Cultivate Diversity and Belonging

Build an inclusive, diverse organization that fosters among all staff and users a true sense of belonging

We are stronger and richer as an organization when we foster a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone feels a sense of belonging. 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. This goal reflects how we value the diversity of our staff and of our user community as we seek to maximize the potential of every individual to flourish.

Outcomes:

1. We attract and consider diverse and talented applicants across all position ranks using clearly articulated search and evaluation criteria and effective pipeline programs.
2. We are better able to retain our talented and diverse staff at all ranks as a result of successful initiatives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the organization.
3. All staff see themselves as integral to the organization’s work and understand their value to its overarching mission and vision.
4. All the Division’s supervisors, managers, and administrators share a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, and lead us in incorporating cultural competency and psychological safety practices in our tools, practices, and everyday work.
5. All staff share an understanding of the nature and value of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.
6. Users view the Libraries and all parts of the Division as offering an open and welcoming environment and a wide variety of services, content, and spaces designed to maximize their effectiveness.

CONTINUE TO GOAL 4