Timely Updates on the Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework

Abstract/Program Book Description: In early 2022, ALA and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) launched a call for feedback on the draft of the Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework. Formed in 2019, the task force was charged to create a framework for cultural proficiencies in racial equity that can be used in public and academic libraries through: scanning the environment; drafting the framework; seeking comment from stakeholders and the library community on the draft; and revising as needed. Join task force members for an update on the process of developing and finalizing the framework.

Long Description/Scheduler Description: In early 2022, the Joint ALA/ARL Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework Task Force launched a call for feedback from the library community on the initial draft framework. The American Library Association’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS); Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL); Association of Research Libraries (ARL); and Public Library Association (PLA) announced the formation of the Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework Task Force in September 2019. The task force was charged to create a framework for cultural proficiencies in racial equity that can be used in public and academic libraries through: scanning the environment, including review of relevant documents (such as ACRL Diversity Standards: Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries) to identify literature and similar statements and frameworks related to racial equity; drafting the framework; seeking comment from stakeholders and the library community on the draft; and revising as needed.

Since its formation, the task force has held status updates at the June 2021 ALA Annual Virtual Conference and Exhibition and April 2021 ACRL Conference. Through February 2021, the task force developed a logic model, with facilitation by Katherine Skinner, Executive Director, Educopia Institute. In May 2021, Christina Fuller-Gregory, Assistant Director of Libraries, South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, joined the task force to build on the logic model, as well as an environmental scan and findings from a cross-sector survey, to lead the framework development.

Join task force members for an update on the process of developing and finalizing the framework, which includes an introduction, four frames, a glossary, and resources for further reading.