Assessment (Internal Use Only)

• To see DEI-related changes our library is making over time in response to UNI strategic plans,
  • How to and what to report back to stakeholders regarding our library's effort toward DEI.

To transform a Google Sheet into a data entry form and a display form (e.g., Dashboard) by identifying a clear goal (e.g., Do we want to see changes we make as a result of DEI initiatives? Do we want to collect the number of activities to report it to external members?)

• Create definitions of 5 goals (from Bombaro, 2020), including examples, aligning with 2023-2028 UNI Strategic Plan (Strategy 1.1-1.3)
  • Update definitions of 5 goals (from Bombaro, 2020) regularly as new strategic plans are being developed
• Review/Analyze data from LibInsight on a regular basis or as needed
• Add a reminder or a link at the end of each data entry form as needed/appropriate

• Defining terms that work best for us

• Add DEI-related fields to individual forms (e.g., instruction)

Springshare Libguide/Widget/LibInsight

A link to the data entry form

A link to the Project folder

The most common goals related to DEI (Bombaro, 2020, Chapter 3. Diversity from the Inside Out, Crafting a Plan to Advance DEI) are:

"A DEI or diversity plan is a vision document used to communicate a library’s DEI goals and the actions needed to achieve those goals. A well-crafted DEI plan will empower employees to cultivate a more inclusive library environment that is more welcoming to peers and patrons, both physically and remotely. The goals for DEI plans are usually focused around three to five categories: recruitment and retention, communication, inclusive work climate, barrier-free access, and dialogue and learning. However, each environmental scan should inform the priorities, goals, objectives, and action steps for the individual library’s DEI plan."

• recruitment and retention (of employees/workers)
• communication
• inclusive (work) climate
• barrier-free access
• dialogue and learning

Noted: We will need to think about how to foreground the term "social justice" as our end goal more than "DEI."

2023-2028 UNI Strategic Plan:

• Goal 1: Create Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Opportunities.
• Create an equitable and inclusive living, learning, and working environment for all.
  • Strategy 1.1: Increase diversity among faculty, staff, and learners by addressing barriers that lead to disparities in access and success.
  • Strategy 1.2:  Improve university-wide standards of practice for the UNI community to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Strategy 1.3: Nurture a sense of belonging and inclusion through a culture of care where all can achieve their educational, professional and personal life aspirations.

"Social justice in higher education requires leaders to demonstrate the commitment to challenging social, cultural, and economic inequalities imposed on students and employees originating from any uneven distribution of power, resources, and privilege."--Diverse Issues in Higher Education

"'[S]ocial justice' is a concept that encompasses more than representation and diversity, and is generally understood to refer to the ability of all people to fully benefit from social and economic progress and to participate equally in democratic societies. In other words, social justice addresses power and privilege on a structural level, as well as at the level of mere representation." --Diversity, Social Justice, and the Future of Libraries

Bombaro, C. (Ed.). (2020). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action: Planning, Leadership, and Programming. American Library Association.

Chun, E., & Evans, A. (2019). Conducting an institutional diversity audit in higher education: A practitioner's guide to systematic diversity transformation. Stylus Publishing, LLC.

ALA/ARL (August 2022). Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity: A Framework.