First Impressions: A Review of Diversity-related Content on North American LIS Program Websites

Abstract

This study explores library and information science (LIS) program websites from a recruitment and marketing standpoint and sheds light on the availability of diversity - related content. LIS and higher education literature suggests that the Internet and program websites are crucial when it comes to prospective students’ graduate school selection. Using Berelson’s (1952) quantitative content analysis technique, the researchers examined faculty profiles, diversity statements, diversity-related courses, funding opportunities, achievements, and student organizations on program websites. The data indicates that, collectively, LIS programs are successful in sharing information on funding as well as highlighting faculty scholarship related to diversity. Greater emphasis could be placed on crafting and displaying diversity statements; designing, offering, and listing diversity - related courses beyond survey courses; consistently showcasing diversity-related achievements and events; and encouraging and supporting diversity-related student groups. This research has implications for fostering more strategic diversity-related initiatives.

Diversity Initiatives to Recruit and Retain Academic Librarians: A Systematic Review

“…Ndumu and Betts-Green summarize the situation best: "Recent data by the ALA substantiates that racial and ethnic representation among North American LIS professionals and educators have not reached parity with combined Canadian and US demographics." 20 Recent literature explores diversity in librarianship through different lens such as reinforcing the importance of diversity, examining the experiences and observations of racial microaggressions, and promoting diversity through the implementation of a library diversity plan. 21 However, there is little current literature that addresses the recruitment and retention practices of diverse academic librarians.…”

Global Competency and International Mindedness in LIS Education

“…We have not met oftstated, longstanding goals including representation among library workers, or improved and appropriate services to heterogenous information patrons (e.g. Dali & Caidi, 2017;Ndumu & Betts-Green, 2018). Current EDI work is palatable (to the dominant) and ineffective (Sutherland and Purcell, 2021) and perpetuates a view of Whiteness as norm and standard (Rapchak, 2019).…”

“…Professionals, provides context and readings to support such coursework, and highlights the related concept of cultural humility, connections to social justice work, and more. Courses are designed around cultural competency, multiculturalism, race, and many other aspects of EDI (Ndumu & Betts-Green, 2018); as example, San Jose State University's School of Information offers "Cultural Competency for Information Professionals" (M. Villagran, personal communication, July 11, 2020). A number of the rationales for teaching equity and inclusion among surveyed faculty include global considerations: …responsiveness to the changing interactions in a global networked information environment in the contemporary age;...accurately reflect the diversity experienced in people's lived realities;…lead to diversity of ideas and growth of knowledge to provide best solutions to world problems; educate and provide a global perspective to parochial and narrow-minded cultural viewpoints; amongst others.…”

Recruitment Techniques for LIS Internship Applicants of Color: Case Study of a Paid Medical Data Internship Program

“…Creating a website about the internship and a video about data services featuring people of color was an important outreach tool for this opportunity because LIS students have been found to be most attracted to programs through their websites (Ndumu & Betts-Green, 2018). Also, although data services positions are increasing, many BIPOC students may not see themselves represented in the field.…”