Library Diversity Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 10 th, 2009
10-11 a.m.
423 Main Library
Emily Love, Chair
Emma Lincoln, Minute Taker
Present: Paula Carns, B.A. Davis-Howe, Cindy Ingold, Jimi Jones, Emma Lincoln, Emily Love, Kim Matherly
Guests: Menah Pratt Clarke and Monique Rivera, Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
1) Discussion with Menah Pratt Clarke and Monique Rivera from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA)
Committee members and guests introduced themselves. Emily opened by asking for an exchange of ideas regarding campus/library climate, training program development, and race relations in particular.
Menah Pratt Clarke summarized the current activities of the OEOA/Inclusive Illinois initiative:
Student advisory groups have been formed to address issues specific to different populations. For example, an undergraduate group is planning a contest to produce a video addressing diversity on campus to be featured on a website for new students. A faculty/staff group is discussing the need for strong recruitment strategies and putting together an information packet on diversity resources on- and off-campus.
The Inclusive Illinois (II) website is being revised to focus on three areas: highlighting the university's (and individual units') commitment to inclusivity, celebrating the inclusive/diverse things we do well, and listing education opportunities (classes, programs, etc.)
A campus-wide online training program is being developed. The curriculum will be modular and cover topics such as Equal Opportunity basics, sexual harassment, management strategies, search process guidelines, classroom dynamics for faculty, etc.
OEOA is working with some campus units to address diversity issues on a more localized scale by facilitating "safe spaces" for dialog.
Monique Rivera announced a leadership luncheon for women students to be held on March 19 th, 11:30 a.m., Illini Union, Illini Room A. Approximately 60 student spaces are available.
Discussion turned to methods for encouraging participation in training modules. Plans include offering certificates for completion of modules, talking to University administration about possibly requiring certain modules, and incorporating training into performance review processes.
Discussion turned to small-group settings and the possibility of "train the trainers" sessions. OEOA has done "train the trainers" sessions with other units and would be willing to work with the Library so that we can facilitate our own small group sessions. They recommend groups of 6-20 people for maximum effect. The Committee decided to pursue this option based on the positive feedback regarding opportunities for discussion following the fall training sessions.
Next steps will include compiling examples of library-specific diversity concerns to aid OEOA in tailoring a program to meet our needs, determining the most effective means of reaching all library faculty and staff, and securing buy-in and support from the top-down. Concerns were raised about reaching civil service staff via division meetings that many do not/cannot attend. Potential alternatives include the Library Staff Support Committee and Staff Training & Development Committee. A Library organization chart will be consulted as well.
The new II website will go live in the next month. The training modules are expected to be ready by June 1 st. Library-specific "train the trainers" will be pursued for late spring. Cindy I. will ask Cindy Kelly to attend the March meeting to discuss appropriate roles for HR and the Diversity Committee in such training. Beth Woodard will be invited to provide input on training logistics. Lisa Romero will be invited to participate as the Library's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.
2) Approval of January Minutes
January minutes were approved with minor changes.
3) Marshall Gallery Exhibit
Emily has confirmed with Annette Morris that the Marshall Gallery has been reserved for a Diversity Committee exhibit in September. The Exhibits Committee will need a short blurb describing the exhibit. Exhibit planning will remain on the agenda for future meetings.
4) Diversity highlights to discuss at the Eat and Talk Session
Emily requested input from the committee regarding diversity-related accomplishments to highlight in the May 14 th Eat and Talk session.
5) Subcommittee on Interdisciplinary Collections/Services
No updates at this time.
6) Future Meetings/Announcements
New Major in Latino/a Studies - Paula's conversation with Lisa Romero is pending. Further discussion at the committee level will be delayed until the April meeting. Paula also suggested inviting Betsy Sweet, faculty member in the Department of Urban Planning, to the April meeting. She is involved in diversity efforts in her own department and would like to learn more about what the Library Diversity Committee is doing. The Committee approved this invitation.
7) New Business
No new business.
Next Meeting: March 10 th, 2009, 10 a.m., 423 Library
Paula Carns, Minute Taker
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Last modified by: Kimberley Matherly on 5/14/09