Diversity and Inclusion in the Network of The National Library of Medicine MidContinental Region: An Environmental Scan

Objectives: A study was undertaken to investigate diversity and inclusion activities by member libraires in the MidContinental Region (MCR) of the Network of The National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Through the use of an environmental scan, best practices are identified to increase diversity and inclusion priorities at libraries in the MCR. Lessons learned could easily be adapted by other regions and states.

Methods: The NNLM-MCR conducted an environmental scan of member libraires in the region. The region consists of the following states: Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming. The initial steps included investigating the websites and published materials of member libraries. Based on this review, themes were identified, and recommendations were developed to ensure library programing addresses issues of diversity and inclusion.

Results: Preliminary results indicate a number of member libraries are concerned about issues of diversity and inclusion. However, a majority of the programing being offered at these libraries do not encompass issues of diversity and inclusion. The final project report and results will be completed before the meeting in May.

Conclusions: Diversity and inclusion are major issues facing the profession of health science librarianship. This environmental scan indicates that diversity and inclusion issues are paramount in the region and are major issues facing the profession of health librarianship. This study indicates efforts need to be undertaken to investigate and address issues of diversity and inclusion. Issues of diversity and inclusion should be addressed with a commitment from library administration and staff to understand and address issues of diversity and inclusion. Specific approaches include developing a diversity and inclusion plan for the library. This plan should ensure all members of the library are committed to the implementation of the plan. Additional scans should be conducted to address issues of diversity and inclusion.