Intentional diversity in the Makerspace: A student worker hiring plan

Abstract

On top of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was also a year when we witnessed racial injustices and were reminded that we need to focus and practice intentionality more than ever. This article reflects on an intentional plan to diversify the student workers in the Makerspace at Miami University Libraries. We are going to discuss our work in four sections: the need and value for more diverse student workers, the hiring plan and strategies, early examples and indicators of success, and an engagement and retention plan. We have also invited three of the students to share and reflect on their experiences and how working in the Makerspace has been beneficial to them both personally and professionally.