Diversity and Inclusivity in the Library

1. Diversity and Inclusivity in the Library Geoffrey Gregory, CATS Division Grand Junction, CO August 15, 2014

2. Customer Comments Examples from Audience.

3. Responses to Customer Make it an opportunity for a “teachable moment”.

4. Responses to Customer “If I overhear something (profanity, derogatory labels -- actually, they tend to happen together), I often use the phrase, "While you're here in the Children's Library, please don't use profanity/derogatory language." --DPL Manager.

5. Responses, cont. “While the race/religion/sexual preference stuff can be overt, I've found it tends to be a little more subtle -- not checking out books I've recommended based on the race of a character on the cover, rolling of eyes when someone asks "What's going on over in the park this weekend?" and I respond, "Gay pride." I tend to just let smaller things go/don't engage - use the same tactic when customers go on a political or any other kind of rant (the way they potty-trained their kid is the only and best way).” -library manager

6. “Regarding customers and lack of respect comments. I always remind customers that the library is a public entity that in philosophy and practice embraces many points of views, walks of life, etc. and makes no judgments whatsoever.” -library manager.

7. Scenarios: what to do if…? 1. Customer has a list of gay themed materials from teen and kids area they want moved to adult section. 2. Customer complains about library spending tax money on Spanish language materials. 3. Customer complains about Christmas decorations in library.

8. Scenarios, cont. 4. Customer relieved that a man and not a woman is helping her with a reference question. 5. Customer comments that the dirty little children are much too noisy. 6. African American complains that she was ignored while a white customer behind her was helped next.

9. Scenarios, cont. 7. Customer misses the good old days when the homeless teens weren’t hanging out at the library. 8. Customer rolling her eyes when told that the event at the park across the street is a Gay Pride Festival. 9. Customer complains that library has tons of books in Spanish but none in pick language.

10. Programs Bilingual Storytimes. DPL Spanish Storytimes. Clearview Connecting Vecinos: provide original events such as art-workshops, dance performances, poetry readings, and other innovative projects. DPL Teacher Sets: purchasing and selecting items supporting schools for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month. DPL

11. Programs, cont. Plaza programs for immigrants: English language conversation, art programs, immigration and citizenship programs, personal goals. DPL Storytime books featuring characters from diverse backgrounds. DPL, Clearview Read Aloud program targeting preschools and Head Start classrooms in at-risk neighborhoods. DPL Phone a Story in English and Spanish. DPL

12. Programs, cont. Kwanzaa program. DPL Programs for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Longmont Partner with agencies that support immigrants and new Americans. HPLD Language Line Service. HPLD Sign language translators upon request. DPL, HPLD.

13. Events Dia del Nino. DPL Dia de Los Ninos/Dia de Los Libros. HPLD ADA exhibit and reception. DPL Denver PrideFest: Oscar Wilde’s Pink Lemonade Stand. DPL

14. Events, cont. Cesar Chavez Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Award. DPL Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award. DPL Juanita Ross Gray Community Service Award. DPL Naturalization Ceremony for new citizens. DPL, HPLD Avoidance of programs focusing on religious events. HPLD

15. Displays Inclusivity displays. DPL Bulletin board emphasising inclusiveness rather than diversity. DPL Diversity displays all year. DPL Native American Heritage Month. DPL African American History Month. DPL

16. Displays, cont. Hispanic Heritage Month. DPL Staff Picks that are multiculturally diverse. DPL Book Bundles - 5 books on a topic, tied with ribbon, multiculturally diverse. DPL Dedicated shelving for ESL materials. DPL Spanish Picture Book Collection. Clearview GLBT bookmarks. DPL

17. Marketing Printed publications, social media, and web posts. DPL Seeking stories from diverse customers. DPL Seek visual balance with customers and stock images. DPL Produced in Spanish and English, plus other languages as budget allows. DPL Plaza Programs promoted to specific audiences. DPL Researching & promoting programs and services to Spanish & other audiences. DPL

18. Marketing, cont. Reaching out to local businesses, finding success stories. DPL Video developed re CTC and computer offerings. DPL Hosting of ADA exhibit and reception. DPL Street Team reaching out to neighborhoods with diverse populations. DPL With branches, reaching out directly to new audiences. DPL Partnerships with Telemundo and others. DPL

19. Recruitment and Training Annual analysis of EEO data. DPL Job descriptions stating: Spanish language skills (preferred/required). DPL Harassment and Diversity video series, Cultural Competencies, Cultural Mindset and Social Inclusivity (a forum for staff sharing), Serving Customers with Disabilities. DPL

20. Recruitment and Training, cont. Funds for staff to request to attend such external learning opportunities as "Reaching Out to the Refugee Population" and other awareness events. DPL ALA’s Spectrum Scholarship to Spanish speaking staff member for MLS. DPL LEADers Scholarship Program for MLS students. IMLS funded, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. DPL

21. Advocacy REFORMA Colorado CAL Special Populations and Issues Interest Group: -workshop: Deaf and Hard of Hearing @ Your Library, Sep 17, Belmar Library. CALCON 2014 Workshop: Beyond ESL classes: Social reading and other nontraditional services for immigrants. ALA Office for Diversity http://www.ala.org/offices/diversity

22. Advocacy, cont. The Importance of Diversity in Library Programs and Material Collections for Children http://www.ala.org/alsc/importance-diversity Homeless Services Action Committee - recent brainstorming session innovative approaches to homeless services nationwide . DPL Gay and Lesbian Fund - grants for programming. Douglas County Libraries

23. Conclusion