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• 1 media/Resize_CA Parks x Chinatown Food Initiatives20201022_0142_Edit.png media/Reduce_Fall2020_CA Parks x Chinatown Food Initiatives20201022_0133_Edit.png media/Resize_CA Parks x Chinatown Food Initiatives20201022_0142_Edit.png 2023-08-30T17:27:37-07:00 Diversity Statement 29 image_header 2023-11-29T14:44:39-08:00
  Libraries are typically known as spaces that steward information for the benefit of their patrons in their learning journey. However, during recent decades, the American Library Association and other library professionals understood that successful stewardship includes advocating and managing equitable access for all library users, including those of diverse backgrounds, to obtain library services (ALA, 2023). Providing equitable access comes in many approaches. To keep it brief, I will focus on one I aim to uphold as I begin my LIS career. Inspired by my work experience at community non-profits and research assessment assignments from my MMLIS program, this approach involves the recognition of diverse backgrounds present in the serving community by actively assessing who they are, identifying access needs of the marginalized, and finding equitable solutions with the use of institutional resources to alleviate patrons’ access challenges. In this diversity statement, I will share my plans to implement inclusive library services to serve diverse populations within the community. 
  
  First, to serve diverse communities as a library professional, I plan to assess the backgrounds of the population my institution serves. This background assessment is through an indirect approach of scholarly research, such as reviewing Census data, academic articles, and research organization sources specializing in aggregate population data. According to Schwabish and Feng (2022), an examination of aggregate data of people (the reasonable grouping of people with a shared history and experience similar effects or realities) is an inclusive approach that leads to thoughtful analysis of diverse groups within the community because better understanding of people with diverse backgrounds leads to quality engagement. To further indicate the valuable impact, both writers shared that, in their communication with the University of California, Los Angeles’ Center for Health Policy Research team, “…understanding the specific needs, languages, and cultures of people and communities in the aggregate Asian American and Pacific Islander group helped them more effectively communicate and solicit participation in a survey”(para 8). Thus, as a library professional, I must practice thoughtful analysis of diverse groups to strengthen my understanding of the serving the community and provide the implementation of accessible library services. In other words, acknowledging the community’s diverse backgrounds leads to learning about barriers preventing patrons from effectively interacting with library services
  
  Identifying the accessibility needs of the marginalized is the next step of my implementation to serve diverse populations as a library professional. My approach is to conduct community assessments and collect feedback that gives insights into the current barriers that prevent patrons from experiencing qualitative learning through library services. Inside the library, I can ask patrons to participate in the survey. I have experience visiting community centers such as local parks, non-profit centers, senior centers, and churches and asking patrons of that space to complete an assessment. Types of surveys I conducted in the past are brief paper surveys, quick oral surveys, and 2-hour-long focus groups. In an MMLIS research class, I learned how to develop assessment questions relevant to the research goals by critically asking myself how each question supports my research topic. If the question is not compelling to the research goal, it will not appear in the final draft. Another engaging direct approach is pinpointing and working with community champions representing a marginalized community. Obtaining insight into community access challenges within library services will inform me to take the correct actions. In addition, I saw, from experience, that it’s more comfortable for patrons to sincerely communicate feedback when communicating with a community champion who looks like them or shares the same background. Therefore, directly talking to diverse community members will be my approach to identifying library service access needs. Once I gather all the needed insights, I can work with my library institution to think of reasonable solutions to improve library services and strengthen patron access.
  
  The last step is to find equitable solutions and use institutional resources to alleviate patrons’ access challenges. Developing solutions depends on what the patrons’ critical access needs are. If one library is set in a community of English and Spanish-speaking individuals and only provides services in English, then as a library professional, I would advocate for my institution to increase cultural and linguistic competencies within library services. One way is by hiring more front-line staff who speak Spanish to work with Spanish-speaking patrons so access to information resources goes smoothly. The Spanish-speaking staff are more equipped to communicate with Spanish-speaking patrons because they can interpret the meanings of the library services accurately and do so by carefully using terms and showcasing attitudes that are effectively culturally responsive and easily understood by the patrons. In fact, Title VI: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) says that recipient entities receiving federal funding (such as public libraries) must adhere to providing effective language assistance options to LEP individuals so that everyone has an equal opportunity to access programs, services, and benefits (National Science Foundation, 2023). Strengthening language accessibility has always been a passion of mine because I’ve seen the barriers my parents faced as LEP and first-generation.
  
  My implementation to provide inclusive library services to serve diverse populations within the community includes three steps: assessing community backgrounds, identifying access needs of the marginalized, and using institutional resources to improve patrons’ access to library services through equitable solutions. Utilizing aggregate data, conducting community assessments, and advocating for diverse library staffing and culturally relevant and language competencies are some approaches to serving communities of diverse backgrounds. I’m excited to see how I can apply these steps in my LIS career. Libraries are created for everyone, and I hope to contribute to this idea as a library professional.
  
  
  References
  American Library Association (June 13, 2008). Equity, diversity, and inclusion. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity 
  
  National Science Foundation (November 27, 2023). Title vi: Limited English proficiencey (lep) –guide to recipients. https://www.nsf.gov/od/oecr/awardee_civil_rights/titlevi_guidance.jsp 
  
  Schwabish, J., & Feng, A. (February 15, 2022). Considerations for ensuring data aggregation is as inclusive as possible. Urban Wire. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/considerations-ensuring-data-aggregation-inclusive-possible