University Libraries joins ACRL Diversity Alliance

logo for the Association of College and Research Libraries Diversity AllianceThe University Libraries recently became a charter member of the ACRL Diversity Alliance. As a member, Penn State has committed to a residency program that provides professional development and opportunity commensurate with a professional appointment. In addition to the residency program, member institutions will have the opportunity to collaborate to create multi-institutional opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusion in the field of librarianship and at each institution.

The ACRL Diversity Alliance grew out of the Diversity Alliance for Academic Librarianship, a consortium of four institutions; American University, the University of Iowa, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University. In response to interest by institutions including Penn State, the ACRL Board voted to support the Alliance at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando in June 2016.

University Libraries intends to be active within the Alliance. More information on the ACRL Diversity Alliance is available on the ACRL website.

– submitted by Joe Salem, associate dean