A Gap to Mind Diversity and Collection Development

Presentation given at the Georgia Library Association (GLA) CalPERS Diversity & Inclusion Group (CDIG), Diversity in Collection Development

This presentation is a curiosity driven discussion about identifying and attempting to address gaps in a library’s holdings as it seeks to adhere to the ALA’s values regarding Diversity and Inclusive content management. In congruence with the unique set of executive practices that institutionally predominates a library’s present modus operandi, approaches will differ. Hence, the question of collection audits and goal-setting to address inconsistencies arises. I will reference my experience of working in an academic library where the existing approach to Collection Development rests primarily on the efforts of librarians with liaison duties. Discussion will focus on the pros and cons of current practices to determine if the present approach largely supports or inadvertently jeopardizes efforts of strategizing to incorporate diversity and inclusive material/resources as an unquestionable component of collection design and readers’ advisory.