Libraries' Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
Published October 29, 2020
Updated April 20, 2021

NDSU Libraries staff have long valued and desired to increase NDSU Libraries’ engagement with issues around equity, diversity, and inclusion. The shattering events of the spring of 2020 created a new sense of urgency around taking meaningful and concrete steps towards actively supporting the NDSU community’s efforts in these areas.

Each year, the Tri-College University hosts a workshop for all library employees involved in the partnership; this year’s topic was set to be “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Strategies for Enhancing our Library Cultures.” Unfortunately, it was cancelled due to the pandemic. This missed learning opportunity motivated Dean of Libraries, Joe Mocnik to reach out to Beth Twomey, Head, Research and Instruction to form a committee to craft a statement of equity, diversity, and inclusion. This statement is meant to publicly affirm the values of NDSU Libraries and to provide a framework for accountability and continuous improvement.

NDSU Libraries staff members understand that statements are good intentions, but it takes action to effect change. To that end, we have committed to a number of efforts, such as gathering feedback from relevant stakeholders, seeking campus collaborations and partnerships to provide programming, exhibits, and other projects that reflect the diversity of our campus community, and providing professional development opportunities about cultural competency and related topics for Libraries’ staff. One action that has already been accomplished is the development of an anti-racist resources guide related to teaching and learning.

The Libraries’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee would like to recruit additional undergraduate student members, and a graduate student as well. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members:

Beth Twomey, chair, Head, Research and Instruction
Al Bernardo, vice-chair, Social Sciences Librarian
Susanne Caro, member, Government Information Librarian
Sabrina Lippincott, member, NDSU Libraries Web Developer
Kayla Jones, member, undergraduate student