Report: Making the Library More Inclusive by Learning from Black Students at Duke University Libraries

Duke University Libraries staff are using findings from an in-depth study of Black students to make library spaces and services more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive.

[Clip]

Black students largely view the Duke University Libraries as inclusive spaces in the sense that they meet their diverse learning needs as underrepresented students. However, some aspects of library spaces are unwelcoming because they center white history and culture. Students have reported a general feeling that both Duke and Duke Libraries, while not actively hostile or racist, are complicit in their silence. Students have noted the lack of visible actions and signs supporting diversity and inclusion, minimal efforts to limit white western European cultural dominance, and no attempts to educate white students about minority experiences. Students have expressed doubt that the university or Duke Libraries would take meaningful action if students reported instances of prejudice or microaggression.