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What Is Inclusion?
What Is Inclusion?
The American Library Association defines inclusion as "an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and oportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization's success." (Adapted from Society for Human Resources Management, Hewlett Packard, and Ferris State University)
As librarians, we have a duty to make sure that all of our patrons feel seen and recognized in our spaces. We are also often the first experiences that some patrons may have with cultures different than their own. Because of these two things, inclusion in our library spaces become increasingly important, especially in this world of book banning and changing climates. As the ALA inclusion definition says above, our goal for all patrons is a library environment that is inclusive for everyone's success.
What Does Advocacy For Inclusion Look Like?
What Does Advocacy For Inclusion Look Like?
Key aspects of this advocacy include:
Inclusive Collections: Actively seeking out content from independent, small, and local publishers that represent diverse, underrepresented, and marginalized groups. As school librarians, we work to find books that all students can see themselves and their families in. By doing so, students can make connections about themselves and their place in their community.
Accessible Physical/Digital Spaces: Ensuring physical accessibility (wheelchair access, Braille, sensory-friendly) and digital accessibility (screen readers, varied formats). All students should feel comfortable in our library spaces and have the tools and resources they need to utilize the library space.
Community-Led Programming: Developing programming based on the need of your community, especially within marginalized populations.
Policy & Equity: Revising library policies to remove punitive, discriminatory rules (e.g., abolishing overdue fines) and fostering a staff that reflects the community. Students of all socio-economical levels should have access to the materials that they need.
Intellectual Freedom: Resisting censorship and defending the right to read diverse materials.
Staff Training: Educating staff on implicit bias and cultural competence.
Source: American Library Association +8
Why Do We Need To Be Inclusive?
Why Do We Need To Be Inclusive?
School libraries serve a broad audience, from Pre-Kindergarteners to Seniors in high school, not to mention the staff who also benefit from our spaces. Because each community has a unique make up for their population, the school library must adapt to meet the needs of each learner. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop wrote about the need for diverse books in our collections, stating books can be Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors.
How Are We Inclusive?
How Are We Inclusive?
We work in our libraries to find books and resources that match the demographics of our communities. Reports, such as a diversity analysis of your collections, can help to paint a picture of the cultures and demographics represented or missing in your collections. Collection development plans can be adjusted to make sure that your community is accurately represented. But we don't have to do this alone. By reaching out to other librarians, we can learn more about resources they've added that have been beneficial to their communities and could also be added to yours to diversify your collection. Here is a letter template advocating for diverse books and programming that could be formatted for your community and shared with your admin.
Sample Diverse Books/ Programming Advocacy Letter for Librarians
Key Strategies to help advocate for a diverse library:
The "Mirrors and Windows" Concept: Use this classic library framework to explain that students need to see themselves reflected in stories (mirrors) and gain a view into the lives of others (windows) to develop empathy and global literacy.
Alignment with Standards: Reference state education standards, the ALA Library Bill of Rights, or your specific district’s mission statement. Admin are more likely to support initiatives that clearly align with existing institutional goals.
Data-Driven Needs: Mention circulation trends or demographic shifts in your community. If certain populations are underserved, point to the gap in your current collection.
Professional Curation: Reassure them that "diverse programming" is not synonymous with "unvetted." Emphasize that materials are selected using professional review journals (like School Library Journal or Kirkus).
Resources For Inclusion
Resources For Inclusion
Website of the MASL Librarians for Inclusive Literacy Committee. The tool kits featured have so many resources that can be used to build heritage month displays or to order new diverse books to add to your collection.
Run by the MASL LIL Committee, the Inclusive Book Club features diverse books that are discussed at two online book club meetings in November and February, and one in person book club meeting held at the MASL Spring Conference.
Both of these websites feature book lists to help build diverse collections. With curated listed built around heritage months, these sites are very useful tools for any school librarian. Check out the Where to Find Diverse Books page on the We Need Diverse Books site- amazing resource!
A fantastic Wakelet full of ideas and texts for each month.
A collection of research guides by the Library of Congress
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Google Sites
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