Auburn University Libraries > Diversity > Diversity

Recruitment and Diversity Committee

Mission

The Recruitment and Diversity Committee, appointed by the Dean of the University Libraries, is composed of library employees committed to the goals of diversity.

Strategic Diversity Plan

2011-2012 Progress Report

Charge

The Recruitment and Diversity Committee, appointed by the Dean of the University Libraries, is composed of library employees committed to the goals of diversity. Its main purposes are 1) to promote a positive attitude toward diversity and inclusion within the University Libraries; 2) to participate in the administration of the Library Residency Program, and to assist search committees in the recruitment of a diverse pool of candidates for positions at the Library; and 3) to establish and maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for all library employees and patrons.

The Chair of the Committee will represent the Libraries on the Diversity Officer’s Advisory Committee to the Associate Provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Attending monthly meetings and facilitating communication between the Libraries and the University regarding diversity issues.

The Recruitment and Diversity Committee has an ongoing, active role in performing climate assessment, contributing to strategic and other planning for the Libraries, and recommending policies and programs on diversity and inclusion within the Libraries.

Suggested Goals and Activities of the Recruitment and Diversity Committee:

• Provide a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive work environment for library staff by sponsoring educational and training opportunities and other activities.
• Create opportunities for staff to learn about diversity-related issues and topics using a cultural enrichment discussion series. Encourage exploration and tolerance of individual differences and promote openness to learning from others.
• Offer programs that will address the Libraries’ services to individuals with disabilities.
• Provide opportunities for social interaction and communication.
• Sponsor the Libraries’ recognition programs, including library student workers.
• Develop a means to welcome new library employees, providing them with contacts and other useful information for settling in at the Libraries.

Outreach & Collaboration

Provide educational opportunities by creating collaborations within the Libraries and throughout the University.

• Support and contribute to Library planning.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with diversity-related groups and programs on campus.
• Develop library resources on diversity topics and themes.
• Develop methods to promote the Libraries’ rich and diverse collections.
• Utilize various publicity venues to share the Libraries’ diversity initiatives.
• Coordinate Library diversity initiatives with the Office of the Associate Provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs

Professional Development

Participate in professional development activities to educate Committee members as well as share the Libraries’ diversity initiatives with the library profession.

• Explore ways to educate Committee members by taking advantage of educational opportunities on campus and in the community. Identify and publicize these opportunities within the Library.

Recruitment

Assist the Libraries and the library profession in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.

• Participate in the administration of the Libraries’ Residency Program.
• Assist search committees in the recruitment of a diverse pool of applicants for positions at the Auburn University Libraries.

Committee Members

Jaena Alabi
Kim Conner
Dwayne Cox
Tim Dodge
Pambanisha Whaley
Brenda Ray
Yvette Rivera
Linda Thornton
Todd Shipman, Chair

Reports to: Dean of Libraries and provides regular reports to the Leadership Group

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