Library collections must be diverse and inclusive, offering windows into and reflections of the vast array of people, stories and experiences that make up our world. In this course, you’ll learn from an outstanding group of experts as they explore key concepts essential to cultivating and promoting inclusive and equitable collections. 
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Starting next week!

 

Create library collections that are inclusive and reflect a diverse range of people, stories, and experiences by learning how to conduct a diversity audit, ensure representation, and defend your collections against censorship challenges. 

Course Program

How to Build and Defend Inclusive Collections

 

 

Week 1: Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Establishing goals and priorities: Defining inclusive collections and learning how to build and maintain them

Session 1

2:00-2:45 pm ET

 

Creating Inclusive Library Collections


8-2

SPEAKER

Kymberlee Powe
Children and YA Consultant, Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development 

Session 2

3:00-3:45 pm ET

 

Conducting a Diversity Audit of Your Collections and Ordering: Where to Start 

4-4

SPEAKER

Betsy Bird

Collection Development Manager, Evanston Public Library (IL)

6-1

SPEAKER

Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Collection Management Librarian, Oak Park Public Library (IL)

 

Week 2: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Preparing for your collection assessment: Identifying harmful—and amplifying authentic—stories in our library materials

Session 1

2:00-2:45 pm ET

 

Black Stories in Library Collections


2-Oct-16-2023-07-37-02-9610-PM

SPEAKER

Jennifer Baker

Writer, Editor, Advocate, and Founder, Minorities in Publishing podcast

Session 2

Thursday, December 7, 2023

3:00-3:45 pm ET

 

Muslim Stories in Library Collections

 

 

7-1

SPEAKER

Mahasin Abuwi Aleem

(she, her)

Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library, Antioch Libraries (CA), Co-Founder, Hijabi Librarians, Co-Founder, Hijabi Librarians

1-Oct-16-2023-07-37-59-2778-PM

SPEAKER

Hadeal Salamah

(she, her)

Lower and Middle School Librarian, Georgetown Day School, Washington DC

Session 3

3:00-3:25 pm ET

 

Queer Stories in Library Collections

 

3-Oct-16-2023-07-38-21-7904-PM

SPEAKER

Carson Williams

(he, him)

Collection Development Librarian, Cornell University (NY)

Session 4

3:25-3:50 pm ET

 

Native American Stories in Library Collections

5-1

SPEAKER

Stacy Wells

Youth Librarian 

Session 5

3:25-3:50 pm ET

 

Disability Stories in Library Collections

 

 

MicrosoftTeams-image (151)

SPEAKER

Dan Freeman

Senior Assistant Director for Curriculum Policy and Support at the College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University-Bloomington 

Week 3: Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Beginning your audit and defending inclusive collections

Session 1

2:00-2:45 pm ET

 

Assessing and Revising Your Collection Management Policies to Protect Your Collections and Yourself

 

9

SPEAKER

Kelly Jensen

Editor, Book Riot

Session 2

3:00-3:45 pm ET

 

Stronger Together: Building Community, Coalitions, and Allies

MicrosoftTeams-image (150)

SPEAKER

Erika Long

(she, her)

School Library Consultant

 

Session 3

3:45-4:15 pm ET

 

Sustaining Collection Assessment Momentum

8-2

SPEAKER

Kymberlee Powe

Children and YA Consultant, Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development 

 

Individual Tickets
Group Tickets

See what a past participant had to say:

"Wow! This course was so eye-opening. All the presenters were fabulous and I already want to watch the recordings again a second time. Having homework deadlines helped give me accountability and it felt good completing the course in just three weeks. I would definitely take another class in the future!"  

 

— Lisa Gillihan School Library Media Specialist, NBCT Brownsburg, IN 

Upcoming Classes
for Safe Work Culture

Click on any title to learn more

Diversity_01

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

How to Build and Defend Inclusive Collections

 

Equity-Centered Library Leadership

 

Jumpstart Inclusive Cataloging

 

How to Build LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Libraries

Management_01

Project & Staff Management

How to Build (and Re-build) Effective Work Relationships

 

How to Work with Difficult Colleagues, Staff, and Patrons

 

Project Management Fundamentals for Librarians

 

Community_01

Community Building, Programs, & Impact

Marketing and Outreach Strategies to Engage Your Community

 

Using Data and Marketing to Communicate Your Library’s Value

 

Library Social Media Marketing and Engagement

 

How to Collaborate with Your Community to Co-Design Programs and Services

Intellectual_01

Safety, Security, and Wellness

 

Creating Safer Libraries: Foundations for Librarians and Frontline Staff

 

Library Safety Summit 2.0: Continuing the Conversation

 

Trauma-Informed Librarianship: Centering Relationships and Care

 

How to Apply Restorative Justice in Your Library

See All Class Offerings

Join as a Group

Credit Packages

Credit Packages

Buy now, decide later! Plan for the year by purchasing course credits.

 

Purchase packages of course tickets that you can allocate to your staff as needed and apply to our full roster of courses.

Group Rates

Our courses are perfect for your team! Group rates available now!

Request a discount for groups of 3 or more and work with your colleagues on a project for your library.

 

Purchase 15 or more registrations and apply them across multiple courses.

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