Libraries as Community Catalysts
Libraries as Community Catalysts is an OCLC research and programming initiative that seeks to support libraries and cultural institutions as catalysts for positive change. This work understands libraries as crucial community hubs with dynamic spaces for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
OCLC Research partners with libraries and cultural institutions to offer the resources needed to meet changing community needs. This approach emphasizes the evolving and expanding role of libraries as essential contributors to a community's well-being and development.
Presentations
Diversifying collections with authentic and inclusive collection development strategies
Toronto, Canada
Library leaders—across institutions of sizes, types, and locations—are prioritizing collection diversity to authentically represent missing voices and perspectives. For some, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to allocate resources. This session will demonstrate how institutions are moving forward to build and sustain diverse print collections. The session will be grounded in recent research and insights from practice and will cover emerging tactics such as:
- Building reparative relationships with book dealers and book sellers as a collection building practice
- Developing non-extractive relationships with community experts to identify gaps
- Creating a collection diversity strategy
- Benchmarking against peers in specific areas
- Using collection analytics including subject headings to guide collecting activities
Participants will engage by:
- Anonymously identifying where they are as individuals / institutions on a continuum of engagement around diversifying collection
- Having an opportunity for small table discussions with others about the tactics named above
- Making a personal commitment for a next step they will take as an outcome of this session
Topics: Collective Collections