Science and Technology Section (STS): Equity Diversity and Inclusion: History

Building on the work of the STS Executive Subcommittee, the STS Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Task Force studied the ways in which STS can support the work of equity, diversity, and inclusion within ACRL, academic libraries, and across the library profession. Additionally, the Task Force explored ways in which STS can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Section. The Task Force suggested concrete policy steps STS may take to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in each of these areas. Recommendations will be submitted to STS Council for further consideration and action.

Equity refers to providing opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to professional growth opportunities and resource networks that are capable of closing the demographic disparities in leadership roles in all spheres of institutional functioning, at the section, division, institutional, and professional levels. Diversity refers to all the ways in which people are unique, including diversity of ideas, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Inclusion represents the interpersonal and institutional choices we make in our everyday interactions and activities, as well as in the shape of the culture, structures, collections, and systems we create and sustain. Belonging reflects an individual’s sense of being a valued and integral part of the organization; each member should feel they are important and have a vested interest in the organization as a whole.

Task Force deliverables included:

1. Summarize relevant EDI work in other professional organizations, including ALA resources such as YALSA’s Emerging Leaders/speaker clearinghouse.
2. Explore the potential for partnerships with other ACRL sections and interest groups to support EDI work across the division.
3. Recommend updated EDI language for STS strategic plans and goals.
4. Hold a STS membership forum to learn what EDI initiatives might most benefit STS members (ETA ALA Annual Conference - June 2019 and/or online before end of August)
5. Conduct a STS membership survey to learn more about the diversity of the section and what EDI initiatives might most benefit STS members. (ETA ACRL Conference - April 2019)

The Task Force began work in January 2019, and submitted its initial recommendations to STS Council for consideration at STS Council I at ALA Midwinter 2020. Council accepted the recommendation that the Task Force's term be extended through June 2020, as an Implementation Team.

Co-Chairs

• Roxanne Bogucka at the University of Texas at Austin
• Bonnie L. Fong at Rutgers University-Newark

Members (2020-2021)

• Lori Bronars at Yale University
• Chapel Cowden at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Heather James at Gonzaga University
• Nastasha Johnson at Purdue University
• Stacy Johnson at Sam Houston State University
• Meghan Lafferty University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Amanda McCormick at University at Buffalo
• Laura Palumbo at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Samuel Putnam at University of Florida
• David Romito at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
• Penelope Wood at University of Washington Libraries - UW Bothell Campus Library

Members (2019-2020)

• Isabel Altamirano at Georgia Tech
• Donna Braquet at the University of Tennessee
• Patrick (Tod) Colegrove at the Carson City, NV Public Library
• Chapel Cowden at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Heather James at Marquette University
• Nastasha Johnson at Purdue University
• Stacy Johnson at Sam Houston State University
• Meghan Lafferty University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Laura Palumbo at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Penelope Wood at University of Washington Libraries - UW Bothell Campus Library