University Libraries receive diversity-equity-inclusion honor

Binghamton University Libraries has received the 2024 South Central Regional Library Council (SCRLC) Prism Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Accessibility (DEIJA). The Prism Award honors a director, librarian, assistant, cultural organization worker or their organization who demonstrated strong work in advancing DEIJA. This work includes, but is not limited to, implementing structural changes, actively becoming antiracist or reimagining policies to be inclusive

“As the Libraries actively work to fully embody its DEIA mission, this recognition signifies a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, and it serves as a testament to the impactful work being done throughout the Libraries,” said Nancy Abashian, senior director of public services.

The Binghamton University Libraries has several major DEIA initiatives, including collaborations and initiatives with campus partners that work to amplify underrepresented voices in the student body, among alumni and in subject guides. The Libraries’ Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) also works to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to safely present their authentic selves in library spaces. One initiative unique to the Libraries is a decolonizing collections working group, which provides an ongoing effort to diversify the collections and archives.

“Academic institutions are taking a broad range of approaches to integrate DEIA-related practices into their collections strategies and activities, such as decolonizing collections,” said Matt Gallagher, director of collection development. “This work is important to both increase the perspectives that Binghamton University users encounter during their academic careers and enhance the visibility of those voices throughout their educational trajectories here.”

The work achieved over the past year from the group includes both structural and practical approaches. Updated policy language and the creation of a feedback mechanism for identifying potentially harmful language found within the libraries catalog are ways that contextualize information researchers may discover. A list of independent publishers was created to help subject librarians expand their collection development activities and the Libraries acquired primary source and reference works related to studies outside the United States to complement existing electronic collections. The expansion of the collection to places including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America helps facilitate research with a broader perspective.

“DEI is more than just important: It is the cornerstone to the mission of the Libraries,” Abashian said. “It is not just an add-on, but an integral part of the Libraries’ mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and supported.”

For more information about SCRLC visit www.scrlc.org.