6 Equity
Welcome to our Module on Equity!
In this module, we will think about equity in libraries, including:
- Minnesota State initiatives, including Equity 2030 and Equity by Design
- Academic Library initiatives
We encourage you to do as many of the activities as you can. If you are short on time, remember that these are the requirements for this module:
- Read/watch some of the resources provided
- Attend our live session 7/21
- Submit your discussion thread on equity reflections by 7/25
Learning Goal
At the end of this module, you will be able to discuss equity initiatives
- From Minnesota State
- In academic libraries
- Your equity initiatives
A note about the equity component in this course . . . we are all on the journey of becoming more culturally responsive and anti-racist. As we do this work together, we may experience challenging emotions and thoughts – this is expected and totally normal. We invite you to lean into discomfort and envision new ways of being in the world – and that is exciting and hopeful!
Minnesota State
What is Equity 2030?
Minnesota State’s guiding principle of Equity 2030 aims to eliminate educational equity gaps at all Minnesota State colleges and universities by 2030. If you are not already familiar, read:
And here are terms: https://www.minnstate.edu/system/equity/docs/Minnesota-State-Terms-of-Equity-and-Inclusion-09.2021.pdf
At minimum, they recommend that the following terms require shared understanding:
- Equity
- Equality
- Disparate outcomes
- Equity gaps
- Marginalized (disadvantaged) groups
- Deficit-minded versus equity-minded
What is Equity by Design?
Equity by Design is one of many tools available to campuses to aid in actualizing the goals of Equity 2030. Skim:
- Equity by Design Campus Team Toolkit: https://www.minnstate.edu/system/equity/docs/Equity-by-Design-Campus-Team-Toolkit.pdf – If you don’t have time for the whole toolkit, at least read pages 7-9, 11-12, 15, 19, 32-38.
- Equity by Design Facilitation Tool: https://www.minnstate.edu/system/equity/docs/Navigating-and-Engaging-Data-Discussion_EbD-Facilication-Tool.pdf – If you don’t have time for the whole facilitation tool, read:
- Step 1: Considering Campus Context & Preparedness for Equity by Design
- Step 4: Acclimating & Easing into Data Conversations
A couple more things from the Equity by Design training held in November 2021 . . .
- Let’s all agree to some shared commitments with this work. We agree to commit to action, collaboration, evidence, inquiry, and assuming positive intentions, but acknowledging when harm is caused unintentionally.
- When discussing data that can be upsetting for people, it is good to start by asking, “What do we notice?” When people are done naming what they notice, then ask, “What do we wonder?” This process tends to generate great observations and questions.
If you want to review that training, get the links for the 4 videos in the past training section here: https://www.minnstate.edu/system/equity/Equity%20by%20Design.html
From the Chancellor’s remarks at the ASA/DEI Conference in May 2022: Equity 2030 is an organizing principle, not an initiative.
Key components:
- Supporting and expanding student-centered policies and programs
- Developing equity-minded, evidenced-based, and data-informed practices for monitoring and assessment
- Facilitating and advancing leadership and professional development to support Equity 2030
Academic Libraries
While the initial focus of Minnesota State’s work tends to be on teaching faculty and student outcome data such as grades and graduation rates (which libraries rarely have), libraries still care about equity!
Pick at least two resources from this list to skim:
- ACRL’s Diversity Standards Toolkit – https://acrl.libguides.com/c.php?g=473874&p=3242500
- Keeping Up With… Universal Design for Learning – https://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/udl
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statements on Academic Library Websites – https://ejournals.bc.edu/index.php/ital/article/view/13353
- SPEC Kit 356: Diversity and Inclusion – https://publications.arl.org/Diversity-Inclusion-SPEC-Kit-356
- How to Use Accessibility Statements to Create a Better Library User Experience – https://www.choice360.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Choice-ACRL-Accessibility-Statements-Webinar_March0822.pdf
Consider these questions:
- How do libraries support student success?
- How might libraries be contributing to equity gaps?
- How can the library help close equity gaps?
There are a lot of possible equity projects in many areas!:
- Collection development
- OER
- LCSH
- Professional development
- Hiring/retention
- Exhibits/events
- Make sure everything works as far as mobile and accessibility
- Anything to make library research less old-fashioned and complicated
- Providing resources in the languages of your community
Consider these questions:
- What have you already done to improve equity in your library?
- What will you do next?
Equity Reflections
Reflect on everything in this section and discuss with your colleagues:
- What is happening on your campus as far as equity initiatives?
- How might libraries be contributing to equity gaps?
- How can the library help close equity gaps?
- What have you already done to improve equity in your library?
- What will you do next?
