Everyone is Welcome: Designing for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in Library Buildings

“Everyone is welcome: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in Library Buildings”

What does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) mean to you and your library facility? As we design our library buildings, we have become increasingly focused on features that promote an inclusive culture that recognizes our humanity in the differences we may have within our communities. Through the physical environment we hope to promote impartiality and fairness and allow everyone access to the library spaces, services, and materials.

This interactive program explores ideas and concepts in designing library spaces through the lens of DEIA. DEIA is complex, and we will guide you through emerging challenges and opportunities that we are seeing in all types of libraries. We invite you to rethink your approach to DEIA by starting with a clear commitment and communication to your community for a desired future that meets the needs of your institution. We will present real life examples and case studies that support elements of design that encourage DEIA in our facilities, such as sensory areas, prayer/meditation spaces, cultural and social amenities. We will ultimately lead attendees through an exercise where they can explore the concepts and take away ideas to apply in their own library

Learning objectives

1. At the end of this session, participants will be able to define and articulate why addressing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) is important in the library facilities.
2. At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify through real life examples and case studies, specific modifications other libraries have made in their facilities to promote DEIA.
3. At the end of this session participants will have explored through an interactive exercise how DEIA can be applied in their own library buildings.

Speakers

(Moderator) - Nanette Andersson, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, FMP: Formerly the Director of Libraries Facilities at Purdue University, Nanette is a practicing architect with Engberg Anderson and has a focus on libraries of all types. Nanette will introduce the speakers and define the components of DEIA within library facilities.

Richard Kong, Director: Richard will present how the team incorporated and promoted DEIA as a focus during the renovation of Skokie Public Library.

Kelly Brubaker, AIA, LEED AP, Principal with Shepley Bulfinch: An accomplished design architect, project manager, and planner with a diverse portfolio in higher education and civic work, Kelly will share programming and design DEIA examples from her work in libraries across the country.

Alex Cohen: Library Consultant: Alexander is a Library Consultant, Facilitator and Engagement Specialist. A librarian by training, Alex will lead an exercise to help participants begin to think about DEIA in their own library settings.