Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Meeting: August 23, 2024

CONFERENCE CALL

Members Attending: Mitchell Haas, Blanca Hernandez, Shekinah Lawrence, Jeanne Link, Julie Murphy, Sara Palomo, Pattie Piotrowski, Leora Siegel, 

CARLI Staff Attending: Margaret Chambers, Anne Craig, Nicole Swanson, Marisa Tolbert

Announcements   

CARLI UPDATES

• CARLI Announcements:
  • Two additional members who will join the group, as representatives from the CARLI Governance Board.
  • The committee charge and roster are available on the CARLI website

Discussion

• The group reviewed the meeting agenda and proceeded with introductions of member Introductions of staff liaisons and committee members.
• Nicole Swanson provided a brief overview of the meeting minutes template, noting that minutes generally have six sections: Attendance, Announcements, Discussion, Decisions, Tasks Assigned, Next Meeting(s) and Deadlines.  The meetings template is available on Box.
• The DEI Committee has several established modes for group communications.
  • All committee members are subscribed to and may post to the committee email list.
  • The committee will use the DEI Committee Box folder as the repository of meeting agendas, minutes and minute takers schedule, committee work.
• The group reviewed the committee charge as approved by the Board: 

The DEI Committee provides feedback and makes recommendations to assist CARLI in modeling best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion for our membership. Activities may include:

1. Advise the Board and staff about equity and accountability goals to which CARLI should aspire.
2. Recommend ways to assess progress toward achieving those goals and strategic priorities.
3. Conduct a periodic assessment of progress and report findings to the CARLI Board and to CARLI committees.
4. Provide guidance on member programming and resources that will support libraries’ efforts to provide equitable, diverse and inclusive services.
5. Explore ways to increase representation among library workers to better reflect the communities they serve.
6. Facilitate consortia-wide discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
7. Engage with other regional and statewide committees also focused on the advancement of DEI work in libraries and library-related organizations.

The DEI Committee will collaborate with other CARLI committees and ad hoc groups to discuss issues of common interest and to facilitate joint program planning. The committee will prepare appropriate documentation and reports and will submit an annual report of its activities and accomplishments to Board of Directors.

• The committees work is also informed by the CARLI Strategic Priorities, particularly the goals and actions of CARLI Strategic Priority One
  • Ensure organization wide commitment to an environment of inclusiveness and openness
• 1. Promote change and become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive; increase awareness and knowledge of practices and principles that CARLI and members can engage and learn to further DEIA
  2. Investigate and identify systemic racism and inequities in library policies, procedures, and services
  3. Engage with BIPOC communities, librarians, and educators to eliminate racism and inequities from library services and operations
  4. Develop inclusive services for all communities and peoples

• The group noted the CARLI Committee Guidelines for detailed information about the committee process, logisitics etc.
• Work in the first year will include review and selection of an assessment model for CARLI to determine current status and future goals for programming.  (model mentioned: The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Self-Assessment Audit (DEISAA), Kawanna Bright, PhD

Decisions

• We will establish a schedule for minute-takers, assigned alphabetically by last name.
• All regular meetings will be conducted via Zoom.
• A poll will be sent out by CARLI to establish a time for monthly meetings.

Tasks Assigned

• The schedule for assigned minute-takers will be posted to the Box folder.
• Margaret Chambers volunteered to take today’s minutes.
• Margaret will post available notes from DEI Task Force meetings to the Box folder.
• Volunteers are needed to serve as committee chair or co-chairs.

Meeting Dates

• Next Meeting: Friday, September 20, 8:30-10 AM

ADJOURNED: 3:30 pm