The Libraries recognize that only when we are encouraged to persistently reflect
and examine ourselves and our surroundings can we move beyond tolerance. As an organization
we must be encouraged to move toward a culture that recognizes and celebrates the
richness inherent in our individual identities, diverse perspectives and myriad backgrounds.
The purpose of the Binghamton University Libraries’ Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) is to ensure all people feel a sense of belonging to safely present their authentic selves. This responsibility includes and supports Libraries’ employees and patrons through continuous individual and organizational efforts geared toward learning, development and assessment.
History
Born In 2020, the Binghamton Libraries Anti-racism Coalition Keepers (BLACK) grew out of a collective outrage to the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor among countless others. Created by a coalition of librarians and library professionals, BLACK drafted an anti-racism statement as a first plan of action, hoping to build grass-roots momentum within the organization for doing the work of dismantling white supremacy and other forms of oppression systemically present within it.
As the movement within the Libraries grew, so too did the need to more formally organize around the mission of BLACK resulting in the creation of the Libraries’ Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEA) in spring of 2021. The Office of IDEA, continues to support the work begun by BLACK, and strives to help the Libraries’ employees to intentionally and effectively serve the Libraries’ patrons through creating inclusive and diverse environments and equitable and accessible services and spaces.
Our Pledge
Binghamton University Libraries is committed to forging and ensuring an inclusive culture in which people of all backgrounds, identities and perspectives feel respected and valued as individuals. The Libraries strive to be a place where all feel welcome, safe and have universal access to our various physical locations and virtual environments.
We recognize that our varied cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, languages, physical and neurocognitive abilities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, geographic origins and other ways in which we identify ourselves are, collectively, one of our greatest strengths.
Furthermore, we safeguard the human right to access information. We offer educational resources that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and we strive to build collections that reflect all points of view on current and historical issues.
Our Commitment
Binghamton University Libraries is a predominately white organization that is currently 93% white, 5% Black or African American, 3% Asian or Asian American and 2% American Indian or Alaskan Native, Hispanic, Latino, Latina or Latinx (Ithaka S&R Anti-racism Talent Management Audit, 2021). As such, we acknowledge that as an organization we cannot fully realize our potential without first diversifying our organization. The primarily white composition of the Libraries, IDEA Office leadership, IDEA Strategic Planning Committee and proposed IDEA governance is limited in its hegemonic white experience and will seek ways to hold itself accountable for amplifying the voices of underrepresented employees. These accountability measures will aspire to do this through collaboration with, and coordinate with offices, agencies, interest groups, community advocacy groups, etc., that provide the context required for building the IDEA Office in such a way that any dominant, hegemonic trait (e.g. white, Christian, able-bodied, neuro-typical, gender conforming, etc.) is balanced with otherwise underrepresented voices and intersectional experiences.
Our Values
- Respect and Honesty
- Openness and Transparency
- Sustainability and Stewardship
- Innovation and Creativity
Our Scope
- Organizational Culture and Climate
- Service and Space Design
- Training, Education and Professional Development
- Recruitment, Hiring, Retention and Promotion
- Research and Program Evaluation
