nationality; and barriers related to cultural differences and language. The authors expect the findings to contribute greatly to the future development of Asian American librarians. Publication of results is expected. For additional information contact: Ichiko Morita, Library, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43220; (614) 292-8114; fax (614) 292-7859; emaihichiko. morita@osu.edu

African American librarians

The professional literature suggests that academic libraries are evolving to be more sensitive to and inclusive of African American librarians. To test this perception, the co-authors, Glendora Johnson-Cooper and Deborah Curry, queried African American academic librarians through a detailed questionnaire to ascertain opinions regard- ing affirmative action, job satisfaction, and racism in the profession. One hun- dred eighty librarians re- sponded to the survey with a majority expressing a need for further research in the areas of race and race relations within the profes- sion, cultural diversity, and professional development.

The co-authors will discuss their findings in a paper to be presented at the First National Conference of African-American Librarians, September 4-7, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio. For further information contact: Glendora John- son-Cooper, State University of New York at Buffalo, Undergraduate Library, 109 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260; (716) 636-2943; fax (716) 636-3858; email:uglgjc@ubvm.cc. buffalo.edu

ARL/OMS

In its second year of activities with a grant project funded by H.W. Wilson, ARL/OMS has conducted research to identify models for diversity programs within industry, higher education, and librarianship. Literature reviews were conducted, and the findings from a perusal of the literature will be produced and made available this year. In addition, 17 site visits were conducted, and discussions were held with library and university administrators, librarians, and local consultants on diversity issues. Already available are three SPEC kits that analyze a survey of ARL libraries’ efforts with diversity, minority recruitment, and affirmative action, including examples of materials produced and used by ARL libraries within their programs and diversity activities.

A mailing list has been established and regular updates on the project and announcements on the availability of new products will be distributed to those on the list. Inquiries about the project or requests to be added to the mailing list can be directed to: Kriza Jennings, Diversity Consultant, Diversity Project, Box 815C, ARL/OMS, 1527 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036. ■