Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions have increased in academic and research libraries in the last few years, especially since 2020. The DEI Librarian position at the University of Florida (UF) Libraries was posted in 2019 and was filled in February 2020. The Associate Dean for Organizational Development, Inclusion, and Diversity was posted in February of March 2020 and filled in August of 2020. The two incumbents in these roles–both at predominantly white institutions— will share their experiences and lessons learned as the inaugural professionals in these roles and the challenges caused by their intersectional identities. As the profession continues to develop in DEI positions, greater consideration must be given to those in these positions, what they need to be successful, and what the institution can do to become ready for a DEI position. DEI is everyone's job, but how does it become woven into the institution/organization? What is needed to ensure that DEI professionals are supported?
Twanna Hodge, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Ph.D. Student
University of Maryland, College Park
Mark Puente
Associate Dean for Organizational Development, Inclusion, and Diversity
Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies