Counting Constellations, Not the Whole Sky: Diversity Assessment at a Large University Library

Abstract

Assessing collections for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an important way to outline gaps and track progress towards a more inclusive collection. As DEI assessment methods are developed and refined, librarians have asked what methods are appropriate and feasible at large libraries. This presentation describes how one university’s DEI in Collections subcommittee shepherded three narrowly focused assessments, conducted by a cohort of volunteer subject specialists. Two aspects of this project are distinctive: the combination of multiple small projects, and the way the cohort approach leveraged the expertise of the Collection Analysis Librarian to build assessment skills within the organization. Each subject specialist selected an area of assessment and a method. Designed with guidance from the committee and each other, the projects investigated the libraries’ collection of books on World War II, books related to indigenous people of North America, and texts related to social work with Asian people. The presentation describes ways the committee supported and educated the volunteers, including a handout introducing assessment methods for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It will also share some results, with a brief explanation of how the group interpreted the findings and might use them in the future.