Diversity at work in academic libraries 2010-2015: an annotated bibliography

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide an annotated bibliography of literature on diversity initiatives for 2010-2015 in academic libraries, both in USA and internationally. It aims to help librarians interested in fostering a welcoming and supporting environment for all individuals and engaging library community in discussions about diversity. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted literature review using EBSCOhost multidisciplinary databases and Google Scholar, using the terms “divers*” and “academic librar*” and limiting search results to 2010-2015 dates. Findings The literature reviewed in this annotated bibliography is a solid start to assist librarians with diversity initiatives from planning collections to wider organization planning purposes. Originality/value No other annotated bibliography currently exists for those interested in conducting vital work of ensuring a respectful and inclusive library environment.

Ideology, Policy, and Practice: Structural Barriers to Collections Diversity in Research and College Libraries

“…In their review, only a handful of publications covered the practical issues of collections diversity, such as descriptive metadata and collection assessment, while the majority of publications focused on workforce diversity. 6 As of July 2020, there were few additions to this body of literature, with the majority of publications focusing on particular topics of diversity, such as race and ethnicity, 7 LGBTQ representation, 8 Indigenous knowledge and tribal libraries, 9 or the role of special collections in addressing diversity. 10 Although a systematic approach to conceptualizing and measuring diversity is necessary for managing library collections, there are few examples beyond a handful of studies in the 1980s and 1990s that applied statistical measures of diversity to materials selection and collection assessment.…”

Representational Belonging in Collections: A Comparative Study of Leading Trade Publications in Architecture

“…The comprehensive annotated bibliography from Semenza, Koury, and Shropshire is also a valuable resource. 24 A professional commitment to the importance of diversity and inclusion is increasingly emphasized in recent scholarship. Cruz provides perspective through a detailed literature review of the connections between ideals and action.…”

A survey of diversity and inclusiveness initiatives at Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions libraries

“…Semenza et al (2017) provided an annotated bibliography of diversity-related efforts in academic libraries from 2010 to 2015. A content analysis of this work reveals two common themes.…”

“…In the wake of this rich history of supporting diversity and inclusion, the authors of this study set to explore the current diversity and inclusion supporting efforts at Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions Libraries to measure what academic libraries are doing in this area. Semenza et al (2017) provided an annotated bibliography of diversity-related efforts in academic libraries from 2010 to 2015. A content analysis of this work reveals two common themes.…”