A Conversation with IARLA about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Where We Are, Where We Are Going

Please join colleagues from the International Alliance of Research Library Associations (IARLA) in an initial conversation about the initiatives underway in our respective associations to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession. We will discuss what we have prioritized and why, consider where our focus needs to be now, and identify potential opportunities for collaboration.

Who: All members of the IARLA community are welcome.

Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021

Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. EST

Where: Webinar [Details available once registration is confirmed]

How: Please register here by Friday, November 12.  Login instructions will be sent separately.

Program Description

This open dialogue will begin with two presentations to situate ourselves and our work as members of and leaders in institutions; as partners in research, teaching and learning; and as stewards of knowledge.  The presenters bring their extensive expertise to our deliberation.

becky martinez is a thought leader in inclusion and social justice.  martinez will speak with us about our responsibility to authentically engage diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in meaningful ways.  Authentically engaging DEI requires a cognitive understanding of concepts and our own affective journey and relationship with them. In this approach, we can create meaningful praxis and dialogue for greater inclusion. This interactive keynote will provide insight into the current context of DEI and offer practices to effectively serve our communities.

Diego Baptista works in the Culture, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) team to help Wellcome become a more inclusive and supportive funder. Wellcome has recently revamped its strategy as an organisation—including bold commitments to further consider DEI and research culture in its funding and activities. Baptista will discuss how Wellcome is changing its processes and procedures to support its culture and DEI goals. Baptista will also speak about the work Wellcome is planning in the wider context of a research system that continues to create barriers for folks to participate in and meaningfully benefit from health research.

Following the opening conversation, a panel of leaders from IARLA member institutions will share their insights on the urgent and important shifts to make now given societal challenges, what this means for research libraries, and what research libraries and their associations are undertaking in their strategic plans.  The panelists are:

Lisa O’Hara, CARL Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group Chair; Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian, University of Manitoba

Constance Wiebrands, CAUL Board Director with responsibility for EDI and the Respecting Indigenous Knowledge Program; University Librarian, Edith Cowan University

Rhea Ballard-Thrower, ARL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair; University Librarian, University of Illinois Chicago

Masud Khokhar, RLUK Vice-Chair; University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection, University of Leeds

DeLa Dos, ARL Senior Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion [moderator]

After the panel we’ll move to breakout rooms for participants to discuss what you see as the most urgent and important needs to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within research libraries, and what you would like to learn more about from one another.

We’ll come back together to capture the highlights and then adjourn.

We hope you can join us.