Dear Friends ,
“ We are all implicated when we allow other people to be mistreated . An absence of compassion can corrupt the decency of a community , a state , a nation . Fear and anger can make us vindictive and abusive , unjust and unfair , until we all suffer from the absence of mercy and we condemn ourselves as much as we victimize others .”
— Bryan Stevenson , Just Mercy
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Libraries are dedicated to the principles and practices of social justice , diversity , and equality among our staff , collections , and services . In an effort to further opportunities for education , benefit the good of the public , and inform citizens , the University of Wisconsin – Madison Libraries commit ourselves to doing our part to end the many forms of discrimination that plague our society . We affirm our commitment to support students , faculty , and staff as they work to make the Libraries and the University a welcoming and inclusive community . In coordination with campus efforts , the Libraries are moving forward with the approved recommendations for action that were developed as part of the UW – Madison General Library System ’ s Diversity Task Force Recommendations Report , November 2 , 2015 . The task force recommendations include :
1 . Create an Equity & Diversity Committee
2 . Establish what the “ inclusiveness ” core principle of the General Library System ’ s strategic goals means in practice ( how it is applied and how staff members are accountable to it )
3 . Use the definitions of diversity and inclusion , recommendations of the task force , and understanding of the “ inclusiveness ” core principle to create both the GLS strategic diversity plan and an implementation plan for task force recommendations
4 . Require ongoing continuing diversity and inclusion education for leadership / management staff
5 . Communicate to staff the value and importance of diversity and inclusion training for all
The UW – Madison Libraries will continue to look for ways to eliminate undue hardship for the patrons who use our collections ( print and electronic ), services , and facilities . We are aware of the challenges presented by racial hate and bias incidents that have occurred on this and other campuses and through social media . All of us are harmed by these incidents . We know we have work to do . We must move beyond the platitudes . We will continue to work to ensure we provide welcoming and inclusive surroundings for all who wish to take advantage of our spaces and services . Actions meant to hurt , alienate , or divide this community will not be tolerated . We also strive to create a safe , welcoming , and inclusive work place .
The library staff at UW – Madison will continue to work with each other , as well as campus partners , to encourage practices that promote education , equality , diversity , and social justice . It ’ s important not only that the UW – Madison Libraries provide a welcoming environment for patrons , but also that our practices are seen as a positive contribution to the community as a whole . Ongoing efforts and outcomes include being aware of our own personal biases and unconscious bias , refining our capacity to directly address culturally insensitive actions and statements , and learning how to set the tone and lead in a culturally competent manner . Please join us in this work .
Sincerely ,
Ed Van Gemert Vice Provost for Libraries and University Librarian
4 | LIBRARIES Fall 2016