In this multifaceted online course, you’ll complete work to ensure that your collections, programs, services, and staff culture are Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive—with personal coaching from experts from libraries and beyond.

Live Interactive Sessions: Tuesdays: April 30, May 7 & March 14 from 2-4 PM ET. Plus, self-guided options and additional bonus content offered so you can follow along at your own pace.

Live Sessions Bridged with Online Workshops, Video Lessons, Assignments, Discussions, and Resources designed to help you build your own diversity initiative. Certificate of Completion Provided.

Do you want to ensure that your library’s collections are diverse, equitable, inclusive—and well-read?

In this foundational course from Library Journal and School Library Journal, designed specifically for public librarian professionals who work in collections and readers’ advisory (RA), you’ll hear from an outstanding group of experts as they explore key concepts essential to cultivating and promoting inclusive and equitable collections. You’ll conduct a diversity audit of your collections and learn about how to include diverse books, wider perspectives, #ownvoices, and how to be more responsive to the community you serve.

The course will cover a wide range of topics, helping teach librarians how to evaluate books and media through an inclusive lens, that includes the experiences of LGBTQIA people, Native people, people of color, people with disabilities, non-binary or gender non-conforming people, and ethnic, cultural, religious minorities, and more.

When you attend this interactive online course, you’ll come away with:

• The ability to assess current library collections, book promotions, and displays through a diverse lens in order to assess gaps in collections and service areas.
• An understanding of key diversity and cultural literacy concepts such as white privilege, unconscious bias, cultural appropriation, and intersectionality.
• The ability to recognize common problematic stereotypes, tropes, and microaggressions in media.
• The ability to assess the diversity and inclusiveness of current collection development and RA practices.
• Guidance on planning and executing a diversity audit.
• Tools, tips, and advice on how to better diversify collections and displays.
• A plan of action to better diversify your library collections and address gap areas that will transform your understanding of your library users and the services you provide.

The course features live guest speakers in interactive sessions with Q&A as well as self-guided “homework” and readings to support deeper learning. You’ll work in small groups with facilitators experienced in anti-oppression work to complete assignments and field research that will fuel your diversity initiatives.

Inspiring Live Guest Speakers + Project-Based Learning
Engage with presenters via live video stream, visual presentations, and chats, and workshop practical solutions in groups, with guidance from an advisor, to map out your own cultural literacy and inclusion initiatives. You’ll leave with well-developed strategies designed to make a lasting impact on your community.

Online course features

• Instructor-led online course features personalized interaction over 3+ weeks
• Real-time guest speakers and conversation via live webcast (with recordings available afterward)
• Self-guided track with video lessons and supporting resources in the online classroom to provide a foundation for your work
• Homework assignments to help you make progress on your goals
• Individualized attention from course facilitators who work with you in a coaching environment to help sort out challenges
• Ongoing group conversation via discussion forums
• Articles, videos, and other resources
• Access all course content for 6 months after the course ends
• Bonus: Register early and get immediate access to archival video recordings from related courses

Who should take this course
This event is excellent for public librarians, both adult and youth services. The program will be especially relevant to librarians in collection development, collection management, merchandising and displays, programming, outreach, and library marketing.

Sample Session Themes:

• Reviewing the Basics: Foundations of Cultural Competency
• How to Conduct a Diversity Audit
• Recognizing Stereotypes, Tropes, and Appropriation

Can’t make a live session? No worries. All sessions will be available to you “on-demand” following the initial broadcast.