Auditing Diversity in Library Collections, with Sarah Voels

Circulating Ideas 231

CI230 Show Notes

In Circulating Ideas, Episode 230, I chatted with Sarah Voels, author of Auditing Diversity in Library Collections, about her path to librarianship, why diversity audits are an essential tool for library collections, how to find diverse materials to add to collections, and how to get started in conducting a diversity audit.

the podcast | the transcript

Auditing Diversity in Library Collections

Library collections serve as a reflection of their communities and the wider world, and audits are the best way to assess the inclusivity of these collections. In this practical book, Sarah Voels helps libraries meet the challenge of doing a diversity audit.

The task of auditing a collection for its diversity is essential to the development of a reflective collection. Conducting a diversity audit gives library professionals a realistic and accurate assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the materials they provide their readers. Only with this information at hand can libraries work toward improvement. But what’s the best way to conduct an audit? What criteria should be used? How can audits be tailored to specific communities? How much will it cost, and how much time will it take?

Voels has taken away the guesswork by surveying a wide range of libraries that have performed diversity audits and sharing their successes and challenges. She suggests best practices while acknowledging that each library’s specific situation will be unique. All libraries considering a diversity audit will benefit from this guide.

the book

Sarah Voels

Sarah Voels is the director of Vogel Library at Wartburg College. She previously worked in collection development, where she began her research and study on diversity audits. These efforts have drawn national attention, and she has presented her findings at multiple conferences, including the Iowa Library Association, Public Library Association, and United for Libraries.

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Mentions

• Wartburg College

• Waverly (IA) Public Library

• Iowa Flood of 2008 [Wikipedia]

• Dominican University Library and Information Studies Program

• Auditing Diversity in Library Collections [ABC-CLIO]

• Molly Garrett, Asst. Director at Musser Public Library

• Teen Librarian Toolbox [SLJ]

  • ”Doing a YA Collection Diversity Audit: Understanding Your Local Community (Part 1)”

  • ”Doing a YA Collection Diversity Audit: The How To (Part 2)”

  • “Doing a YA Collection Diversity Audit: Resources and Sources (Part 3)”

• “Diversity Audit: Assessing Your Collection” [Teen Librarian Underground]

• “How to Conduct a Diversity Audit” [ALSC]

• Picture This: Diversity in Children’s Books 2018 Infographic

• “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors” by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop

• Diverse Book Finder - Bates College

• Lee & Low Books

• “What should be done about racist depictions in the ‘Little House’ books?” [PBS]

• “Dr. Seuss Enterprises Will Shelve 6 Books, Citing 'Hurtful' Portrayals” [NPR]

• Philip Nel’s Dr. Seuss research

• Was the Cat in the Hat Black? by Phillip Nel

• “[Charlotte Mecklenburg] Library Makes Changes to Align with Its Commitment to Expanding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”

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Circulating Ideas facilitates conversations with the innovative people and ideas inspiring libraries to grow and thrive in the 21st century. Brought to you with support from listeners like you.