Journal Article: “Developing a Plan For a More Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable Library at a Research 1 Land-Grant University”
The article linked below was recently published by Library Diversity and Residency Studies (LDRS).
Title
Authors
Jonathan S. Briganti
Virginia Tech
Brittany Dodson
Virginia Tech
Inga Haugen
Virginia Tech
Gail McMillan
Virginia Tech
Ronald Mecham
Virginia Tech
Source
Library Diversity and Residency Studies 1, 2 (2021)
Abstract
Using the Virginia Tech strategic plan as a guide, a team of its University Libraries faculty and staff designed a strategic planning approach for the library that directly engaged with University goals and explored two areas: 1) contributing to the equity-, diversity-, and inclusion-related (EDI) goals laid out in the University strategic plan, and 2) expanding upon efforts to broaden diversity and representation in the library. The team identified four major themes: accessibility, climate, employment and professional development, outreach, and advocacy, and used these themes to develop specific recommendations. The process served to shine the light on these topics within the library, allowing for reflection and self-understanding, crucial components to change and grow with more attention to inclusion and diversity. Recognizing a need for change, it is hoped the report leads to better advocacy and ally-ship and brings issues to light for other libraries engaging in similar processes.
Direct to Full Text Article
12 pages; PDF.
Direct to Complete Table of Contents: Library Diversity and Residency Studies 1, 2 (2021)

About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com. Gary is also the co-founder of infoDJ an innovation research consultancy supporting corporate product and business model teams with just-in-time fact and insight finding.