Penn State University Libraries - Diversity Committee Report for the Academic Year, 2011-2012

Date: July 12, 2012

Members: Dawn Amsberry, Michelle Belden, Joe Fennewald (Past Chair), Dong Hahn, Rob Harris (HR representative), John Meier (Vice Co-Chair), Eric Novotny (Chair), Jacqueline Peagler, Harlan Ritchey, Rachel Schneiderman (July 2011-January 2012), Brent Stump, Amber Tychonievich (Vice Co-Chair), Jeffrey Waters (DLT representative, July 2011-December 2011), Alica White, Jerry Wion

On behalf of the University Libraries Diversity Committee I am sending this report to briefly summarize our activities and accomplishments for the past academic year. We look forward to the coming year and welcome comments or suggestions for the future.

The Committee met monthly throughout the year. Minutes of all meetings are posted on our wiki. 

The committee engaged in a robust program of activities, outreach efforts, and educational initiatives.  Highlights include:

Established the University Libraries Diversity Award
The Committee drafted a successful proposal to create the Libraries Diversity Award to recognize extraordinary contributions in promoting diversity and a welcoming campus climate. A subcommittee was appointed to draft the guidelines and submission forms which were approved by Dean Dewey. A Selection Committee comprised of John Meier, Jackie Peagler, Brent Stump, and Rob Harris promoted the award to encourage applications and served as the first jury. We were pleased with the initial response to the Diversity Award.  The award process has already been integrated with those established for the Margaret Knoll Spangler and University Libraries Awards giving it the same high profile and value. The inaugural honorees are well-deserving and represent what the award was intended to recognize. The Selection Committee chose the "Write Women" Exhibit Team: Timothy Auman, Darla Baker, Stephanie Movahedi-Lankarani, and Mackenzie Sasser from the Arts and Architecture Library. We appreciated the team effort that included management, staff, and a part-time employee. Letters of support from faculty outside the Libraries highlighted how this exhibit supported the teaching curriculum. This was an excellent start to an on-going award and the Selection Committee is to be commended for their efforts. We do recommend that donor support be identified for future years so that it has the same status as other library awards.

Sponsored two Bednar Interns
Nikia Jefferson and Gabriel Piza joined the Diversity committee in 2011 and assisted in the priority areas of marketing, outreach, and assessment. The Committee is especially pleased to have contributed to the educational goals of two students from historically under-represented groups.

Nikia Jefferson's internship was in Fall 2011. She attended meetings of the Diversity Committee and participated in the work of the Social Networking and Programming sub-committees, as well as special projects. Nikia was an active participant in the discussions of these groups, contributing suggestions for diversity programming and offering a student's perspective on our website. Nikia's final project was an evaluative report on the Libraries' current marketing activities offering suggestions for the Diversity Committee.  Her report outlined specific ideas for increasing awareness; ideas which the committee will be pursuing.  Our only regret is that the internship, which was designed to run two semesters, had to be concluded after one semester. We were looking forward to Nikia helping us implement the public relations ideas in her report.

Gabriel Piza completed two semesters with the Diversity Committee.  A higher education major, he has expressed interest in a career in librarianship as a result of his internship. (He applied for one of the University Libraries' scholarship). Gabriel's main internship project was L.E.A.D.: Latino Engagement & Academic Development. This research reflected Gabriel's interest in multiculturalism in education and the Libraries' needs. The Latino community is growing rapidly on campus and the library has not formally explored the needs and desires of this population of users. Working with the Diversity Committee, Gabriel designed a 3 part survey to assess Latino students' perceptions of the campus climate, as well as their use of the University Libraries. Gabriel distributed the survey through organizations like the Puerto Rican Students Association and other groups. Beyond the survey results, which are being analyzed, the main benefit of the project has been the increased contact with Latino student organizations. Gabriel was a walking ambassador for the library, taking our message to diverse audiences and venues. Although labor-intensive, this personal promotion from a trusted peer will likely have a greater impact than any formal marketing campaign the Libraries could have conducted.    

Reinstated the Diversity Research Forum and Diversity Potluck
 The Committee revived two lapsed activities; one centering on increasing knowledge of diversity research, the other intended to foster greater staff interaction and comradery. 

The Diversity Potluck was revived by the Social Networking sub-committee with much success during Spring Break 2011.  At University Park the potluck attracted around 50 library staff to share cuisine and culture in Mann Assembly. Other campuses held their own luncheons including Mont Alto, Altoona, and Erie.  Pictures were shared on the Diversity Facebook page (187 people discussed our pictures that week)  

The University Libraries Diversity Research and Programming Colloquium showcased diversity-related activities conducted by Penn State librarians and staff across the campuses. The well-attended event disseminated important research findings and initiatives throughout the Libraries.

Additionally, the four continuing sub-committees engaged in many substantive activities.  Their full reports are available on the Diversity wiki.  Highlights include: 

Civility Sub-Committee
Membership: Alexia Hudson, Jacqueline Peagler, Shenetta Seldon, Lindsey Harter, Loanne Snavely, Amber Tychonievich (Chair)

The sub-committee recruited several members from outside the diversity Committee allowing it to pursue a more extensive range of events and activities promoting civility and a welcoming climate.

The popular Speed Networking program was repeated as part of Discovery Day. The participation of Dean Dewey and many of the Associate Deans helped make this a successful event. We received positive feedback and were approached about organizing a speed networking event as part of the all staff retreat in August 2012.  Another Discovery Day event was "Incivility in Pop Culture", a discussion of examples of incivility in sports, politics, news, movies, and television shows.  We were approached to repeat this program for the Serials and Acquisitions staff.  Other events included reprising the Speak-Up program developed several years ago, and co-sponsoring with LHR the a presentation by Officer Bywater on Bullying in the Workplace, discussing how to recognize and appropriately respond to incidents of bullying in the workplace.

To assess the progress of civility initiatives and identify concerns, the Sub-committee designed and administered a brief library-wide survey. A formal report with recommendations for action has been prepared for the Dean's Office.  A summary of the results appeared in the Interview and were presented at the University Libraries Diversity Research and Programming Colloquium.  To increase awareness of civility and how to respond to/report incivility sub-committee members gave presentations at individual library department meetings. Seven departments have been visited with nine more departments scheduled over the summer.

Collections Sub-Committee
Membership: Alica White (Chair), Michelle Belden, Carrie Girton, Rachel Schneiderman (July 2011 – January 2012)

The main accomplishment was developing a subject guide to materials in special collections pertaining to women’s history and female authors. Authored by Michelle Belden with Doris Malkmus, the guide was created to complement the program “Who Does She Think She Is?” offered by the Programs Subcommittee.  We hope to develop similar publications for future diversity programs.  This seems an excellent way to promote our diversity collections and enrich our programming by offering attendees ways to pursue a topic after the event is over.  

Additional projects were explored and are ongoing, including creating a guide to locating non-english language materials, and working to collect data on the impact of diverse library collections on the curriculum and research.  The sub-committee will continue to pursue these efforts in the following year, working with relevant public service librarians and groups like the Collections Assessment Program Team.

Program Development Sub-Committee
Membership: Dawn Amsberry (chair), Jerry Wion, Jeff Knapp, Liz Long, Rachel Schneiderman, Nikia Jefferson (Bednar Intern)

The Program Development Subcommittee organized and sponsored, four diversity-related programs and program series during the 2011-2012 academic year (listed below), reaching 125 people. These events support the Strategic Plan goal of developing a shared understanding of diversity. The complete list of events along with supporting documentation is available on the Diversity Committee website.

Diversity Programs 2011-2012

World in Conversation Diversity Discussion Series, February  7, 9, 14, 16, 2012
Co-sponsored  with Penn State ITS four small-group discussion sessions (10 participants each) on diversity-related topics facilitated by the World in Conversation Project. The moderated sessions focus on topics such as race, religion, and gender issues and were effective in stimulating meaningful discussion of diversity issues that are often difficult to openly discuss with co-workers. Collaborating with ITS ensured that a variety of perspectives were included.  On participant surveys, nearly ninety percent of respondents agreed that the conversation was worthwhile, and seventy percent indicated that the conversation gave them new insight on the issues discussed. Complete survey results from the World in Conversation programs are available on Survey Monkey.  

Total attendance: 36 (out of 40 available slots) 

Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library Webinar, February 22 and 29, 2012
The University Libraries Diversity Committee and Library Services For Persons With Disabilities (now called Adaptive Technology and Services) sponsored a two-part webinar on Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library, hosted by the American Library Association. Open to all library employees.
Total attendance: 18 (Part 1: 11, Part 2: 7) 

Women's History Month Film Screening: "Who Does She Think She Is?" March 26, 2012 6:00 pm, Foster Auditorium 
In honor of Women’s History Month, the University Libraries Diversity Committee and Triota, the honor society for Women’s Studies undergraduates, co-sponsored a free screening of the film “Who Does She Think She Is?”  followed by a discussion. Open to the Penn State community.  Collaborating with student groups helps create a positive, welcoming atmosphere for a diverse student body, increases the Libraries’ visibility among students, and helps develop stronger ties with the student community.  
Attendance: 26 

University Libraries Diversity Research and Programming Colloquium, April 4, 2012, 2-3:30 pm, Foster Auditorium
The colloquium consisted of four presentations and two lightning talks on diversity-related topics by Penn State librarians and staff from University Park and other campuses.  Presenters included six librarians (one via Skype from Shenango campus), four staff members, and a Bednar student intern. A complete list of presentations along with supporting documentation is available on the Diversity Committee website.
Attendance: MediaSite Live 17, in-person 28 (total attendance 45)

Social Networking / Communications Sub-committee
Membership:  John Meier (Chair), Nikia Jefferson

With feedback from our Bednar Intern, Nikia Jefferson, and in consultation with the Committee members, the sub-committee reviewed and edited the Libraries Diversity website. The site now has a simpler look with less text and easier navigation.  The committee removed out of date information, brought more important information to the fore, and changed the style of the website to be more engaging. The subcommittee continually updates the Diversity Committee website to keep information current and works with other subcommittees to update their sections of the website to reflect recommended changes.   In addition, the group concentrated on the Libraries' Diversity page on Facebook. The Facebook page was used to promote programs, library collections, and to share news items on diversity related topics.  Our Facebook page now has 63 likes with posts every few weeks. The website and Facebook page are publicly accessible.  For internal communications the sub-committee maintained a wiki for posting committee activities, and sharing resources like a reading list.  

The subcommittee revived the Diversity Potluck with much success during Spring Break 2011.  At University Park the potluck took place in Mann Auditorium with around 50 people in attendance.  A number of other campuses participated by holding their own staff luncheons including Mont Alto, Altoona, and Erie.  Pictures were shared on the Diversity Facebook page. (187 people talking about our pictures that week)  

The subcommittee recommends that its name be changed to "Communications" to encompass its broader role in communicating activities in more than just social networking avenues.