SLRC DEI Symposium
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Symposium was held virtually on July 27–28, 2021.
Sessions
Opening Keynote
Keynote speaker: Roosevelt Weeks (Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library)
July 27, 2021
Transforming libraries into equitable, diverse and inclusive organizations is accomplished by driving change from within, through learning and unlearning, and through conversation and collective action. For this to work, systemic change must be enacted at all levels within an organization’s structure. In this presentation, we hope to provide some guidance for libraries to start or enhance their equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.
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DEI vs EDI, DEAI; the Language of DEI and Why It's Important
Presented by: Cassandra Baker, Devin Clark, Phillip Ervin, Deborah Robertson, Emily Sachs, Madeline Sem, Justin Switzer, Kinshasa Vargas-Pile, and Heather Yost (DEI Council, Enoch Pratt Free Library)
July 27, 2021
The Pratt DEI Council hosts a perspective sharing discussion around the language of DEI that will engage three viewpoints about nomenclature: why leading with equity matters (EDI), why leading with diversity matters (DEI), and why the distinction for human ability (DEAI).
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DEI Library Programming and Panel Discussion
Presented by: Tracy Dimond, LaTrisha Milton, Carly Reighard, Ryan Shimabukuro, and Lo Smith (Programming and Outreach, Enoch Pratt Free Library)
July 27, 2021
The Pratt Library Programs and Outreach team speaks about programming through a DEI lens. The session includes examples of successful programs and partnerships, as well as strategies for increasing program accessibility, program planning and evaluation, and more.
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DEI Council Toolkit; Setting Up a DEI Council
Presented by: Cassandra Baker, Jessica Pearson, Justin Switzer, and Kinshasa Vargas-Pile (DEI Council, Enoch Pratt Free Library)
July 28, 2021
The Pratt DEI Council presents Pratt’s journey to launching its first DEI Council including role, purpose, governance, and lessons learned.
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DEI and Collection Management
Presented by: Meaghan McKeron, Kathleen Neil, Jamequa Summerall, and Masetsaba Woodland (Collection Development, Enoch Pratt Free Library)
July 28, 2021
A conversation with Pratt selectors considering questions we are all facing in diversity, equity and inclusion and collection management:
- How do we center DEI in the selection process?
- What do you consider when you start a collection audit vs a cart audit?
- What do you do with “historical” collections, deposit collections, or older and/or problematic materials or the nontraditional?
- How do you identify DEI issues in materials?
- Do you have collection breakouts and stickers for specific materials?
- What role does Tech Services/Cataloging play?
- What specific age level considerations are there when considering DEI?
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Closing Keynote
Keynote speaker: Tonya Aikens (CEO and President, Howard County Library System)
July 28, 2021
In this closing keynote, Aikens taps into her knowledge and experience to inspire you to approach your work with an increased focus on DEI, while also sharing the vital importance of our collective intentionality to advance diversity, equity and inclusion beyond access.
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