Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Actions Speak Louder Than Words- Why Creating A Plan, Rejecting Neutrality, And Recruiting A Racially Diverse Staff Are Effective Ways To Increase The Presence Of Diversity In Libraries., Jennifer Van Vegten

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The urge to diversify workplaces has spread nationwide. Although many institutions feel that formal statements and pledges are enough to satisfy the public outcry, actions such as setting up a direct plan to address the rejection of neutrality, to expand the access of materials, and actively hiring and promoting a racially diverse staff are less often seen. In America’s libraries in particular, good-natured sentiments about how a modern, socially diverse library should look are met with half-hearted efforts. While some libraries, such as the Oregon Library Association, are making significant strides towards their intended directions, others, such as the Rural …