Taking Action for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Intellectual Freedom in School Libraries

The program presenters are co-contributors to a book entitled "Core Values in School Librarianship: Responding with Commitment and Courage" (Libraries Unlimited 2021). They share their values and practices in the first four chapters of the book: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Intellectual Freedom. Enacting these core values in school libraries requires a deep understanding of what each value means, how it can be applied, and undergo continuous improvement in the K-12 learning environment.

Program participants will be seated at table rounds. They will engage in conversations with their adjacent tablemates throughout the program and reflect as a table group at the end of the program.

The program is divided into five segments, one for each of the core values and a final wrap up reflection section. After a brief introduction to the session by the moderator, each presenter will organize their portion of the program in this way:

1. Give a brief introduction and personal connection and commitment to the core value.
2. Define the core value in terms of school librarian practice.
3. Give an example of courageous application of the value that demonstrates reaching for social justice.
4. Guide participants in sharing their own definition, commitment, and courage with a partner while presenters circulate around the room to answer questions or listen in.

After presenters have shared this procedure for all four values, the entire panel will note what they heard around the room and invite the participants to reflect with tablemates on their individual next steps to take action to apply equity, diversity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom practices in their teaching and leading in their library spaces.

The panel will provide a virtual handout of resources organized by each of the four core values. They will provide their contact information for further questions or conversations with program participants.