At the University of Arizona Libraries, we welcome everyone and every perspective—those that challenge us, motivate us to learn, and broaden our worldview. Diversity is one our five core values, and we're proud to have been in the forefront of diversity and inclusivity efforts on campus for several years. We're committed to doing our part every day.
We strive to ensure:
- students, scholars, and staff have equitable access to library resources
- our recruitment and hiring practices are inclusive and attract candidates that reflect the diversity of our community
- library employees have equal access for advancement
- our collections and services reflect the breadth of human experience from many orientations
Diversity, Social Justice and Equity Council
Established in the summer of 2016, the Diversity, Social Justice and Equity Council (DSJEC) is charged with developing a sustainable and holistic approach to advancing diversity and inclusion for the Libraries through internal programming and assessment, advisement to leadership, and campus and community outreach.
In its first year, DSJEC launched a number of initiatives and trainings, including:
- Hosted workshops on implicit bias, allyship, and inclusive leadership
- Participated in campus inclusive excellence efforts
- Completed an inventory of diversity at the Libraries as part of a larger assessment by the UA Office of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
- Developed a guide of diversity and inclusion support resources for UA students and faculty
Members of DSJEC, 2016-17
In 2018, these and other achievements implemented by the first two cohorts of DSJEC were recognized when the University Libraries received the Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Tucson at its Celebrating Innovation in the Workplace ceremony. That same year, the University of Arizona earned the designation of Hispanic Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education in 2018 for its success in the enrollment of Hispanic students and in providing educational opportunities to them.
Resources
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Guides
Diversity and inclusion at the University of Arizona
Accessibility services in the library
Inclusive and accessible design presentation series materials