Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity Statement

The University Libraries at Bowling Green State University (UL) recognize that the current social climate requires increased commitment to diversity and inclusion. As information professionals, we will use our values and skills to support the ideals outlined in the Association of Research Libraries’ (ARL) statement on diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice:

"Now more than ever, it is critical that libraries and archives ensure open and equitable access to credible sources of news, data, and knowledge, and provide the expertise, services, collections, tools, and spaces that will help all community members critically assess the information they encounter."

The University Libraries are committed to helping our employees learn about, examine, and repair the effects of institutionalized racism and oppressive systems within our own organization as well as others, through research, study, conversation, and personal reflection. We will support our campus and larger community in their efforts to do the same. As an academic library with vast collections, specialized staff, and robust online services, we will help accomplish the change we seek and need.

As we develop these efforts, we welcome more voices and more collaborators. Members of our UL faculty and staff are already advancing efforts through their work at the University Libraries by:

• providing and/or creating information resources to support campus diversity and inclusion initiatives;
• promoting the library building as an inclusive space with inclusive services;
• implementing professional development opportunities and other programs that support diversity and inclusion initiatives for all our employees;
• advancing and implementing initiatives to broaden the representation and retention of faculty and staff who work within our organization;
• increasing public programming around diverse collections and issues;
• working to investigate our descriptive practices in cataloging and metadata with the goal of representing diverse points of view;
• striving to provide in-person or online services and resources that are accessible for all users; and
• striving to increase accessibility to library spaces and resources for users with disabilities.

While we are a place for everyone, we will not allow acts of intolerance and hate to diminish the rights and safety of others who visit our spaces and use our resources and services. 

We want all of our spaces, services, and collections to cultivate a constructive and inclusive learning environment where individuals can grow and learn. We welcome feedback that will help us document successes and failures on this initiative.

Updated February 2021

Deans Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion

The Deans Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion (DACODI) is

• Advisory and makes recommendations to the Dean.
• Assists with the review and development of strategic initiatives that support BGSU and the University Libraries (UL) diversity and inclusion goals.
• Assists with the implementation of assigned goals from the UL Diversity Plan.
• Develops annual goals, objectives and timelines for council activities; prepares annual progress reports as requested.
• Annually review the charge, goals and objectives with the Dean.
• Build a campus and community that fosters, celebrates, and appreciates diversity and inclusion.

DACODI meets monthly to discuss progress on its goals and for each of the subgroups to report on activities.