Description
Demonstrate an awareness of diversity including race/ethnic groups, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and others in relation to their history and culture in the United States.
Demonstrate an awareness of diverse groups’ roles in today’s society.
Demonstrate an awareness of the changing role of LIS institutions in a pluralistic society.
Demonstrate the professional skills necessary to function effectively in multicultural, multiethnic, and diverse environments by acquiring a knowledge of the information needs of these populations.
Identify, locate, and evaluate multicultural and diverse resources to meet identified information needs of these populations.
Apply sound LIS principles to multicultural needs in resources and services.
Analysis
In this paper, I outlined a detailed outreach plan focused on engaging with Native American organizations through various programs and an expanded collection that better represents their communities. I addressed key challenges, such as the lack of representation and the need for more Native American staff, emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable initiatives.
I believe these efforts will not only boost community engagement but also enrich the library's collection and help our staff better understand the needs of Native American users. This project really highlighted for me how crucial it is to create meaningful connections and provide resources that reflect the communities we serve.
Reflection
To really strengthen Mullins Library's role as a valuable resource for the Native American community, I believe we need to focus on building lasting relationships and making sure we have sustainability through regular evaluation and feedback. We must prioritize inclusivity in our staffing as well. By continuously improving and collaborating with Native American organizations and community members, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive space that effectively supports the cultural heritage and information needs of Native American users. This approach is crucial for fostering a stronger connection with the community we serve.