UT Libraries’ Diversity Committee
October 16, 2003
Meeting Minutes
Room 605, Hodges Library
Members Present: Stephens, Royse, Mundava, Renee Smith, Arab, Mack, Deeken, Bright, Chaudhuri, Blocker, T. Conner, Roller
I. Announcements
Tiffani announced a book that would be an appropriate title for a Diversity Committee book selection. The book is The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem, and is a story about a white child who attends a mainly Hispanic and African-American school in Brooklyn. Another book title suggestion would be to read the new “Life of the Mind” selection. Thura will know soon what that committee decides to read for next year.
Molly reported on the meeting with Akilah Nosakhere, Barbara’s mentee from the ARL Leadership Institute. Several committee members were able to meet with her. Thura took her on a tour of the Black Cultural Center.
October is Disability Awareness Month. Activities will take place October 21-23 on campus. The Committee is waiting to hear who the Libraries’ new disability services liaison is. He/she will serve on the Committee.
II. Updates
A. SIS
Tiffani continues to try to work with SIS in exploring networking possibilities. She has contacted Tanya Arnold, the Student Services’ Coordinator for the school. Tiffani will stay in contact with Dr. Raber.
B. TLA
Becky and Molly have proposed a TLA roundtable discussion with the tentative title “Library Diversity Programs—Why and How.” The Residents are submitting a proposal on residency programs.
C. The Residents
The Residents are planning to submit a proposal for the National Diversity Conference in May. They are working on a LAMA cultural diversity grant proposal to develop a listserv for minority residents past, present and future. All the residents will be attending ALA Midwinter.
They would like to organize some brown bag sessions for staff to discuss libraries in their home countries or different regional differences
The rotations for the Residents are working out well. Jayati is working on a cataloging backlog, Maud is learning the ropes in Reference and is working with Jane Row on a subject guide on plagiarism. Kawanna is working in the Studio, learning their front desk procedures and learning software.
D. Staff Enrichment
The Staff Enrichment subgroup (Sheila Stephens, Convener) led the discussion on future activities and programs. Ideas for the coming year include co-hosting the Libraries’ holiday party with LSA and hosting the second annual Student Recognition Festival in February. The Staff Room was discussed as a location. The group also discussed having an icebreaker event for the committee to share and get to know each other better. Members of the Staff Enrichment group will try to find a facilitator who can attend a future committee meeting.
E. Outreach
(Sandy Leach, Convener) Priorities noted for the coming year were the Culture Corner, website/calendar, and creating a resource file of diversity program on campus and in the community. The Outreach subgroup suggested sponsoring some quizzes or other fun events for library staff to bring attention to special events such as Women’s History Month. The @Tennessee daily newsletter was noted as a good way to keep up with diversity-related events on campus.
Copies of each subgroup’s reports will be e-mailed to all committee members.
F. Geier Decree
A short discussion was held about following up on this project. Tiffani will contact Theotis Robinson and interested committee members will meet soon to talk about possibilities.
Respectfully submitted,
LouAnn Blocker