Friday, August 27, 2021
All 16 Wisconsin Library Systems are dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion efforts across the state. That’s why they are co-sponsoring a learning opportunity that can help you increase the collection and circulation of titles written by underrepresented authors.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is not a trend; rather, providing robust readers’ advisory (RA) service that values equity, diversity, and inclusion principles is essential to all library services. But moving from being a neutral, well-meaning library where systemic racism is acknowledged to an actively anti-racist organization involves work, some of which is uncomfortable at first. In this program you will begin that work, learning tangible skills to help build enthusiasm for reading and discovering "diverse" books, to deepen RA service through thoughtful inclusion of EDI principles in all interactions with leisure readers, and to be a steward of the anti-racist mindset for your organization.
Readers’ Advisory and Collection Development experts Becky Spratford and Robin Bradford will move your team from merely discussing "why" putting EDI concerns at the forefront of all of your work with leisure readers is important to the "how," including an honest look at action steps for all staff. While it may seem uncomfortable at first, Becky and Robin will help you shift your focus allowing your entire organization to craft an actionable plan to incorporate EDI values into your normal RA practices. All you need is a little nudge in the right direction and a commitment to beginning the march forward.
This learning experience starts with some viewing homework. Becky and Robin pre-recorded webinars on Collection Development and Readers' Advisory that all participants are strongly encouraged to view beforehand:
- Recorded Webinar: Collection Development Foundations with Robin Bradford (46 min.)
- Recorded Webinar; Readers' Advisory Foundations with Becky Spratford (1 hr 23 min.)
After watching the recorded webinars, please submit any questions you have for Robin and Becky by using this form. Questions submitted by Friday, September 17, 2021, will be prioritized for the live discussion.
Your EDI questions will be answered and discussed by Robin Bradford and Becky Spratford at the Actively Anti-Racist Library Service to Leisure Readers live discussion on September 30, 2021, at 1 p.m. Central Time (register here).
Questions about the program should be directed to Jean Anderson, Continuing Education/Multitype Consultant for the South Central Library System: jean@scls.info or 608-246-5613. See more posts on the WI Libraries for Everyone page.