Diversifying Collections: A Path to Building Inclusive Libraries

Posted on December 3, 2024 in Blog Posts

Authors:

Jamia Williams
Illustration of a librarian stocking books, representative of diversifying collections

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversifying library collections to better serve and represent all members of our communities. This movement goes beyond adding a few token diverse titles, requiring a comprehensive collection development and management approach.

Diversifying collections is about increasing the number of books by authors from underrepresented groups to create a well-balanced collection that reflects the diversity of human experiences and perspectives. The American Library Association Library Bill of Rights also covers diverse collection development. It underscores the importance of including and selecting content in multiple formats, considering resources from independent and local producers, and seeking content created by and representative of marginalized and underrepresented groups. This blog post highlights insights that others have put forth regarding diversifying academic library collections.

The Importance of Diverse Collections

Diverse collections are crucial for supporting equity and inclusion in our communities. They provide opportunities for patrons to see themselves reflected in their library’s resources and learn about experiences different from their own. Desiree Thomas writes that this is particularly important for children and young adults, who benefit from seeing themselves represented in the stories they read and from being exposed to diverse perspectives. Diverse collections support the fundamental principles of intellectual freedom and the right to access information.

Challenges in Diversifying Collections

Despite the clear benefits, many libraries face challenges in diversifying their collections. These challenges can include:

  1. Limited availability of diverse materials from major publishers
  2. Lack of time and resources for research and acquisition
  3. Unconscious biases in selection processes
  4. Resistance from some community members

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) collections, in particular, are sometimes overlooked in diversity initiatives despite the growing need for diverse representation in this field. Addressing this is significant because inclusive STEM collections can inspire underrepresented groups to see themselves in these fields, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging diverse perspectives that drive innovation. Diverse STEM resources empower educators to cultivate inclusive learning environments by highlighting underrepresented STEM researchers whose significant contributions have historically been overlooked in traditional curricula. Library workers are crucial in connecting faculty to these resources by incorporating them into their collections.

Strategies for Diversifying Collections

These strategies are drawn from the previously referenced resources and cited within the perspective strategy. To effectively diversify collections, libraries can employ several strategies:

  1. Develop clear goals and policies: Create specific, measurable goals for diversifying collections and incorporate these into collection development policies.
  2. Conduct collection audits: Regularly assess the diversity of current collections to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
  3. Expand sourcing: Look beyond major publishers to find diverse voices, including self-published authors, small presses, and international sources.
  4. Engage the community: Seek input from community members, especially those from underrepresented groups, about their needs and interests.
  5. Provide staff training: Offer training to library staff on unconscious bias, cultural competence/cultural humility, universal design for learning, and diverse collection development.
  6. Promote diverse materials: Actively highlight diverse materials through displays, book talks, and reading lists.
  7. Collaborate with others: Partner with other libraries, community organizations, and diverse book dealers to share resources and expertise.

The Future of Diverse Collections

As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize that diversifying collections is an ongoing process, not a one-time initiative. It requires continuous effort, learning, and adaptation. Libraries must also consider how to decolonize their collections, critically examining the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on their resources and practices. In the STEM fields, there is a particular need for increased attention to diversity in collections. Librarians in these areas may need additional support and resources to diversify their holdings effectively.

By committing to diversifying our collections, we can create libraries that truly serve and represent all members of our communities. This work is not always easy, but it is essential for building inclusive, equitable, and vibrant libraries that can meet the needs of our diverse society.

Below are some great resources to get you started if you need more guidance on diversifying library collections. This is not an exhaustive list since there are so many resources to support you on your journey, but it can help to get the ball rolling.

Resources

Headshot of Jamia Williams

About the author:

Jamia Williams (she/her) is a health sciences librarian. She is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast LibVoices and the founder of The Diversity Fellow’s blog.

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Header image is a detail of This is Harlem by Jacob Lawrence. Courtesy of Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. © 2021 The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. For more information, click here.

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