The Power of Representation: Shaping Library Collections and Programming for Diverse Voices

Abstract

The Arts, Humanities, and Areas Studies Department of the University of Minnesota Libraries consists of eight liaison/subject librarians covering a myriad of disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. While our liaison responsibilities and academic backgrounds vary, collectively, we identify information gaps in our collections and strive to acquire materials by and about underrepresented groups and cultures. Similarly, some of us engage with marginalized communities through library programming and events. Panel members will discuss four questions: 1) how they inform themselves about underrepresented groups in their disciplines or geographic regions; 2) how they identify gaps within the collections and prioritize next steps; 3) how they source materials covering underrepresented groups via international vendors, book fairs, and other means; and 4) how they create programs and events geared toward supporting underrepresented groups. The panel will provide audience members with resources and recommendations for diversifying their own collections and library programming.