TLA Launch: Week 4

This week during TLA Launch, we discussed equity, diversity, and inclusion. First, the teachers went over the definitions of each, which is great because I always get equity and equality mixed up. They had a cartoon to help visually explain the differences, which did help. 

In a breakout room with other academic/special librarians, we made a TRIZ list so that we could hypothetically achieve the worst result imaginable when it comes to an EDI workplace. The list was segmented into Direct Report, Peers, and People You Report To. It was eye-opening to see just how many of the things listed were happening at a previous place of employment. Seeing the columns of segments made it abundantly clear that there is never just one negative issue in a toxic workplace. The negative traits trickle down and out. 

On our collaborative slide, we listed a bunch of different ways workplaces are not EDI, from the obvious, showing favoritism, to less obvious ones like hiring homogenously. As we looked over our list, we were asked to highlight on the slide and reflect on those in which we may be complicit. Many people highlighted working in silos, not being a team player, and being disconnected from employees. I've done some of these myself and it just drove the point home further that even if you're trying to mind your own business and ignore the issues, your reactions to them just add to the overall culture. The lesson provided some great food for thought. 

Libraries as Communities

As libraries continue to change, it is important to its users that it feels like a safe place, created with their interests in mind. Libraries are more than just buildings to house books. As we’ve discussed, they are hubs of creativity where knowledge and imagination meet. It is important that those who work in libraries continue to feed users’ curiosity. It is also important that professionals understand the ever-changing needs of their users and continually strive to meet their needs.

Many vulnerable people seek out libraries as means of shelter, for access to the internet, and for access to information they may be too embarrassed to seek elsewhere. Those who are homeless, jobless, those with mental illness, and those who are considered marginalized in communities all seek information. As professionals, we must learn to be compassionate, empathetic, and supporters of those who may have nowhere else to go. Libraries and the professionals who work within them have a duty to treat everyone as equals. This means that books and content are representative of the unique communities they serve.

Whether it’s making sure that LGBTQIA are represented in materials or if it’s ensuring that those in juvenile probation have age-appropriate reading material, it is always imperative to remember that all people are patrons and all have a right to the services libraries provide.

This means that we must remember the ALA values: equity, diversity, and inclusion (American Library Association, 2018). As allies of the people, we must remember that we do our jobs in the service of others. By remembering this important philosophy, we can create communities that are positively affected by our services.

References

About ALA. (2018). American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/aboutala/