Diversity and Inclusion Committee

FAU Libraries’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

“Diversity is a fundamental value of the FAU Libraries and an integral part of our strategic plan. We seek and provide opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings. Our appreciation and dedication for diversity allows us to serve our community with sensitivity and adaptability. We define diversity to include race, sex, gender identity, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, and religion.

We also recognize inequity can accompany diversity. We acknowledge that providing all users with the same level of resources and support is not necessarily an issue of equal access. Our goal of removing barriers that might impede or discourage access and engagement is as important as providing information across space and time to our users.”

Dean's Statements on Diversity

The FAU Libraries’ Diversity & Inclusion Committee was launched in November 2016, and since then has been committed to celebrating diversity with the FAU Community through events, training, and educational opportunities. Events and activities include:

Writing the FAU Libraries’ first ever diversity and inclusion statement.
Assisting in creating the Library Diversity Strategic Plan Goal.
Sponsoring a Human Library event at both the Boca and Jupiter campuses.
Assisting with the Black History Month display.
Sponsoring the Progressive Black Men’s “Joy & Magic” evening gala.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with the #herstory multimedia presentation, as well as having patrons create Women’s History mini posters and buttons.
Partnering with the FAU Police Department for Sexual Awareness Denim Day.
Partnering with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities for an Autism 101 Lunch & Learn.
Partnering in a children’s book drive with Zeta Phi Beta, with the collected books donated to local Autism resource centers.
Implementing staff training, including a “Safe Spaces in Higher Education” webinar.
Commemorating the Pulse Nightclub shooting with a multimedia exhibit.
Working with the Exhibit Committee to create an OwlPride multimedia exhibit to celebrate PRIDE.
Projects currently in progress include creating a Library Diversity and Inclusion resources webpage, and implementing a Diversity Intern position.

The Libraries’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee is charged to make recommendations to the Dean on:

defining the scope of diversity needs within the context of the University’s and the Libraries’ strategic plans and mission statements
reviewing FAU Libraries services, collections, and technology to ensure full support for people of all backgrounds and perspectives
the development of signature events, services, collections, and exhibits to promote diversity and inclusion
improving the library’s work environment to ensure a safe, welcoming, supportive environment for all Libraries faculty and staff
arranging staff development opportunities to increase awareness and appreciation of different backgrounds and perspectives reviewing recruitment and hiring practices within the Library to promote diversity and inclusion
reviewing policies and procedures to remove obstacles and promote greater diversity and inclusion
developing the Libraries as role models for diversity for the FAU community

Membership