Open Access“Drops of Diversity”: How a small academic library is working to increase cultural competence
Author(s) -
Sue Erickson,
Sophie Rondeau,
Maggie Sweeney
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
college and research libraries news
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.281
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 2150-6698
pISSN - 0099-0086
DOI - 10.5860/crln.80.11.608
Subject(s) - diversity (politics) , institution , ethnic group , liberal arts education , plan (archaeology) , cultural diversity , strategic planning , library science , sociology , competence (human resources) , the arts , political science , inclusion (mineral) , cultural institution , public relations , management , media studies , social science , higher education , history , law , anthropology , archaeology , computer science , economics
Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) is ranked 19th in ethnic diversity among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report, a distinction held high by the institution. Diversity is a prominent feature of VWU’s strategic plan, and the institution’s core values emphasize inclusion and social responsibility. Given the diverse constituents on campus, librarians at VWU’s Hofheimer Library saw an opportunity to develop library diversity initiatives in an intentional way. What’s more, diversity forms an important component of the library’s strategic plan, thus emphasizing a commitment inclusive of the community being served.