Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries

Reviews / Votes

Jones and Murphy's collection provides entry for those new to theories and concepts in diversity and inclusion work-concepts such as micro-aggression (discussed by Nicole Cooke and Miriam Sweeney). For the benefit of readers already familiar with such work, contributors introduce recent concepts, e.g., cultural humility (discussed by Kenyon Railey). The editors divide the 20 essays into three sections: "Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter," "Equipping the Library Staff," and "Voices from the Field." One this book's strengths is that it mixes history and theory with practical applications that can be implemented immediately to combat structural inequalities in libraries. Among those strategies is diversity inventories, addressed by Jerry Perry et al. The affecting narratives in part 3 uniquely demonstrate the painful effects, both personal and professional, of discrimination against librarians in underrepresented groups-black, Latinx, and disabled. The publication is geared to a broad audience, but the book should be required reading for library administrators.



Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals. * Choice Reviews * Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries champions marginalized individuals by shining a great big light on what they are experiencing and what is being done within the profession. * Public Services Quarterly * Of interest within the volume are the many reflections on Jaena Alibi's 2015 study of microaggressions in libraries and the myriad responses of cultural competency initiatives that improve the retention of diverse employees. The breadth of contributions is also valuable. While focusing primarily on questions of race and ethnicity, some chapters devote needed attention to other aspects of diversity including gender identity and disability. Likewise, the many personal testimonials containing often brutal honesty are a truly unique contribution to the discourse which future publications should replicate whenever possible. . . . Both [authors] are women of color who have undertaken initiatives to build diversity and inclusion in their respective institutions and in the profession at large. In this volume, they have assembled a range of authors from a variety of backgrounds and areas of professional focus in libraries. Librarians in charge of new diversity initiatives should take this opportunity to listen to these urgently needed voices. * Technical Services Quarterly * [T]his book is highly recommended for librarians in all settings who seek to promote diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and profession. It also has potential as a text for library science faculty and students who seek to understand diversity issues in the profession, and many of the chapters could serve as great conversation starters. In short, this book can empower us all to take steps to address inequities and better support each other and our patrons. * Journal of the Medical Library Association * This book does a commendable job of providing a perspective of African American librarians working in public and academic libraries, which I can personally relate to as a Canadian academic librarian with Afro-Caribbean ancestry. It is noteworthy that this book provides some good practical strategies that could be implemented in libraries that would like to develop a diversity program. I would highly recommend this book for any library administrator interested in implementing a diversity program or any library staff member wanting to increase their cultural sensitivity to diversity issues. * The International Journal of Information, Diversity, and Inclusion * The contributions to this book highlight and deepen the conversation with new and necessary voices in sharing the achievements and experiences made by marginalized people in librarianship. It is an important primer, a guide, if you will, for creating action and enacting change in examining equity, diversity, and inclusion. -- Derrick Jefferson, communication librarian, American University Timely and necessary, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries: A Call to Action and Strategies for Success pushes LIS practitioners to move beyond just talking about diversity and inclusion in libraries. With a mixture of historical perspectives, proactive strategies, and first-person experiences, this compilation provides both impetus and support for action. -- Kawanna Bright, PhD, MLIS, assistant professor, Library Science, East Carolina University