Diversity Committee Meeting - November 3, 2005
1. Updates and Announcements
Kawanna reminded everyone of Tiffani’s visit in early October and her lunch with four members of the committee. She presented everyone with the quilt that Tiffani made as a gift to the committee. Kawanna will ask Barbara if it might be possible to hang it in the 6th floor staff room, at the suggestion of Molly.
Those who attended the Let’s Talk About It Series events reported back. Erica Clark’s was well attended with 19 -20 people. There were positive comments and Erica was glad for the opportunity to share, as this was a trial run for her as she prepares to present elsewhere. It was also timely for Thura who will be going to China in the near future. Diversity Committee members in attendance were also able to announce the next event, scheduled for the 26th.
Roger, Donna, and Mark reported that the 2nd event was also well attended and they were well pleased. Molly appreciated the work that went into preparing the workshop. People stayed longer than the set aside time period to discuss things further. Had more than 30 people show up.
Kawanna asked if the current PR used to advertise the events was enough, and based on the high attendance and the event presenters satisfaction, it was decided that it is indeed enough and the same steps will continue to be used to promote the events in the future.
Molly also announced that the 3rd installment of the series will be with Maud. December 6th, 7th, and 8th were considered as possible dates. Members involved in other groups checked their calendars for conflicts and due to planned HR presentations on the 5th and 7th, it was decided that the 6th would be best. The event is scheduled for 1:00 and Kawanna will check to see if 605 is available. Mark, Thura, Roger, and Kawanna have volunteered to provide refreshements.
Sandy brought up the Chronicle of Higher Education’s special on libraries, featuring an article on conservative librarianship. Maybe look at it as a possibility for a topic for Let’s Talk About It. We had Glen Reynolds on blogging and he is known for conservatism or we could find someone else on the faculty. Must show the conservative side – climate survey noted that conservative religious issues were not being covered. Rita pointed out that it happens all over campus with only liberal speakers being invited to the campus.
Donna then asked if the Let’s Talk about it Series was only for the library or if we could bring in outsiders? We agreed that there were no limitations – vague enough to bring in others and to be open to other possibilities. Just need to keep in mind limited spacing and make sure that we are talking about inviting one or two people not the entire campus.
2. Sub-Committee Reports
Becky introduced the idea of possibly merging the Staff Enrichment and Let’s Talk about it groups. Kawanna asked the group to weigh in on it by e-mail. With so much overlap it might be a good idea to join the two.
The staff enrichment group outlined a couple of avenues being considered including student appreciation. The group also asked for help selecting dates with February 9th, 16th and 23rd up for consideration. Becky said she would check with Barbara’s calendar and work via e-mail to confirm a date with the group.
The second avenue under consideration was to select a month and have it as staff appreciation month. Have various events throughout the month to celebrate the staff and have a big event at the end of the month where you would invite someone like Dr. Crabtree to talk to them. Many agreed that it was a great idea, but Donna asked what the connection would be to diversity. The group agreed that the celebrations should be celebrations of diversity. It could also be tied into the Library Spirit Awards breakfast (could be the final event of the month). Will need to work with the group that plans the spirit awards breakfast.
Suggestions for events included inviting in speakers; celebrating with food to emphasize cultures and histories; celebrating with music; and incorporating a Let’s Talk abou ti event during the month. Roger suggested a literature/poetry event where staff could write about a diversity related theme and prizes could be awarded for their work. If tied in with Spirit Awards it would be in April or early May.
Tom also suggested celebrating labor history in early May.
Molly then announced that Mary Ellen is recruiting to run for LSA office and suggested that we consider it as an option.
The Outreach group’s activities were reported on by Donna, who will be “leading” the sub-group. Four or five things have already been done this year. Shantel and LaVerne are working on a Native American Diversity Resource Guide. Kawanna, Shantel, and Rita participated at the Sneak Peak even for African-American high-schoolers who visited the campus at the end of October.
Donna suggested that the group would brainstorm for ideas to consider for next year’s Sneak Peak. She also suggested tying in movies with the Culture Corner theme and going from there. Outreach members should get in touch with Donna if they have any other ideas.
3. Culture Corner - Spring Semester Theme Selection. Kawanna presented the themes that had been suggested. The group decided it would be a good idea to call for other suggestions from the staff and to also have them weigh in on the already suggested themes. Kawanna will post a survey and call for help from the library staff and faculty and then present the findings at the next diversity committee meeting.
4. November/December meetings
Kawanna then suggested that the committee meet two more times during the fall semester, November 17th and December 1st. If no items were on the agenda during this time, then the meetings would be cancelled and the space left open for use for sub-group meetings. Kawanna would check with Patty to schedule 605 for the meetings and let the group know if the location were unavailable.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Kawanna Bright